Even if Evgeny, 17, and Elina, 17, have been dancing together for only six months, they were the couple nominated by the Russian DanceSport Federation to defend the colours in the Latin dances.
The two are students and share some of what they consider their personal strength too: “Responsibility and leadership quality,” says Evgeny. “Responsibility, communicativity,” is how Elina puts it.
The couple lists an entire army of coaches and trainers: “Denis Stsrostin, Elena Gabdrakhmanova, Irina Gabdrakhmanova, Viktor Nickovsky, Slavik Krikliviy.
Together with the entire world of sports, the International DanceSport Federation is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Juan Antonio Samaranch at the age of 89. He was widely credited with renewing and fundamentally changing the landscape of the Olympic Movement.
DanceSport, too, lost a close friend and ally. HE J. A. Samaranch agreed to assume the role of IDSF Ambassador at Large in 2006. He is probably best remembered as the guest of honour at the 2007 Annual General Meeting, addressing the delegates with a memorable speech on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of IDSF:
“Friends of DanceSport,
IDSF is an example for a sports organisation which adapts to the requirements of today’s world. During my presidency of the International Olympic Committee I had the honour of approving IDSF as a Recognised Federation. Ever since – under the initiative and energy of its President Carlos Freitag – IDSF has taken on new challenges: the recent agreement with the International Paralympic Committee to develop Wheelchair DanceSport jointly, the adapation to the requirements of television, new competitions, etc. I congratulate you on a job well done!”
“In his words, we could all feel the appreciation for our work and our sport,”remembers IDSF President Carlos Freitag.
HE J. A. Samaranch met with the IDSF President at regular intervals to discuss the continued development of DanceSport and to provide valuable advice. An interview with the sports leader was included in issue #3 of the World DanceSport Magazine (pages 16 – 17, click here).
The International Olympic Committte recalls his many achievements in a media release circulated a few hours ago: “J. A. Samaranch’s priority was to build up the Olympic Games of the modern era and his knowledge of sport was truly exceptional. Thanks to his extraordinary vision and talent, Mr. Samaranch was the architect of a strong and unified Olympic Movement. He was a great man, a mentor and a friend who dedicated his long and fulfilled life to Olympism. Born in Barcelona in 1920, Mr.Samaranch pursued an outstanding career as diplomat and sports administrator before leading the IOC for 21 years. Soon after his election, Mr.Samaranch worked towards the abolition of amateurism at the Olympic Games. Despite two boycotts in Moscow in 1980 and in Los Angeles in 1984, he managed to maintain the quality of the Games and increase the number of participating countries. He was the man behind improving the financial health of the Olympic Movement, developing TV rights and sponsorship negotiations and strengthening Olympic Solidarity, the organ by which the IOC redistributes its revenue in order to ensure the training and participation of athletes at the Olympic Games.”
The IDSF Presidium has expressed its deepest sympathy to Juan Antonio Samaranch’s family.
Kamil Quliyev – Alina Qontareva
Since we’re working off a questionnaire which was – supposedly – completed by Kamil, 17, and Alina, 16, themselves, we’re assuming that the above is the proper spelling for their last names. While doing our ”www research” we came across alternative (Armenian?) spellings too. On idsf.net, dancesportinfo.net, even in their national media:
| SCHOOL, EDUCATION | National School of Art and Choreography |
| DANCING TOGETHER SINCE | 2007 |
| INTERESTS IN OTHER SPORTS | None |
| HOBBIES | Ballet |
| PREFERRED DANCES | All Latin dances |
| TARGET FOR LINZ | Pass to the next round |
| MAIN TRAINERS | Maryam Quliyeva |
“When it comes to the proper spelling of names, the IDSF Registration and Licensing System will have to sort that out … one day!”
Daniel Turcan – Helene Bucher
“We are very proud that our federation, the ÖTSV, thinks we are good enough to take part in a World Championship. It’s a great honour for us to represent Austria, and we hope to obtain a result that our trainers as well as both of us are satisfied with.”
