The English Gala Night, Competition and Training Camp 2024 took place on the 20th and 21st of July at the beautiful Kassam Football Stadium in Oxford.
The event was non-for-profit with all funds going back to the dancers in cash prizes and scholarships meaning that over £5000 was given straight back to the competitors. The weekend provided a full day of competitions followed by a Gala Night where the Amateur Finalists and 20 of the top British Professional Dancers showcased their talents.
The Evening also included a Team Match with 7 teams from different areas of Great Britain involving couples from Juvenile, Junior and Youth. The winning team was The South West and Wales team, captained by Sarka Brock with the team members - James and Bonnie, Nazarri and Emilia, Alex and Wiktoria, Oscar & Sienna, Mykhailo and Ivanna, Luca and Emily.
Anne Gleave reports on the Amateur Ballroom English Cup Grand Final:
1st - Mykhailo Bokii and Ivanna Tymczyszyn
I witnessed the finest dancing and performance from Mischa and Ivanna today and it was pleasure to see. The intimacy of the Ballroom acted as a catalyst for quality transference of body weight over the supporting foot and leg and the subsequent harmony between them was a definite step up! This charming couple have a wonderful floor presence and the Black and White dress was stunning.
2nd - Max Appleby and Niamh Harding
A couple with lots of energy and action packed choreography. Further development in quality of posture, mechanics and timing would bring greater harmony and broader appeal. They are very positive competitors and well done.
3rd - Wojciech Lipnicki and Lilia Howard
Developing all the time and looking better with each performance. Wojciech has a lovely natural looking shape and they have some interesting choreographic features to their dancing. Speed and energy would help Quickstep and Tango. I look forward to their progress.
4th - James Rainford and Xiaosheng Ma
Elegance is to the forefront of their presentation and I love it. This couple are Improving rapidly and with an injection of power in their drive in the swing dances and general movement, I do believe they will find a contact pressure that is light and consistent to suit them and their development.
5th - Martynas Balberius and Emilia Mladjenovic
Congratulations on making this final. Posture, balance and dancing in harmony is the key to your development and the secret to Ballroom Dancing! I can see you love competing.
6th - Luke Spencer and Isabella Moore
I’m sure you were both delighted to make this final. Finding balance through exquisite posture and line with greater consistency of body contact would enable you to move forward with your dancing and results, but you are already very good competitors!
Gunnar Gunnarsson reports on Amateur Latin English Cup Grand Final:
1st - Gustav Skovbon & Ella Perry
Fantastic performance. Their energy was infectious, and their technical proficiency is evident. The rapid progress they’ve made is truly impressive. They exude a strong stage presence and a clear understanding of the music. To maintain their trajectory, focusing on refining their artistry and exploring different interpretive layers within their routines will be key.
2nd - Dragos Hepcal & Chloe Blackshaw
A dynamic duo with explosive power. Their athleticism is undeniable. However, a slight stiffness in the upper body is detracting from their overall fluidity. Encouraging a more relaxed and expressive use of the arms and shoulders can elevate their performance to the next level.
3rd - Timur Cepurnojs & Yaroslava Krasnozhon
This new partnership shows great promise. Their balance and compatibility are evident. The foundation is strong, but they would benefit from a deeper connection to the music. Incorporating more musicality into their movements will add depth and emotion to their performances.
4th - Lloyd Griffiths & Bethany Miah
A mature and polished performance from a new partnership. They demonstrate exceptional power and control on the dance floor. To distinguish themselves further, they could focus on developing a stronger artistic identity. Exploring different characterisations and storytelling within their routines will add layers of complexity.
5th - Enrique Adolphus & Eleonora Kostileva
A visually striking couple with impeccable presentation. Their technique is clean and precise. While their lines are strong, their movements could benefit from greater fullness and expression. Developing a richer dynamic range will enhance their overall impact.
6th - Zizijan Tian & Daria Dicu
This new partnership has made a strong debut. Their stage presence is confident, and they have a good sense of style. To take their performances to the next level, they should focus on increasing their dynamic range. Varying the intensity and energy levels within their routines will create a more captivating visual experience.
The following day was an opportunity for the dancers to train and learn from the very best with group workshops taken by - Richard and Anne Gleave, Michael and Vicky Barr, Steve and Carol Powell, Lisa Bellinger-Ivanets, John and Jane Byrnes.
All of the lectures created an incredible atmosphere for the dancers, the room was full of excitement and enthusiasm to learn and culminated with group training bringing a togetherness within the British Dancers that was absolutely fantastic to see.
Images:
Mykhailo and Ivanna - Amateur Ballroom Winners
Gustav and Ella - Amateur Latin Winners
The Judges
The Winning Team
Professional Couples
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