Nov 28 - Gibraltar Dancers Reach Semifinals In World Show Dance Championships
The Gibraltar National Dance Team (GNDO) has returned to the Rock after representing Gibraltar at the World Showdance Championships. The event was staged at the Sachsen Arena, in Riesa, Germany, with over 2,200 dancers from 32 countries and five continents taking part. The event was organised for the renowned world governing body the International Dance Organisation (IDO). Accompanying the team as Team Captain for this event was GNDO Development Officer, Gerald Rodriguez.
In the Children Solo Female section, 48 dancers took part with Gibraltar been represented by Emma Hook, Stella Bosano, and Lucia Guillem Hernandez. Emma and Stella finished in 39th place, and Lucia qualified for the quarter finals amongst the top 24 children soloists, finishing in 17th place. 1st place went to South Africa, 2nd place to Russia and 3rd place to Belarus.
In one of the largest sections of the entire competition, the Junior Solo Female section, 59 dancers took part with Gibraltar been represented by Megan Rodriguez, Chenille Soiza Brown and Caitlin Rodriguez. Megan and Chenille both placed 30th, and Caitlin qualified for the quarter-finals amongst the top 24 junior soloists finishing in 20th place. 1st place went to Slovenia, 2nd place to South Africa and 3rd place to Slovenia.
In the Adult Solo Female section, Gibraltar was represented by Louise Gonzalez. Out of the 57 entries, another large section, Louise placed 26th, just missing the quarter finals by one place as 25 soloists passed onto the next round. 1st place went to Russia, 2nd place to Norway and 3rd place to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the Children Duet section, Gibraltar was represented by Lucia Guillem Hernandez and Niamh Colton. The duet qualified for the quarter finals, ranking in 16th place out of the 41 duets. 1st place went to Russia, 2nd place to Czech Republic and 3rd place to Belarus.
In the Junior Duets section, Gibraltar was represented by Chenille Soiza Brown and Caitlin Rodriguez. Out of the 42 entries, the duet managed to qualify for the semi-finals in the top 12, finishing in an outstanding 8th place, and making Gibraltar semifinalists at this competition. 1st place went to Russia, 2nd place to Russia and 3rd place to Italy.
The Gibraltar National Dance Team also performed in the Junior Group section. Out of the 40 entries the team finished in 27th place, missing out on the quarter finals by just one placing, as 26 groups made it through to the next round. 1st place was awarded to Russia, 2nd place went to Russia and 3rd place to Slovenia.
The official choreographers for this project were Gerald Rodriguez, Paulette Finlayson Napoli, Jade Federico, Tyron Walker and Jolene Gomez.
GNDO President Wendy Garro said:
‘I take this opportunity to thank Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar, all the sponsors, the Cultural Grants Committee and the donations through our fundraising programme from the public for making our participation a reality.
‘In Riesa, our dancers faced tough opposition, with many countries providing a very high level of technique and incredible high standards of Show Dance. What these results do, is reinforce the high standards in the IDO, where Gibraltar competes against the crème de la crème from around the globe.
‘The GNDO is delighted with the remarkable performances from the Gibraltar contingent and would like to thank the dancers and choreographers for being such great ambassadors for the Rock.’
For the full results please visit: www.ido-dance.com
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