Dance TV News - John Wood Reports on the Amateur Ballroom at the English Gala 2025

Into first place by winning all five dances clearly, the new partnership of Zorik Moldavsky & Ivanna Tymczyszyn. They are already showing tremendous promise and I foresee them achieving success in the major events over the next 12 months. I was particularly impressed with their excellent musical expression, particularly in the Waltz and Foxtrot, congratulations.

Second place went to James Rainford & Xiaosheng Ma who danced very well on this evening but must continue to develop further in order to produce a performance that would challenge the champions tonight.

Third place went to Max Appleby & Niamh Harding. A Tall elegant couple who produced a very powerful and exciting tango which challenged for the runner-up position.

Fourth place went to Rory Pickin & Katy Phelps and for me I personally thought were fortunate to finish in this position. Despite a number of positives they danced with their weight far too high which resulted in a lack of swing in the moving dances. Something they may want to address for competition moving forward.

Fifth position, Josh Chalcraft & Phoebe Cooper who I thought danced well this evening, a further development of choreography, particularly in Tango and Quickstep could help further this partnership.

Sixth position, Runar Bjoerhovde & Anabelle Parton-Blades who had a very good evening dancing with musical expression and for me could’ve finished much higher in this competition.

Seventh place went to Paul Miller & Emma Leila Buchanan who danced with a lot of expression and I can see that they enjoyed themselves very much

All the images from this year can be found at www.sophies.photography