World-class dancers back in town

Video by Sun Yuchen

The opening ceremony of the 18th World Cup Ballroom Dance Championship was held at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District on Thursday. The five-day competition running until Sunday is one of the three most prestigious dance competitions in the Asia-Pacific.

After a three-year hiatus due to the epidemic, this highly anticipated event made a triumphant comeback, attracting more than 5,800 contestants aged between 3 and 72 from 16 countries and regions.

The organizing committee invited more than 10 international judges including 81-year-old Robin Short, honorary chairman of World Dance Council and the Latin dance champion for eight consecutive years Joanna Leunis, alongside more than 100 Chinese judges.

In the professional category of modern dance, Stanislav Zelianin and Irina Cherepanova from Singapore secured the championship. And in the professional category of Latin Dance, Nino Langella and Andra Vaidilaite from Italy, claimed the top spot. Alex Gunnarsson and Ekaterina Bond from Iceland won the championship in the amateur category of modern dance, while Tang Yiming and Huang Xinyi from China claimed the championship in the amateur category of Latin dance.

As the most influential sporting event of its kind, the championships had been held in Shenzhen every year since 2003.

Stanislav Zelianin (L) and Irina Cherepanova who win the championship in the professional category of modern dance present their dancings. Photos by Sun Yuchen

Italian dancers Nino Langella (R) and Andra Vaidilaite claim the top spot in the professional category of Latin Dance.

Tang Yiming (R) and Huang Xinyi from China claim the championship in the amateur category of Latin dance. It was the first time for Chinese contestants to win the Latin dance championship since 2003.

Alex Gunnarsson (L) and Ekaterina Bond secure the championship in the amateur category of modern dance.

An opening dance at the opening ceremony of the ballroom dance championship Thursday.

Dancers whirl across the dance floor at the competition.

Competitors show their dancing skills.

Dancers perform at the competition.

Contestants compete at the ballroom dance championship.