Nov 30 - Dancer Caitlin Rodriguez Comes Sixth In World Showdance Championships
The Gibraltar National Team for Dance has recently returned from competing at the IDO World Show Dance Championships. The event was staged in Riesa, with 2,100 dancers from 28 nations taking part. The event was organised for the renowned world governing body, the International Dance Organisation (IDO), by the Germany Dance Federation (TAF), FSVG Riesa and a good friend of Gibraltar, IDO President Michael Wendt.
The Gibraltar National Dance Team performed in the Children Group Section. Twenty five groups took part in this category and Gibraltar was represented with a piece ‘Telephone’ choreographed by Lilian and Lauren Montero. The group performed in the quarter finals and finished in 13th position. First place was awarded to the Canadian National Team, second place to Belarus and third place to Czech Republic
The best result was in the Children Solo Female division. Gibraltar was represented by Caitlin Rodriguez with a piece entitled ‘Rising from the Ashes’ choreographed by her father, Gerald Rodriguez. Caitlin performed in various rounds before qualifying amongst the best soloists into the grand final. Caitlin finished in an overall sixth position. The final was contested by dancers from Gibraltar, Russia, Canada, Croatia and Sloveni. First and third places went to Slovenia and second place went to the representative from Canada.
GNDO President Seamus Byrne said:
‘I take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors and most importantly Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and the Cultural Grants Committee for making our participation a reality.
“IDO competitions are where la crème de la crème at an amateur dance level compete, and where international dancers get together at the best World and European dance events. And in Riesa, our dancers once again faced tough opposition, with many countries providing a very high level of technique and incredible high standards of Show Dance. This is evident in our results as medals in the IDO are hard to come by.
“Gibraltar once again proved that we can take part in international dance events organised by the IDO, at the highest level. I congratulate all seven dancers for being great ambassadors for the Rock especially in their promotion of Gibraltar. The GNDO is delighted with the results and remarkable performances from the Gibraltar contingent.’
For the full results please visit: www.ido-dance.com.
Photos courtesy of Tony Maher.
Top pic: Children’s group. Bottom pic: Caitlin Rodriguez
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