The 2025 United Kingdom Dance Championships was in full swing as we arrived into Day Two which featured the eagerly awaited Amateur Latin. An emotional night awaited us from all angles. A night, in the end, which will be remembered forever by all those in attendance.
The 2025 United Kingdom Amateur Latin Championships would welcome a new Champion this year, as last year’s winners had turned Professional. Regrettably, Joel Lopez & Kristina Bespechnova had to withdraw from the competition during the day due to illness, so tensions and anticipations were high as spaces and the title were up for grabs. The UK is one of the “majors” in our dance industry, and has the thrill of aged traditions such as the introduction dance for all finalists which is always a chance to see the couples in that unique setting and see which couples will produce a memorable performance.
The following 6 couples progressed to the final:
1st: Alexander Chernositov & Arina Grishanina (1.1.1.1.1)
This couple work so hard and so deserved their title, only dropping a handful of marks over the 5 dances.
True champions in their approach, preparation and their craft. They possess that ability to be completely in tune with the music, each other and the spatial awareness around them. Almost possessing another sense which we can only admire from the outside.
I eagerly look forward to watching them continue to grow and enchant us.
2nd: Yiming Tang & Xinyi Huang (2.2.2.2.2)
Another working couple who apply so much dedication to continuedly climb in the dance ranks. Tonight, they managed their intricate choreography with better ease compared to previous performances giving them a very polished outcome. Their harmony this evening allowed Bobbie (Xinyi) to shine. Credit to Tang for making this possible. Keep up the good work guys.
3rd: Cosimo Barra & Diana Sharipova (3.3.3.3.3)
I know that the “podium” was a dream of theirs, and they achieved it quicker than they expected I think! These guys danced with confidence and consistency all day. Never wavered, where this might have crept into their performances in the past.
Enjoy this well-deserved result and continue to develop on the finer details which will open even more doors and possibilities for you moving forward.
4th: Giacamo Ballarin & Alessia Altieri (4.4.4.4.4)
Giacomo & Alessia put in a solid performance from the first round as a regular and established couple in the Amateur finals now. The choice of colour from Giacomo was the perfect match for the floor and venue lighting making them stand out.. I would ask them to perhaps pay attention to the movement and positioning of their choreography as they tended to get “boxed in” which can affect the output of your performance as you manage the lack of space around you, sometimes resulting in a slight lack of awareness in the lead and connection.
Sound dancers nonetheless and praise their consistent improvement.
5th: Adam Hathazi & Julia Kowalczyk (6.5.6.5.5)
This is the first UK final for Adam & Julia, and really well deserved. They are an action packed team possessing energy, resistance and power. When firing on all cylinders, they catch the eye immediately. Julia has legs which go on forever, and are stunning when the weight is danced fully from foot to foot.
I congratulate you both again for making the final and look forward to witnessing your continued growth through the ranks and in your dance development.
6th: Marco Yongkun Long & Victoria Jiani Cheng (5.6.5.6.6.)
Completing this final is another couple who made their first UK Amateur Final. The battle between 5th and 6th was a close with the slightest of margins being the difference in the end.
Marco & Victoria produce a beautiful Latin feel with clear roles from the Man and Lady which has been their trademark for as long as I can remember. In the past, I felt that they have been very unlucky with some results, so I am delighted for them this evening to arrive in the upper echelons of dance. Continue to grow from here showing us that style which so many of us crave…your signature.
I want to congratulate all the couples who danced from the early hours, up to the final late at night. The day produced some fantastic dancing. Keep working hard and producing memorable performances!
Image: Tomasz Reindl
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