Born a Dancer

This little girl is potentially the cutest little thing I've ever seen.

Sparkly Nails

Here's an option for competition nails if you're sick of the same old french tipped nails. Easy enough to try at home :)

Ballroom Dancer - A Feature Documentary

November 1st can't come soon enough! A documentary on Slavik and Anna is being released. Check out the trailers.

Finally! Some Blackpool Videos

Videos for the Blackpool Latin Final - Enjoy!

Nobody Does It Better Than a Drag Queen

I was looking for some inspiration for a new make-up look to try and I came across the two videos below. I like how dramatic the looks are - they'd definitely stand out on the dancefloor. I'm going to give them a try and pick one of the two for my upcoming comps. Let's see how I do.

WDSF World Championship Videos

Videos of the recent WDSF World Championships in Singapore. Enjoy!

With Age Come Leotards and Lifts

Some things get better with time, and Hanna Karttunen is one of them. I came across this recent video of hers. She looks fabulous! Both Hanna and her partner Victor Da Silva make all of the tricks look so effortless. I'd like to get thrown around like a rag doll by a greek god! I wonder if Max Chmerkovskiy would agree to my proposition...

2011 WDSF World Championship Results

The WDSF World Championships were held in my hometown, Singapore, this weekend. The results of the Adult Latin were a little different from that of the last WDSF competition. Also - watching the youtube videos I was a little surprised that Charles Guillame Schmidt didn't do better.

1. Zoran Plohl - Tatsiana Lahvinovich, Croatia
2. Andrey Zaytsev - Anna Kuzminskaya, Russian Federation
3. Aniello Langella - Khrystyna Moshenska, Italy
4. Martino Zanibellato - Michelle Abildtrup, Denmark
5. Gabriele Pasquale Goffredo - Anna Matus, Moldavia
6. Pavel Pasechnik - Francesca Berardi, Italy

For videos, check out DanceSportTotal on YouTube.

Valentin Chmerkovskiy Ends His Competitive Career

Valentin Chmerkovskiy has decided to end his competitive career. In a message to his supporters he expressed that the changes in the competitive world and regulations that hindered him from competing, were a big factor in his decision. These details came after speculation that his partner, Dariya, had ended their partnership. In any case, we wish him the best. And who knows, he may just pull a Stefano.

To read Val's full message, visit http://www.dancesportinfo.net/Articles/7511.aspx

GOC - Amateur Latin Grand Slam Results

With Zoran and Tatsiana absent at the German Open Championship this week, Andrei Zaitsev and partner Anna Kuzminskaya proved victorious. They beat out recent WDSF grand slam winners, Italians Aniello Langella and Krystina Moshenska, who placed second. Coming in third were Martino Zanibellato and Michelle Abildstrup from Denmark.

Final:
1. Andrey Zaytsev/Anna Kuzminskay, Russia
2. Aniello Langella/Khrystina Moshenska, Italy
3. Martino Zanibellato / Michelle Abildstrup, Denmark
4. Timur Imametdinov/Ekaterina Nikolaeva, Russia
5. Vladimir Karpov/Mariya Tzaptashvilli, Russia
6. Gabriele Pasquale Goffredo/Anna Matus, Moldova

Unwatched Treasure

Found this video tonight. Can't believe it only has 946 views. It features Yuli and Riccardo with an appearance by Arunas Bizokas. Check out the drop at the end!

Jurij and Jogoda Turn Professional

Jurij Batagelj and Jagoda Strukelj, the winners of the 2011 UK Open and Blackpool Dance Festival in the Amateur Latin category have decided to turn professional. Winning Blackpool this year was a great accomplishment for the couple and they have decided to move on to the professional realm. The Slovenian couple will be making their first professional appearance at the 2012 UK Championship.

I cannot help but wonder if this has anything to do with their alignment with the WDC versus the IDSF. But best of luck to the both of them!



