Asia Dance Channel

7^th Crystal Dancesport Championship 2009
In Aid of Persatuan Kanank-Kanak Istimewa (PKKI) Children Disabilities Day Training Centre
30 August 2009
Grand Ballroom, Shangri-la Hotel

By Jonathan Chu

“Dancers, ready?” The charismatic emcee asked the dancers as they prepared themselves for what is coming. Without hesitation, the emcee continued, “The quick step.”

And you know the rest. The music resounded within the large hall of the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-la Hotel as the dancers caught their beat and burst into dances. Twirled they did about the dance floor, occasionally breaking into a rather fast set of moves, just as the name of dance implies – the quick step. All these because of the hope to impress the adjudicators who stood by to scrutinize each step the dancers took.

Of course, this very successful dance championship did not restrict itself to just the dancers; the spectators participated. Every now and then, when a popular couple presents itself at the dance floor with poised poses and smiles, the crowd would burst into a roar, calling out their numbers or cheering good wishes - such an encouraging scene, such an entertaining crowd.

Needless to say, The 7^th Crystal Dancesport Championships 2009 was a resounding success. Well attended by more than 1200 guests, this event topped the previous records in terms of participating numbers as it had 310 couples (620 dancers). What more, it was graced by the presence of Y.B. Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. Among the other VIP guests was Dato’ Sieh Kok Chi, Secretary of the Olympic Council of Malaysia.

There was much excitement going on even outside the hall as contestants prepared themselves for the competition. Some talk, some were fidgety, some sat quietly, some chose to observe the crowd around them, and some pranced about while some started dancing. Within the hall, everyone was cheery. Some were observing the dancers, some talking amongst themselves, some cheering, and some eating.

With vigor and stamina the dancers moved. Gracefully, they twirled around the dance floor, each trying to showcase their best moves, each flaunting their dresses, each trying to top each other. Yet, among the many participants, two dancers whose names were Puttipong Sahaifa and Sutatip Bunwilai managed to capture my attention with their very sensational facial expressions, especially when the tangos hit the hall with the beats (I even felt like dancing). Poised, these two talented and aspiring Thai dancers bring to the competition a whole new game. Each of their moves was filled with sensation and vigor. One has to also admit that expressions are not the only thing they bring to the competition; their dancing skills were seemingly flawless too (especially for a non-dancer like me).

Success does not just stop here. The next event, 8^th Crystal Dancesport Championships will be organized as a three-day Dance Festival with workshops and lectures conducted by the top World Coaches on Standard and Latin disciplines for the benefit of dancers in this Asian Region. So, watch out for the event; it’s going to be great.