May_2012-Dance-1 - Toronto Ballroom

9
Falls Premier Ball
Dancesport Championships
The Falls Premier Ball, which takes place in
January, marks the commencement of a new
dancesport season for all of our competitive
dancers. The competition is held at the
Marriott Gateway, situated in the heart of the
Fallsview Boulevard tourist district, minutes away
from numerous area attractions. This three-day
competition featured some of the most elite
dancers from both the Amateur and Professional
fields.
The first day of the competition brought forth
all of the scholarships events, as well as the
friendly team match, where dancers of all levels
were able to excel in their performance and
demonstrate their skills while assuming a competitive
edge. In the Amateur Standard Scholarship
event, Patrick Rucinski and Ella Nusenbaum
easily won all five dances, showing a more mature
and elegant approach. Setting off a new fresh
start in the Amateur division, they show no holding
back and a promising future ahead of them.
That very evening they also performed their show
dance number: "I Need A Doctor" which received
great feedback and offered a warm diverting
atmosphere for the spectators.
The next day included all age categories, from
the youngster juvenile competitors to the more
experienced and older professional dancers. In
the Junior Standard championships, Artemy
Kohanov and Abigail Xinkas placed first
amongst a straight final. They are constantly
Patrick Rucinski and Ella Nusenbaum
La Coup du Defi
Dancesport Championships
La Coupe du Defi took place on
January 28 in Ste Julie, Quebec. For organizers
Aldor and Andree Grenier, this was
the twentieth anniversary of La Coupe. It
was also the last year of the competition, a
special commemoration for an event that
has been supported and well loved by
locals and dancers alike for it's unique
hometown energy. To culminate a full day
of competition, it was fitting that a show
was performed by an invited couple wellknown
by most in the dance community:
Michael Malitowksi & Joanna Leunis,
Professional World Latin Champions. They
delivered a spectacular performance that
completed not only a great night, but also
a great event.
For Team Diablo Canada couples,
Vladimir Martintsov & Maria Gladkikh
competed in both the Youth Ballroom as
well as Amateur Ballroom. This is a mature
Youth duo that has grown together and
improved their dancing dramatically. They
striving to improve not only their quality
of dancing but also their showmanship
and performance. Continuing their success
in the Junior Latin championships,
they likewise managed to secure first
place. This couple is overall showing a
much more cleaner yet dynamic style of
dancing, enabling them to express each
action to its fullest potential which, in
turn, enhances their interpretation of
the steps and movements within their
choreography. Moving up into the youth
category, winning all five dances were
TDC dancers: Shawn Potapovskai and
Kamila Lerner. This couple has tremendously
improved over a short period of
time. Their movement was more fluid
and refined, leading to a more softer
and composed look.
One of the highlights of the evening
was the International Amateur Standard
Open event. Once again placing clearly
first was none other than Patrick
Rucinski and Ella Nusenbaum. Placing
3rd in that final were their teammates,
Shawn Potapovskai and Kamila
Lerner. That evening, the organizer provided
the audience with a special surprise
and treated the crowd with a performance
by the top dancers from last
year's season of "So You Think You Can
Dance Canada ". The performances were
fantastic and truly captivating.
Special mention goes out to the
organizer of the competition, Jolan
Sniegocki, for being able to make this
event as successful as it was!
match very well physically and have
increased their movement across the floor
during recent competitions. Vladimir &
Maria placed 1st in the Youth and 2nd in
the Amateur.
The second couple from TDC was none
other than Daniel Studenny & Sarah-
Maude Thibaudeau who placed 1st in the
Amateur Ballroom. Daniel & Sarah are veterans
in their event, having danced and
competed together for just over four
years. The two have built up their dancing
with one another into a great competitive
program that won them their event at La
Coupe.
A big congratulations goes out to all of
our couples who participated in the last
installment of La Coupe du Defi. As well, a
thank you to the organizers for their dedication
as well as to the spectators and participants
that made it a memorable experience
for all who attended. Best of luck in
all your future endeavors!