UK WORLD
SALSA CHAMPIONSHIP 2008
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 and bring everyone together through
dance.
Artistically,
the levels of all the competitors were very high. The
couples from Turkey, Sweden, the UK and Austria had fought
their way to the competition final. Each couple took their
turn to wow the judges. They did not let down the judges
or the crowd, who gave large cheers, especially as expected
to homegrown talent Daisy and Venezuelan born Gilberth.
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.
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