Annual dance fest kicks off in Luohu

The 2023 GLDC (Gang Long Dance Championships) Grand Final and the 11th Shenzhen Ballroom (Sport Dance) Championship, which is being held from Dec. 12 through 17 in the Luohu Gymnasium, brings together over 5,000 elite dancers from more than 20 provinces across China to compete for the annual championship in various categories.

On Thursday evening, the opening ceremony of the 2023 GLDC Grand Final, modern and Latin dancers were clad in vibrant professional dance costumes. The opening ceremony was highlighted by a captivating “return show” of the world-renowned professional Latin dance duo Dorin Frecautanu and Marina Sergeeva from Italy and professional modern dance duo Andrea Ghigiarelli and Sara Andracchioy from the U.K. They staged four dances for the audience, the cha-cha, jive, rumba and paso.

The competition caters to participants ranging from ages 3 to 73, both professional and amateur.

During the fierce competition, competitors in the top-tier categories of the competition, which includes both professional and amateur categories of modern dance and Latin dance, vied for the championship title in the competition.

Peng Jia'nan and Zhong Jiaci from Beijing, emerged victoriously in the professional category of modern dance, while Lyu Deyu and Ran Jiao from Shanghai claimed the championship in the professional category of Latin dance. In the amateur category of modern dance, Tang Yujie and Zhao Aini from Chongqing secured the championship, and in the amateur category of Latin dance, Tang Yiming and Huang Xinyi, also from Chongqing, claimed the top spot.

The organizing committee invited more than 120 judges including international judges from the U.K., Italy, Denmark, Germany, Austria as well as Chinese judges.

Lyu Deyu (L) and Ran Jiao, who are the championship in the professional category of Latin dance, present a dance in the competition. Photos by Sun Yuchen

Peng Jia'nan (L) and Zhong Jiaci win the championship in the professional category of modern dance. 

Tang Yiming (L) and Huang Xinyi claim the top spot in the amateur category of Latin dance.

A dance is presented by Tang Yujie (R) and Zhao Aini, who won the championship in the amateur category of modern dance.

Dancers perform an opening dance at the opening ceremony of The 2023 GLDC Grand Final.

World-renowned professional Latin dance duo Dorin Frecautanu (R) and Marina Sergeeva from Italy present a “return show” at the opening ceremony Thursday night.

Dorin Frecautanu (R) and Marina Sergeeva present dances at the “return show.”

Professional modern dance duo Andrea Ghigiarelli (L) and Sara Andracchioy from the U.K. give performances during the opening ceremony of the Final.

Andrea Ghigiarelli (L) and Sara Andracchioy perform at the dance show. 

Competitors compete at the Final. 

A group dance is performed by students of Beijing Baihui Art School at the opening ceremony.

Dancers present their dancings at the competition. 

Graceful dances are presented by dancers of various groups.