The dancers delivered captivating performances, embodying the true spirit of Latino dance. Their talent, dedication, and energetic portrayal of various dance styles kept the audience enthralled throughout the competition, leaving them wanting more.

The Dancesport Championship 2024 Sri Lanka, held on July 7th at the Golden Rose in Boralesgamuwa, was a vibrant celebration of movement, music, and rhythm. Organised by El Latino Dance Academy (ELDA), a leading dance school in Sri Lanka, the championship brought together nine leading dance schools under the guidance of ELDA's founder, the esteemed dance teacher and choreographer Kevin Nugara.

The competition featured 15 different dance styles categorised under Standard, Latin American, and Street Latin. A prestigious panel of international judges, including Przemek Lowicki (UK Open Rising Star Champion from Poland), Hristina Semova (world-renowned coach and adjudicator from Bulgaria), and Luka Fanni (world-renowned Latin Show Dancer, Coach, and Choreographer from Italy), graced the event to witness the exceptional talent of Sri Lankan dancers.

Sri Lankan dance instructors also played a vital role in the championship's success. Midushaun Rhodes from El Mambos, Chrissie and Bharatha from Dance City, Chandima Siriwardana from X-ARENA, Nalinda Prasad from Feel the Beats, Annie from T & A Dance, Sandun Gomes from Sandun Dance Academy, Iresh Wijesooriya, and Dharshana Wijesooriya all contributed their expertise to the event.

The dancers delivered captivating performances, embodying the true spirit of Latino dance. Their talent, dedication, and energetic portrayal of various dance styles kept the audience enthralled throughout the competition, leaving them wanting more.

The Dancesport Championship 2024 Sri Lanka was not just a dance competition; it was a significant event that both participants and the audience recognised as a stepping stone for the growth of Sri Lanka's dance sector.

The Dancesport Championship 2024 Sri Lanka was supported by several key sponsors who played a vital role in making the event a success. These included Daily Mirror and Wijeya Newspapers, Colombo Socials (Social Media Partner), and Homelands Skyline.

We have International judges and they honestly enjoyed the show. The participants and the contestants did a good job dancing. It was upto International standards. To be honest, it’s my first time coming to an event like this in Sri Lanka and yes, I think it’s upto my expectations.

Nishini Ratwatte

Kushan stated that Kevin has done a good job by giving these young talented dancers a platform to showcase their talents and he wishes that Kevin continues this every year and wishes him the very best. "The participants did a good job. It’s not easy to keep your composure and stamina from morning to night. They practised together for a long period of time and they did a fantastic job, so they should be happy and proud of themselves". 

Kushan Senevirathna

Surami, a dancer from ELDA, said that it was hectic but fun at the same time as they had to do alot of events in the same category. "People get used to it and when Kevin gave the deadline, they practised a lot which helped them to improve their style and stamina".

Surami Ranasinghe

Venuki, who participated in the championship competition, stated that the event was really good and better than expected. "Taking part in this competition taught us how a team should work and it was fun".

Venuki Athukorala

Erandi shared that she was very disappointed. "We have been competing for a long time - about 15 years - and the standard is quite low now and we are not satisfied with the performances".

Erandi Kurukulasuriya

Kanishka who’s also from ELDA, started by saying that he is new to this subject as he has done traditional dancing before. Kanishka, who’s now an engineer, sees this as the only heaven in his busy day to day life. "Kevin was very helpful in guiding us throughout this journey. Working with a partner is a great thing I learned as we have to talk with our partner, not through words, but by dancing and covering up each other's mistakes in a way nobody else could understand".

Kanishka Prasad

Pics by Nisal Baduge