Set in the elegant Hilton Grand Ballroom, Dancesport Championship Finals 2013, surpassed all expectations. It was energetic, exciting not to mention exhilarating.  The Dancesport competition brings ballroom and Latin dancing, to a competitive sporting arena, in fact I’m sure I haven’t seen cricketers sweat as much as the dancers were last night!

It seemed many high profile figures were in attendance, using this as, not only a great chance to see some of the best ballroom and Latin dancers Sri Lanka has to offer, but also a good chance to socialize.   I was at first apprehensive to attend, as I don’t know much about ballroom dancing, but as soon as the dancing began, I could not take my eyes off the dance floor. The elegance of the foxtrot and waltz, the sensuality of the rumba, all came together to make this a night the audience and I will never forget.

It was clear as soon as I walked in, that the competition was on the international stage, with judges and contestants from the UK, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

The contestants ranged in age from 6 years of age, to adults.  Some of the younger contestants, while looking very cute in their colorful attire, were nonetheless very proficient.  The skills showcased by the adult dancers were of a very high caliber and it was clear the audience were really enjoying themselves, cheering on the Sri Lankan couples especially.

D Wijesooriya, the president of the Lanka Dancesport Council, gave a heartwarming speech mentioning ‘Dance doesn’t just come from the body, it comes from the soul…This is a good oppourtunity for Sri Lankan Dancers to compete at an international level and international competitors a introduction into Sri Lankan culture.’

It was an evening I thoroughly enjoyed, and will not forget in a hurry.  If you ever have the chance to go to the next Dancesport championship, or indeed any of their events, I firmly urge you to take the opportunity, you will not be disappointed.

By Sandrina Jayasekera

Pics by Kithsiri De Mel