Five nervous couples arrived at Copacabana on Friday night, well in advance of the required time for their first Amateur Salsa Competition. Each person had successfully pushed through their individual terrors to allow them to dance in front of hundreds of people for the first time. To support them, a large army of family, friends, colleagues and fellow dance enthusiasts arrived to join in what proved to be the best night out for many people in a long long time.
About six weeks ago, each competitor signed up for the Amateur Salsa Comp willingly, knowing they would get confronted in all manner of ways. Each competitor signed up knowing they would be in for a great ride on the roller coaster of life. Each competitor had no idea of what they would achieve on Friday September 14th and the results were astounding.
As the guests filed in and took their seats, our budding dancers spied the competition nervously, watching their fancy moves and fully worked choreography. As they watched the competition, I watched them. Their strained faces glued to the competition, brightening every so often to welcome a new friend to the group or have a brief conversation.
The warm up was the first challenge, new floor, busy lights, crazy competitors and oh so many people in the room with all eyes on them (or so they thought, most of the people were looking to see how the food would be served).
Beginners took the floor first, then intermediates. With great big smiles, enthusiastic bodies, simple choreography and great connection, the DANCE101 guys gave it everything for four minutes of hard core Salsa dancing.
Daniel Cusamano and Genine Mana took out the “Peoples Choice” award for the most popular dancer voted by the audience. Their fun and freedom on the dance floor is captured in the fabulous photo on our gallery, they were a joy to watch and work with, their enthusiasm and sense of fun was energizing for everyone.
Marcus Michielin and Olga Reginato took out third place in the Intermediate section. With plenty of great competitors in this level, Marcus and Olga presented as polished, precise and a very fun couple with moves that were within their skill level and great big smiles on their faces.
Kate Johnson and John Chaillet took out first place of the Beginner Salsa Comp, as they entered the floor it was clear Kate owned it and was going to make a huge presence. John was the quiet sleeper in the group, sneaking up on this competition with a quiet profile. Kate and John took out 1st place by staying tuned to each other, dancing their skill level and having an insane amount of fun.
Paul Zaidman and Cheryl Smith DANCE101 in February 2007 with a vision to welcome new people to dancing. In particular DANCE101 focuses on providing a safe and comfortable environment to learn to dance. “A large percentage of our students have never danced before, let alone Salsa” Cheryl Said. “90% of these competitors had never danced Salsa and had never competed, so these are huge results considering!” Cheryl Said.
“We were ecstatic to see the impact we have had” says Paul Zaidman “not only did we impact Salsa dancers but also inspired their family, friends and colleagues with over 120 people attending the event to support their newfound passion for dance” Paul said.
“The best part was watching each couple develop their own unique style, connection and friendship” Cheryl said. “We watched these guys go from being shy, introverted and nervous dancers to being completely freed up, self expressed and dancing with abandon” Cheryl says. “They had traveled a fabulous journey of self discovery and opened the door to who they are capable of being on the dance floor”. “Each person left the night knowing this was only the beginning of their dancing” Paul said.
DANCE101 teaches in seven locations around Melbourne, Dandenong, Springvale, Beaumaris, St Kilda, Prahran, Williamstown and Phillip Island. For information about their classes visit www.dance101.com.au or call 0417 700 767
