The CCTV 2007 annual international Salsa Congress was held recently at Beijing. This year saw history made by dancers who grooved to Latin American beats on the Great Wall of China. This year, the five-day event was an opportunity to experience the historical capital of China and do the Salsa at the same time.
The Congress featured spectacular performances, workshops by international dancers from all over the world, guest international DJs, live Salsa bands and a celebration called Salsa. The event also held the prestigious 2007 International China Salsa Championships. This is China's only qualifying round for the third annual World Salsa Championships.
India’s representation at the CCTV 2007 annual international Salsa Championships was by Sai and Kirthi, both Bangaloreans, both Salsa dancers and instructors who run Latin Dance India, in association with Latin Dance Australia (Sydney). They were the first dance pair to represent India in China and competed against 30 other couples from over 15 countries in the semi-finals.
Sai and Kirthi made it to the top four couples in the finals. The finale was held on August 11. The first place was taken by Tetsu and Emi from Japan, while the Bangalore pair bagged 2nd place, while the Chinese team stood third.
Said Kirthi, “Though being Salsa dancers, we gave China a taste of Bollywood by starting off our performance with Dhoom. The music from Dhoom2 added an unusual Indian flavour to Salsa, which was very well received by the audience.” Sai added that they will now prepare for the challenge of bringing home the title of "The World Champions".
“The most exciting part was to dance on the Great wall Of China. The arrangements were really good. We felt very positive. We were the 12th couple to get on stage. No sooner had we started with our high energy opening number, than the audience got to their feet and started cheering us loudly.
Towards the fag end of our performance, I tripped over my own feet and the audience fell silent. But we pulled ourselves again and continued dancing. Once we were off stage, there were people all over us, appreciating and consoling us.
Because of the little mishap, we were anxious till the results were announced. We did not realise when the announcements had begun since they were in Chinese. Ad then our names were called! We could not believe that in spite of falling we finished second,” recalled Kirthi.
This talented duo has travelled to Korea, UK, Sydney, Hong Kong etc, performing and competing to showcase India's hidden talent in Salsa. They believe that Salsa brings together people from all walks of life. To know more about their classes call: 99008-22718/ 94483-80213.
