Congratulations to all the couples and teams who competed in the 2008 Australian Salsa Classic last weekend in Sydney.  It was a great honor to be able to cheer on the Queensland representatives as they took on the rest of Australia in the Biggest Salsa Competition in the Southern Hemisphere! 

Three nights of great parties, DJ's and social dancing, Two nights of intense competition.  As always the organizers of this prestigious event presented a great venue for the competition.  Well done to the ASC committee, Latin Motion and JQ Dance.

The competition started on Saturday night with the Amateur division where we had four Queensland couples competing - The first competitors of the night Josh & Amanda, James & Stephanie, Sergio & Salvina and Vince & Jennifer.  Everyone did their best in their routines and hopefully we'll have a chance to see some of these routines in Brisbane some time soon.

Next Carlos and Elli competed in the Professional Cabaret division.  In this division the couple is allowed to perform "off-the-ground" tricks, lifts, and acrobatics.  (These maneuvers are not permitted in the other professional divisions).  As always, Carlos and Elli provided a high energy routine with plenty of great kodak moments!  The routine was the perfect combination of Salsa, aerials and acrobatics, leaving the crowd cheering for more!  Since there were no other competitors in this division, Carlos and Elli took 1st place and are now the 2008 Australian Salsa Cabaret Chapions!

The Professional On1 Division followed this with some of Australia's best known dancers from around the country.  Juan and Caitlin represented Queensland in this Division with a well choreographed routine, perfect timing and great stage presence.  At the awards ceremony on the Sunday the tension was so strong as Oliver announced the top 6 couples in the On1 division...  I'm sure everyone from Queensland was on the edge of their seats as he read the placings... and there was a huge cheer for Juan and Caitlin when it was announced they won the division, now making them the 2008 Australian Salsa On1 Champions!

Next was the Professional On2 Division, where all of our best known instructors like to play.  Competing against names like Csaba and Vali, and Fernando and Josie were two Queensland couples.  Roberto and Jenna, and Duncan and Su Min.  It seemed like everyone in the On2 division had sped their music up 200% and in combination with some of the best choreographies this division was where the fiercest competition was to be had.  Roberto and Jenna, who have only been training together for a short time, put on a great show for the judges and audience and went on to take 3rd place, beating some well known Sydney dancers!  Duncan and Su Min were the final couple to compete, wrapping up a great night of competition.  Their routine was well rehearsed and they looked like they were relaxed and enjoying themselves on stage.

Sunday night was the night for the teams to compete and there was some fierce competition between the teams.  The Latin Steps Dance Company team consisted of Carlos and Elli, Juan and Caitlin, Koz and Danielle and they had a fast paced routine which won them 2nd place between the Modus Vivendi Pro in 1st place and the Modus Vivendi Project team in 3rd place.  Quite exciting for Queensland teams to be placing so close to world famous dance teams!

The 2008 ASC was televised for broadcast on pay TV later in the year.  Keep your eyes peeled for this, as it was a great night and all those who missed out on being there will definitely enjoy watching it on TV.  There are some great interviews with the competitors following their performances, and Duncan demonstrates how to do his world-famous body-roll for the cameras.

Finally, a special mention to Debby Smits who was selected to sit on the panel of judges from around Australia to judge the ASC.  From what Debby told me, the judging process was very complicated and precise... And congratulations to Debby for hosting the very successful 2008 Queensland Salsa State Titles which were the official qualification round for the 2008 ASC.   It was good to see a large number of supporters from Brisbane at the ASC to cheer on our friends who were competing!  Next year I hope to see more of you down there giving those Sydney dancers a run for their money!

Well done everyone,

Shaw & Tia
www.brisbanesalsa.com.au