Image courtesy of Danceportinfo.net

Nino and Kristina Defeat Zoran and Tatsiana

Could this be a sign of things to come? Earlier this month, at the WDSF Grand Slam in Chengdu, China, Aniello Langella and Kristina Moshenskaya defeated Zoran Plohl and Tatsiana Lahvinoch. With a lead of five points, Nino and Kristina were in first place. Martino Zanibellato and Michelle Abildtrup followed in third place. It will be interesting to see where Andrei Zaitsev and his partner Anna Kuzminstkaya place within the finals, and how the Zoran and Tatsiana react to the result. I say rise above it all and let the dancing speak for itself.

6 Ways to Dance Your Cha Cha

When watching all of the finalists in the European IDSF dance final, I was struck by how each couple had a distinct style within the cha cha. Each one of them has their own set of positive traits and flavour. As a female dancer, I almost always tend to look at the girls. I love how grounded Anna is in her dancing, Kyrtyna's aggressiveness and Tatsiana's precision. Take a look at the videos and see what strikes your fancy.

Les Twins!

I found videos of these guys on YouTube last night after someone had mentioned them to me. The Les Twins are a hip-hop dance duo consisting of the identical twins Laurent and Larry Bourgeois from Sarcelles, Val d'Oise, France. You may have seen them in Beyonce's Run The World music video and performances. Amazing dancers - check out some of their videos.

Alexei Silde & Anna Firstova Retiring!

Alexei Silde and Anna Firstova have retired form competitive ballroom dancing! They will be focusing on coaching and adjudicating. the couple has won various multiple IDSF World Amateur Latin and IDSF World Professional Latin championships. I wonder if the stress of sticking solely to IDSF did them in.

Its truly unfortunate - they were an amazing couple who deserved their number 1 position. But thanks to YouTube their legacy shall live on :)

Blackpool Professional Latin Final Results

Michael Malitowski - Joanna Leunis (Poland)
Riccardo Cocchi - Yulia Zagorouitchenko (Usa)
Sergey Sourkov - Agnieszka Melnicka (Russia)
Andrej Skufca - Melinda Torokgyorgy (Slovenia)
Stefano Di Filippo - Olga Urumova (Italy)
Maurizio Vescovo - Andra Vaidilaite (Canada)

Maurizio was only one dance away from 5th place! So close!

Gotta Love the Italians

I discovered the Italians this week. In addition to the beautiful Italian sites, great designers, delicious food, cute boys and soccer – Italy has produced great dancers as well. Maurizio Vescovo naturally comes to mind, but let's not forget the amateur couples. Some of the ones I have discovered (or been introduced to) are Gabriele Goffredo and his then partner, sister Antonia Goffredo; and Nino Langella and Kristina Moshenskaya. Their speed, rhythm and precision is amazing. Even more reason to love anything Italian.

Check them out in action:

Franco and Oxana Split!

Just read this on dancesportinfo.net. Truly saddening! But we wish them the best for their future endeavours.

By mutual agreement, Franco Formica & Oxana Lebedew decided to terminate their partnership after 4 years of dancing with each other. They were several times German Professional Latin champions, bronze medalists of the WDC World Professional Latin championships and WDC European Professional Latin. Franco and Oxana were hugely popular couple with the audience wherever they competed. Amongst their achievements they can count the 3rd place at the Blackpool Festival, UK Open and the International.

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy - Alberte Ballet

Going to see Fumbling Towards Ecstasy this weekend. Sneak peak below.

Yulia and Riccardo - DWTS May 2

Yulia and Riccardo's jive from Dancing With the Stars last night. Enjoy!

2010 Grand Ball Showcase of Champions

The talent that was invited to last year's Grand Ball in BC was amazing. All of the finalists performed show dances. The rumba by Mija and Nadya from Slovenia (performed to James Blunt's Goodbye My Lover) was especially touching. I only recently found this video but still wanted to share it. The calibre of dancing was spectacular and I look forward to competing again this year.

Canadian Closed Championship 2011

This last weekend I participated in my first Canadian Nationals. It was an amazing experience, but I do think that the nerves got to me. We didn't make the first cut, and I'm still trying to get my hands on the results to see how many recalls we got.

On a complete side note, we totally look like hobbits next to everyone else. At the beginning of the rumba, two other dancers trample over me before we even get going.

The first video is of the first round of the Adult Latin Championship - so you get to see all of the couples. The second is of the final (but just the Rumba, Paso, Jive). Enjoy!

