By winning all five dances Dusan and Valeria Dragovic became the British Open Professional Ballroom Champions for 2024. This was a magnificent achievement for them and warm congratulations to them both.
They have a strong belief in the area of Ballroom Dancing they aspire to and this is admirable. I love that their dancing is on the verge of totally free movement, naturalism and purity which is highly desirable and for me the beauty of their dancing. This is why they have so many fans because ostensibly the dancer in all of us recognises a “truth” about what they are trying to do. That they polarise opinion is not a surprise to me for sometimes the freedom of motion can rapidly become exaggerated in posture, shapes and line and I am sure not the style of Ballroom Dancing they truly wish to produce visually, but they probably feel great! However I commend their Tango as exceptional. The feel for dancing is gorgeous and they are always a tantalising Ballroom Dancing feast and fascinating to watch.
Into 2nd place - Fedor Isaev and Anna Zudilina
Many congratulations on being placed 2nd in every dance. The most significant dancing Fedor and Anna have produced was at the International Championships last year where the swing of the arms and body weight was outstanding. Although they were consistent and highly proficient on this occasion, for me this was not their best dancing. They like the winners, are tenacious and truly sincere about their performances and will be completely honest as to how they move forward from here and we can’t wait!
Into 3rd place - Igor Reznik and Lika Dikaya
I watched this competition from the second round and when I saw their shift of movement it took my breath away. That was a wow factor! Had the competition finished at the 3rd round they could have potentially won the competition. Young though they may be, 7 rounds is an unenviable challenge and it does highlight the economics of the performance. Therefore counter-balances to the enormous shift is an essential part of the development. I am sure we feel moved by the obvious joy they feel in being able to compete during such a difficult time in their lives.
Into 4th place - Gaetano Iavarone and Emanuela Napolitano
Consistency is the name of the game for these two. Excellent competitors who never give up and I believe truly adore competing. There is so much potential for powerful movement and I always feel it is on the verge of breaking through. It is time to take a few chances and let go of the tension!
Into 5th place - Kyle Taylor and Alisa Margulis
This was the pleasant surprise of the night for me. A complete transformation from 6 months ago when I saw them dancing in the British Closed. They looked balanced in space and energy and the weight over foot was actually some of the best of the night. This was very good Ballroom Dancing and I was delighted to see it.
Into 6th place - Madis Abel and Liis End
Happy people, happy dancing. I rarely see these two without a smile on their faces and that’s wonderful! This dancing shifts like the wind that is for sure. This is their major attribute, coupled with the fact that they make the shift look so easy and energetic. Variation of speeds and emotion would give them a more rounded appeal but a bright future ahead for them I am sure.
7th. Sicheng Li and Manni Zhou (Eric and Anna)
What an incredible result and how happy they must be! This partnership has come full circle from dancing together as amateurs and now as professionals. They are physically perfect for each other and resulted in making this major final on their first outing. Of course there are lots to improve but for the moment enjoy the glory!
8th. Jianan Peng and Jiaci Zhong (Philip and Joanne)
These two were at times breathtaking with some magnificent moments of movement. This not what I would call powerful dancing, but it is powerful in it’s message. Joanne is a lovely dancer and is a true artist.
9th. Alex Gunnarsson and Ekaterina Bond
The most elegant and beautiful couple on the floor with lots of potential. From the waist up they always look like they could be the Champions but from the waist down work needs done and this becomes more and more apparent as the competition continues. They are dedicated and sincere about their dancing and I know they will do the work.
9th. Michal Le and Sandra Jablonska
What a terribly disappointing result they had. They are fabulous dancers and the weight shift when it’s good is from heaven! Creating clarity of style in all areas of their dancing would bring I feel clarity in their results.
11th. Alex Plant and Leanne
Lovely to see them competing again. Making the semi final in Waltz, V. waltz, Tango and Quickstep
12th. Andrii Mykhailov and Agnieszka Osrodka
Some of the best dancing of the night from these two and they have only been together for 3 weeks! Semi finalists in Waltz, Foxtrot and V. Waltz. I thought they were potential finalists and I am sure they will be in the future.
12th. Angelo Gaetano and Clarissa Morelli
Fantastic competitors full of energy and making the semi final in Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep.
14th. ZhengYang Zhang and Yi Yu
Fresh from their success on Monday night winning the Rising Star and making the semi final in Foxtrot and Tango
15th. Oliver Hand and Anastasia Lysytsyna
Many congratulations on making the semi final in Quickstep
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