WDC AL OPEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 – Day 2
Hannes Emrich
Posted On 8th December 2018
Friday 7th December.
There are days which you know will remain imprinted on your memory for the remainder of your life and today was such a day.
In both Ballrooms, events commenced at 8.30 a.m. and whilst we knew we would see 9 World Champions crowned, including the WC AL Open World Junior Team Champions, nothing prepared us for the quality of dancing we would witness nor the amazing atmosphere that would be created.
On day 1 we had the Juvenile Team Match and today was the Junior’s turn. The Ballroom was absolutely packed with spectators and how much they cheered and supported every team but the most overwhelming memory was the pleasure, the excitement, the emotion, the thrill shown on every team members faced and the pleasure they gained in dancing. It is surely a moment, an experience, that will remain forever in their memories.
3 truly great Championships were
1) the Under12 Latin with 5 heats of the most talented, poised and personality-filled young dancers. Their future development promises so much.
2) the under 16 Ballroom which had so much talent, ability, quality in depth and style and would finally produce a hotly contested final.
3) the Uner 21 Latin. the first round with 6 heats is perhaps the finest “first round” there has ever been. The music created a brilliant atmosphere with a real “latin feel” and that seemed to inspire the couples to brilliant performances. No matter which heat or which couple you looked at you felt quality and love for dance and the character of the dance. Many national champions were unfortunately eliminated before we reached the QF so high was the standard and we had super exciting semi and final. It was a privilege to be able to watch and admire such dancing.
We also enjoyed 2 Senior Championships with the Over 40 Latn and Over 60 Ballroom. What a great advertisement for dance these Seniors are.
There was also a keenly contested Professional Rising Stars Ballroom Fre Astaire cup Plus Pro-Am and Student Teacher events.
Saturday Day 3 commences at 8.00 a.m. in both Ballrooms and promises to be a super Spectacular Saturday.
