This was a very special spectacle, full of vitality, pomp and ceremony at the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall. The organizers Robin and Rita Short and Christopher and Katia Short, celebrated a cornucopia of tradition and innovation in glisserati persona.
The champions were Stanislav Zelianin and Irina Cherepanova, who won first in all dances and stated clearly that out of 19 judges they won 13 firsts in Waltz, 11 Tango, 16 Viennese Waltz, 11 Foxtrot and 12 Quickstep, a very dominant margin of victory. They are both meticulous and precise and have honed their craft so diligently. They have born the mantle of the crown with dignity and grace.
The runners up, Dusan and Valeria Dragovic were 2nd in four dances and 3rd in the Viennese. They were decisive and strongly determined with a testament to their powerful statement of values and ability. They have strong attributes and I am a large part of their fan base, but there are still several detractors who are not such strongly, totally sold. For me, they have a rich tapestry of motion, hard to be denied.
Stas Portanenko and Nataliya Koliada were 3rd place with marks of 3rd W&T, 2nd V, 3rd F&Q. They had great success with the majority of the judging panel and I totally implore the process. Having said that, I'm in the minority and don’t need to dwell any further.
The fourth place couple were Fedor Isaev and Anna Zudilina with marks of 4th W, 5th T, 4th V&F, 5th Q. They have chosen to retire and wish them both well and a great shout out from their many fans and colleagues. I wish that Fedor and Anna were just less careful and could be more cavalier and magical. However, a marvelous and stellar career.
Igor Reznik and Lika Dikaya had marks of 5th W, 4th T, 5th V&F, and 4th Q, finishing overall in fifth place. I thought they had a wonderful final, full of clarity and vision in all dances, but all more than anything else with life and color, a kaleidoscope of tour de force. They are indubitably in the future (thanks to Tomo).
Sicheng Li and Manni Zhou were sixth in all dances, but they had some strong assets and good moments. There are still some areas that need to further develop. You can see this couple have drive and desire to improve and grow the skills needed.
The remaining SEMI-FINALISTS are in numerical order:
Jianan Peng and JIACHI ZHONG had some very positive moments and could have a fair chance for the final. I especially like the woman; has a certainly whimsical quality.
Alex Gunnarson and Ekaterina Bond had a strong semifinal. He has solid and clarity of shape and the woman has excellent foot and leg action. Perhaps a touch of artistry from Alex would enhance.
Kyle Taylor and Alisa Margulis showed much more strength in Alisa's action in foot, middle and torso. Kyle is such a fine dancer, but could show more complete substance rather than just appeal factors.
Sysmon Kalinowski and Grazyna Grabicka showed me a quality that glowed and delighted. All the attributes allocated the top levels and one of the biggest improvements of all. Bravo, for you both, such deserving.
Michael Le and Sandra Jablonska dance a special performance. Just a touch, Sandra wobbles out of the frame, but motion and quality certainly must prevail. For them to be left out of the final is a travesty.
Gianni Caliandro and Arianna Esposito have shown huge improvement in quality and style. They are immaculately portraying action that delivers the goods.
Maddis Abel and Liis End are a breath of fresh air. Such quality of substance along with freedom of action and life, from foot line, to legs, to embodiment of torso. Hard for me not to see them in the final.
Furthermore, for me, very high in the top three. Angelo Gaetano and Clarissa Morelli appeared much lighter, and less tighter, with so much freedom of music.
Wonderful to all the musicians and impeccable thanks to all Chairmen and officials.
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