Performing perfection

Promising to be better than ever Footwork International Dance Sport Championship 2010 kicks off tomorrow 

By Cheranka Mendis

Dancing; it is the vertical expression of a horizontal desire legalized by music, so said Bernard Shaw many years ago. Bringing in this expression of desire to performing perfection is the ‘Footwork International Dance Sport Championship 2010.’

 All set to spellbound the audience in quick moves, flashy colours and unequivocal elegance, Dance Sport will be held tomorrow at the Hilton Colombo and is sure to be a night to remember. Held for the fourth time the event brings together a number of local and international dancers who will twirl around the theatrical stage weaving the audience into a world of dance.

 The organizer of the event who is also a popular ballroom dance trainer in Sri Lanka, Dharshan Wijesooriya speaking to Weekend FT stated that ‘Dance sport’ will be better than ever this time, what with it being an international event after three years of local competitions. A total of seventy six couples will take part in the event including eight foreign couples. “Participation is very high this time as there are increasing numbers of dance schools coming up in Sri Lanka and they are keen to send their representatives for competitions,” Wijesooriya said.

International competitors comprise of dancers from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India, and Indonesia.

 The championship is separated into two sections: Standard and Latin American. In each section there are five categories to compete in which are beginners, novice, pre amateurs, amateurs and seniors. Standard section will feature five dances, namely waltz, tango, foxtrot, Viennese waltz and quickstep. The Latin American category will also have five dances; which will be cha cha, samba, rumba, Paso Doble and jive. Interestingly, the Paso Doble depicts the bullfights held in Spain with the male dancer representing the matador and the female dancer representing the red cape in the bullfight.

 “It would be highly interesting this time as it is the first time a junior section is included in the international category. There are about 16 couples, all under 12 years of age,” he said. Incidentally there has been no children’s competition for the past five years in Sri Lanka.

 Adding to its attraction is the key highlight of the event where a floor show of five dancers will be presented by the famed Australian champions Igor Boev and Karina Schembri. The duo will cavort the floor in perfect rhythm and showcase five Latin dancing performances. Wijesooriya stated that the couple is the Australian champions for the annual World 10 dance championships.

 Dancesport is classified as partner dancing. Judging criteria for dance couples depend on six factors which include timing and basic rhythm, body lines, movement, rhythmic interpretation, footwork and floor craft. The panel of adjustors has been chosen from a well qualified panel from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Philippines, China, Taiwan and South Korea

 Wijesooriya said that all measures have been taken to create an arena in complying international dancing. “There is a theatre set up created. The floor which is placed in the middle has elevated seating right round offering a good view for all audience members. There are sophisticated lights and all the little details to spruce up the event have been looked into. It will surely be a glamorous event.”

 On a more local note, Wijesooriya stated that the standards of local dancers have improved during the past few years. There is lot of interest gaining for western dancing among the general public now. So many schools have been formed, and many are joining them as a social aspect. “Competitive dancing has also improved in vast scales during the past few years,” he said.

 “Several of them have been placed in other countries during the past few years. With all that the audience can expect high standards of performance tomorrow.”

Tickets are available for Rs. 3000 and Rs. 10, 000 and can be purchased at the Hilton Colombo. Call 071 777111 or 2544644