UK WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONSHIP 2008

By Georgina Nicoli

July saw the first UK World Salsa Championship to be held in the UK, ever. Our aims with the competition were to do what has never been done in Europe and bring everyone together through dance.

Artistically, the levels of all the competitors were very high. The couples from Turkey, Sweden, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Portugal, Bulgaria, India the UK and Austria had fought their way to the competition final, each couple took their turn to wow the judges. They were met by large cheers, especially as expected to Polish born Daisy and Venezuelan born Gilberth, who were representing the UK.

The time came for the judges to leave the room to decipher a winner. While the judges were away, the audience was entertained by the DJ and used the dance floor to show off moves of their own. Starlinn Choo then took to the floor with her partner and performed a Bachata and Salsa number, unique for the fact that the dancers are both women. Voted Top Female Salsa Dancer in Asia, she is known as one of the best leads in the world, and it was clear to see why. A young and gifted Venezuelan dancer followed Starlinn Choo, putting Venezuela firmly on the map for dancing talent. The final performance of the night came from 2002 & 2005 Mayan World Salsa champion Alex Da Silva, who danced with Starlinn Choo, another pleasure to watch.

After much deliberation, the judges came back with their decision. The star that shone a bit brighter than the other ones that night was Cihat Can & Gizem Senyaprak from Turkey. The gold and purple colours of their costumes suddenly became fitting to their new title of king and queen of the UK World Salsa Championships. Second place was awarded to the UK couple Gilberth & Daisy. Third place was awarded to Orlando Ahumada & Vivi Jeppesen from Sweden.

On the weekend of 11th, 12th & 13th July 2008, a plethora of international dancing talent graced Camden, in our very own little London town.

Share