Daniel, 17, is Moldavian by birth and resides in St. Pölten, AUT, for five years already. During this time he danced with Helene, 15, all the way to the top of the standings at National Championships in Latin as well as Standard. Rumba is his dance of preference, the Cha-cha-cha is hers. Both still attend high school in St. Pölten.
Daniel’s hobbies – other than dancing: “… celebrating parties, meeting friends, playing basketball, soccer and American football.” Helen’s: “… meeting friends, reading books, playing with the younger children in our neighbourhood.”
Their ambitions for Linz? “Having fun, gaining experience and enjoying that I have the honour to dance there,” says Daniel. And Helen? “We would very much wish to reach the second round in this one, collect experience and be better next time.”
Personal strengths? “Passion in dancing and in all the other things that I like to do. I’m always very optimistic,” Daniel tells us. “I’m very ambitious and target oriented. I like working in a team. I’m the realistic one in our team,” says Helen.
“Dear Heidi,
I am the Australian youth representative to the World Championship to be held this Saturday. I am enquiring as to the volcano disaster, and if the event will still be run. We are finding it almost impossible to reach Linz by the weekend, but if by some chance we are able to make it, we would like to ensure that the event is still on.
Your speed in replying to this message would be appreciated.Many thanks,
Jack Johnson”
Earlier this morning Heidi Götz talked to the organisers about the situation regarding air travel to and from Linz, AUT. Here’s what Klaus Kurzthaler said:
“We are optimally prepared to handle the situation, the World Championship will take place. I can confirm that with all certainty. As of today, all Austrian airports are open, and from Wednesday the European air space should generally be open too.”
“If you should have any questions regarding airport transfers, hotels or whatever else, please contact us right away at [email protected]“
“Ever since the start of the flight restrictions here we are in close contact with many nations through e-mail, phone and SMS. A German and a Lithuanian couple are still grounded in Canada - after the World Youth Ten Dance there – and were not sure whether they will be able to make it. Lithuania is considering to enter a replacement couple. USA and Australia: they were planning on arriving today and tomorrow but are obviously delayed by one day or two. Major problems of other nations we are not aware of at this time!”
With the 2010 IDSF World DanceSport Championship Youth Latin approaching rapidly, and some uncertainty due to the volcanic ashes still hovering in the skies above Europe, we start our profiling of some of the athletes who will compete in Linz on 24/04/2005.
Team Australia is made up of
Thabang Baloyi – Jessica Bethel (pictured above) and Jack Johnson – Joanne de Jaeger
Jack, 18, and Joanne, 17, organised their own fundraiser in Perth, Western Australia, to make their way from downunder to the IDSF World Championship in Linz.
Fundraising Cabaret Night – DanceSport Australia |
| Interested in a fun night out, something a little different, whilst supporting two of Australia’s best young international sports stars?You’ve all seen “Dancing with the Stars” – how about you dancing with a future star? How about watching floorshows from Australia’s best young talent in a family friendly environment? |
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| More information, click here! |
They compete in both Standard and Latin - as well as in a unquiely Australian style called New Vogue – having won national championships in all with previous partners.
Jack recently graduated from high school in the top 5% of Western Australia, Joanne is now in her last year. Both firmly believe that perseverance and determination in any task is their tool for overcoming an obstacle, in the dancing world or otherwise.
Thabang (18) and Jessica (17) have been dancing together since 2007. Thabang is originally from South Africa but now lives in Brisbane, Queensland, just as his partner. Both attend high school and list rock climbing and swimming as their other sports of choice. When it comes to DanceSport, their motivation and goals match 100%. “I have the desire to become a great dancer,” says Thabang.“And I have the desire to be a world champion one day,” is how Jessica sums it up. In 2009, they were State Champions in Youth and Adult already.
Welcome to the live blog from the IDSF World Youth Latin in Linz, AUT. Over the coming days, we provide you with a wide range of information on the championship and the athletes. Stay tuned!
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