The first of three tournaments as part of the newly conceived "Future Champions Cup" is over - the new format of the organising Dance Unlimited Zurich (DUZ), which is aimed at beginner couples, solos and mainly young dancers, was an immediate success.
Children from the age of 3 could be seen on the dance floor. Thanks to this trilogy, they should have their first opportunity to perform in a competition and dance with other children of the same age. Many dance couples as well as numerous solo dancers took advantage of this opportunity and delighted the large number of spectators.
Standard and Latin were danced in two "Gummibärli" categories - three- to six-year-olds and six- to eight-year-olds. The "Nordic model", in which all participants stand on the podium at the end and are rewarded with a medal, served as a model for the judging. This was of course "fun to the power of three" for the kids and motivation for further training during the week.
The co-operation between STSV and SDSC also made solo tournaments possible in all age groups. The participation was pleasingly high. Who knows whether one or two dancers will be able to find a partner after this introduction and join the couples' dance later on. Only D/C classes were danced in the couples' tournament. Fortunately, couples from western Switzerland, Austria and Germany also accepted the invitation from the DUZ.
Series continues
Parts 2 and 3 of this new series will take place on 27 September and 18 October at the DUZ in Zurich. After the second tournament, there will also be the opportunity to take part in workshops organised by foreign guest coaches Genny Favero (Italy) and Alexaner Tinkelmann (Israel). As they have previously worked as adjudicators, they can contribute direct impressions from the tournament to the basic variations. Even more direct feedback is also possible during private lessons, which are also offered on Sunday.
The finale of the Future Champions Cup culminates in an award ceremony for the best of all categories. This trilogy will also be concluded with a dance evening. The DUZ is looking forward to a lively participation.
Text: Jürg Briner, Dance Unlimited Zurich / Pictures: Reini Egli