The Tragedy of First Position

I truly feel for this little girl! So adorable.

Karina Smirnoff's Playboy Cover

Karina Smirnoff is not just a latin ballroom queen now. She's now a celebrity, with with a Playboy cover to boot. I don't really know what to make of it but power to her. In her words - "I'm thrilled to show off my strong, toned physique in the pages of Playboy and celebrate my sexiness."

WDC 2011 Results

My shrieks this morning may have alarmed the neighbours, but I could hardly contain myself. For the second time in a row Yulia and Riccardo won the world dance championships!

The final results were as follows:

1.) Riccardo Cocchi - Yulia Zagoruychenko (USA)

2.) Michael Malitowski - Joanna Leunis (Poland)

3.) Sergey Surkov - Melia (Russia)

4.) Franco Formica - Oksana Lebedew (Germany)

5.) Andrej Skufca - Melinda Torokyorgy (Slovenia)

6.) Maurizio Vescovo - Andra Vadilaite (Canada)

But that was not the only (pleasant) surprise. Maurizio and Andra were in the finals as well, placing sixth. Franco and Oxana were knocked from the third spot by Sergey and Melia. Is this an indication of Blackpool next month? We'll see.

The live cast of the finals made it quite difficult to see all of the couples dancing. Hopefully some YouTube videos will be posted soon.

Ballroom Bootcamp - with Maurizio!

This upcoming week will be especially gruelling. In addition to my four weekly lessons with my coaches, we will be having lessons with none other than Maurizio Vescovo. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. At the recent UK Open, he represented Canada and placed 7. We are so very honoured to have him. The video below is of his paso doble with his former partner (Melinda) - some may argue that his paso is his best dance.

My New Costume

Me in my new costume! Short and sassy - just like me.

My New Favourite Samba Video

I don't know what it is about this video but everytime I watch it I just wanted to give my next round my all. All of the couples are amazing for various reasons. Someday I will master that hip roll Anna does (0:28).

Never Take Yourself Too Seriously

This video was a great laugh.

When Scary Things Happen at a Dance Competition

You know that recurring nightmare one gets before an important event. All of mine run along the same lines. Showing up for a dance competition without shoes, running late for a competition, falling in a competition and the most dreaded - forgetting my routines.

Well at the Northern LIghts Classic in Edmonton last Saturday, the scariest of the scary occurred. Actually it was a combo - a 3 couple collision plus forgetting 2 of my routines. The samba started with us running into 2 other couples and it was just downhill from there. I was so incredibly mortified. I just couldn't hear the music anymore and I didn't know where to start again. I couldn't remember my routines! Where was I? What's next? I could just feel everyone looking at me with pity.

Eventually the ordeal ended and I hobbled off. I was fighting tears and my legs were shaking so badly I could barely walk. I sat in a stairwell crying, refusing to do the next event. My coach exercised tough love - ie. he was in my face trying to scare me into putting my shoes back on. It was also then that I was told that I somehow had made the cut for the finals. How did that happen?! Well, at that point I realized that the respectable thing to do would be to keep dancing. In the end, we did ok. We made the finals in both events, placing sixth. Not bad for my third competition.

The whole experience just goes to show you never know what the outcome may be, and being a perfectionist never pays off. I am always focused on doing my routines perfectly. Whenever something went awry during a practice I stopped. And when things didn't go perfectly, I didn't know how to recover. So here's to comebacks and keeping your head up when shit hits the fan. And I'm thinking that after that experience, things can only get better.

Also don't beg your partner to walk off between dances - in case your coach is like mine and can read lips.

I'm trying to find pictures from the weekend - but we were all too frazzled to take any. If some surface on Facebook, I will put them up.

Simple is Beautiful

Whenever I have seen great dancing - especially in a rumba, the term "oozing" comes to mind. There is tension in every move, and everything comes together to tell a story. However, I don't think "stunts" are really necessary to do so. Yeah, people clap when you spread your legs and reach for the heavens. Bur there is something beautiful when a simple routine is executed with passion and impecible technique. The following are two videos that exemplify the theory that simplicity can be exceptionally beautiful.


(Justinas and Anna)


(Allan Tornsberg and Vibeke Toft)