The prestigious International Dance Championships were once again held at the opulent Royal Albert Hall with the inclusion of the Pro-Am grand finals for the first time. Congratulations must go to the organisers, Robin Short and Christopher Short on organising another wonderful event and having the foresight to give the opportunity to all these wonderful Pro-Am dancers to show their dancing in this famous venue.
The competition was awash with world class dancers partnering their students, with many previous Amateur and Professional International Champions on show but as the Pro-Am section continues to grow so does the level of dancing and all the amateurs performing must be congratulated for their hard work, dedication and high level of dance.
-The first finals to take place were the Pro-Am Ballroom U21’s and the winner was Aukse Paskauskaite with her partner Stephen Arnold.
After their recent successes abroad winning the Pro-Am World Championships, they now have this coveted title to add to their collection. With a vast production of movement and space in lines, Aukse has a bright future ahead in her dancing career.
-The International ProAm Latin category U21’s winner was Emily Tatoosi, partnered by Umario Diallo.
Emily showed a powerful and athletic performance with the technical abilities that underpinned her success at this event. As she develops her body fluidity I think it will show she has the full package for a great future in dancing.
-ProAm Latin Junior Champion was Karla Gonzalez with her partner Mykhailo Bilopukhov.
Producing a wonderful performance with all the ingredients to have a bright future in the competitive world of Latin dancing. Congratulation to Karla.
-Taking first place in the ProAm Ballroom categaory E were Alex Plant and Tricia Davey.
Another couple who have been Pro-Am partners for some time and have enjoyed success. They moved around this fabulous venue with ease, producing an attractive look of competitiveness and calm at the same time. Congratulation Tricia and sure you will enjoy many more successes.
-Winning the ProAm Latin category E Alexksandros Arapis and Kwaiking Hsia.
They showed a great performance and Kwaiking looked like she enjoyed every moment of dancing on this famous floor. Well done on becoming champion.
-Becoming ProAm Ballroom category D International winners for 2024 were Stefano Di Brino and Agnes Mah.
Congratulations on your win in this competition. Agnes showed a great understanding of posture to maintain a strong position in Stefano’s right arm for the whole of the competition and kept a full and dynamic shape.
-Winner the ProAm D category were Paulius Vaskelis and Mariko Lawrence.
A very glamorous and striking couple on the floor who stood out right away wearing a beautiful gold dress. Mariko showed great leg action which helped her secure first place in this inaugural event. Congratulations on a great performance.
-Taking home the trophy for the ProAm ballroom category C Mirko Gozzoli and Myunghwal Ji.
A star studded event in which the years were rolled back watching Mirko dynamically power around the floor as Myunghwal produced a wonderful display from the first beat to the last beat of every dance. The energy and control that was demonstrated can only be possible through many long and hard hours of training on basics and this kept Myunghwal in poll position today. Congratulations.
-Winners of the ProAm Latin category C were Anton Tokarev and Tse Shandy.
In this very well attended event Tse stood out today for her soft use of body action which allowed her to take home the trophy. Congratulations on the dancing you produced in these wonderful surroundings.
-Becoming ProAm Ballroom category B International winners for 2024 were Dmytro Rodin and Agnieszka Sliwinska.
An extremely high level was shown in this competition and Agnieszka produced some wonderful dancing to take home the trophy today. This partnership was so polished and looked like they had been dancing together for years. A real testament to both parties on their partnering skills. Congratulations and I can see many more successes in your future.
-Winning the ProAm Latin category B for 2024 were Nasko Gender and Cora Yan
Cora produced a wonderful performance today full of beautiful speed changes and fantastic use of arms. Every time Cora comes to the UK she seems to get better and better. I look forward to seeing her continue to improve. Well done for this extra title to add to your growing collection.
-The ProAm Ballroom category A champion for 2024 were Dmytro Lishchuk and Katarzyna Purchala
Katarzyna has obviously worked very hard to produce a constant and clear shape which was kept throughout the competition while matching the energetic and powerful dancing of her partner Dmytro. A very good performance.
-Completing this fabulous ProAm event was the International ProAm Latin category A. The winners of this event were Austin Joson and Mariia Melnikova and they looked delighted when they were called out as winners. It was a very strong field and Mariia had to perform at her very best to take home the trophy and certainly did. Well done for your performance and victory.
Well done to all the competitors at this year’s ProAm International competition, an event not to be missed next year.
Images - Tomasz Reindl
Comments