News From Singapore

Anthony Hurley November 19, 2013 I have just returned home from Singapore where I was officiating at the third Freedom to Dance Singapore Open Championships. I am delighted to report another resounding success. This year the event returned to the Suntec International Convention Centre that has recently undergone a multi million dollar renovation. John & Josephine Tan must have been delighted with the increase in entries, competitors from nineteen countries made an interesting, colourful and a very long hard working day for the thirty one adjudicators. who worked in two ballrooms for the day session. The main hall was transformed for the Gala evening with the tables beautifully set for 850 people who enjoyed the multi course dinner whilst enjoying the semi finals and finals of the main events. With the addition of the standing non diners the hall was packed, the atmosphere was electric and all the competitors reacted wonderfully producing the very best dancing of the day. The enthusiastic audience were also treated to two wonderful demonstrations by Emanuele Soldi & Elisa Nasato who treated us with a super latin American show their Paso Doble for me was the highlight and judging from the audiences reaction they thought the same. The ballroom show was by Victor Fung & Anastasia Muravyeva, their musicality and softness was the talking point from all those who enjoy pure ballroom dancing a great lesson to all aspiring dancers. To organise such a mammoth day without any apparent hitches on the day is due to the very hard working committee and the boundless energy of John & Josephine who have already announced that there will definitely be a fourth Freedom to Dance Singapore Open in 2014. Watch out for the advertising previews and put the date in your dairies. Finally a big thank you to the sponsors for once again supporting this rapidly growing international championship.Their faith in our art and the Freedom to dance movement will ensure that dancers from all over the world can meet and compete in beautiful Singapore.