Dec 02 - Gibraltar International Dance Organisation World Champions
The Gibraltar National Dance Team rocked Germany by being crowned World Champions at the recent World Show Dance Championships. The event was staged in Riesa, with 3,301 dancers from 34 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 Vice President Michael Wednt.
The competition commenced with the Children Solo Female section with 50 dancers taking part. Gibraltar was represented in this section by Louise Martinez, Sarah Montovio and Caitlin Rodriguez. Sarah qualified for the quarter finals whilst Caitlin performed in the semi-finals amongst the top 12 children soloists finishing in 11th place. 1st place went to Russia, 2nd place to Slovenia and 3rd place to Serbia.
In the Children Duets section, was represented by Louise Martinez and Sarah Montovio, Celine Stewart and Siandayle Alman and sisters Caitlin Rodriguez and Megan Rodriguez. All three duets managed to qualify for the quarter finals out of the 32 entries and even Louise and Sarah qualified for the semi-finals finished in a remarkable 9th place. 1st place went to Russia, 2nd place to Slovenia and 3rd place to Hungary.
The Gibraltar National Dance Team also performed in the Children’s Group section to a piece called ‘They Don’t Care About Us’. The team performed in the quarter finals and missed the semis by one point finishing in 14th place out of the 26 entries. 1st place was awarded to Slovenia, 2nd place went to Germany and 3rd place to Slovakia.
53 young ladies competed in the Junior Solo Female section. Gibraltar was represented by Louise Flower, Sarah Anne Maclaren and Jenella Sodi. All three soloists qualified for the quarter finals amongst the top 24. Sarah and Jenella also qualified for the semis amongst the top 11 with Sarah finishing in a fantastic 8th place. Jenella Sodi managed to qualify for the grand final amongst the top 7 junior female soloists and finished in an excellent 7th place. Jenella’s piece was choreographed by Jolene Gomez and Jade Federico. 1st place was awarded to an excellent dancer from Slovenia, 2nd place to Canada and 3rd place to South Africa.
Gibraltar was also represented in the Junior Groups with a piece entitled ‘One of Us’. Out of the 33 teams taking part, the group qualified for the quarter finals. 1st place went to South Africa, 2nd place to Slovenia and 3rd place to Russia.
In the Adult Solo Female section, Gibraltar was represented by Nicole Valverde and Nicole Victor. Out of the 50 entries both dancers qualified for the quarter finals whilst Nicole Victor also qualified for the semi-finals amongst the top 11. She finished in an outstanding 8th position. 1st place went to South Africa, 2nd place to Belarus and 3rd place to Norway.
Gibraltar was also represented in the Adult Groups with ‘The Reef’. Out of the 35 teams taking part, the group qualified for the semi-finals finishing in a remarkable 11th place. 1st place went to South Africa, 2nd place to Canada and 3rd place to Bosnia.
In the Adult Solo Male section, Duncan Grech was Gibraltar’s entry and out of the 28 entries he managed to qualify for the grand final finishing in an excellent 6th position. Duncan’s piece was choreographed by Gillaine Alman. 1st place went to Italy, 2nd place to South Africa and 3rd place to Czech Republic.
Gibraltar won Bronze Medal in the Adult Duet Division. Gibraltar’s representatives were Duncan Grech and Genyka Celecia and Tyron Walker and Nicole Victor. Out of the 28 duets both entries qualified for the semi- finals whilst Tyron and Nicole made it to the grand final amongst the top 5. There piece ‘Remember Me Daddy’ was choreographed by Jade Fedrico and managed to finish on the podium in 3rd place. 1st place went to South Africa and 2nd place Slovenia.
And the best result of them all was winning Gold Medal and crowned World Champions in the Junior Duets division. Gibraltar was represented by Louise Flower and Emma Flower, Joelle Davis and Chelsey Celecia and Sarah Anne Maclaren and Isabella Gomez. All three duets qualified for the quarter finals out of the 49 entries. Sarah and Bella managed to qualify for the grand final amongst the top 6 and crowned as IDO World Dance Champions in 1st place. The piece ‘The Forgotten Idol’ was choreographed by Paulette Finlayson. 2nd place was awarded to South Norway and 3rd place to Russia.
Gibraltar was also represented in the panel of judges by IDO Official International Judge, Seamus Byrne.
The Gibraltar National Dance Team has received messages of support from IDO Officials, Judges and spectators whom praised the work produced by the National Team, especially the German TAF President Ralf Josat who was highly impressed on how Gibraltar surpasses their Show Dance technique year after year.
The official choreographers for this project were Paulette Finlayson, Gerald Rodriguez, Sabrina Abudarham, Nichol Montovio, Gillaine Alman, Genyka Celcia, Duclie Edwards, Jolene Gomez and Jade Federico.
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 faced tough opposition, with many countries providing a very high level of technique and incredible high standards of Show Dance. Nevertheless, Gibraltar once again proved that we can take part in international dance events organised by the IDO, at the highest level to the extent that the team managed to qualify for many semi-finals and four finals, culminating with the Gold and Bronze medals.
The Team have 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
