Emerald Ball 2013 - Part 2

The beauty and elegance of International Standard Ballroom

Just to get an idea in this blurry picture of the movement of these
youthful dancers: there is no pussy footing around

I told Yanna this was a most beautiful dress

Yanna, Anna Mae, Lucas, Marie & Paul

Rommel winning the hugest youth student award. 

This is the morning after. My head is not throbbing from the aftermath of the evening but I am still aching most everywhere. Still my muscles are beginning to relax knowing the most difficult thing I have to do is get to the airport, check in my luggage, and find my way to the gate at LAX. The Saturday evening competition offerred an amazing assortment of professional rhythm and International Standard talent. The speed and complexity of movement with perfect stop-and-go sequences of the rhythm dancers stood out as the almost impossible spectacle that is unimaginably hard to do. The flexibility of these young gifted dancers is also a spectacle in itself, especially as I sit in bed with aching muscles and joints reacting from the slightest movement. And the standard dancers were flowing peacefully and effortlessly across the ballroom dance floor like undisturbed waves in the ocean. Of course, the more difficult the dance, the easier it appears to the spectator. Contrast this sharply with the fractured movements and the bumper car look of the student dancers, especially in the less skilled categories. 

Last night was also awards night, and although most of the Divino Ritmo students did not win any awards in such a large competition, we were pleased when Marie Laderta was included as a top 20 student.  We were also delighted that Rommel won the male youth student award. 

I think everyone in the Divino Ritmo group enjoyed this competition immensely. I asked them to grade it from 1-10. Everyone graded it at least 8 and several gave it a perfect 10.  That is pretty impressive given the discerning nature of our group! 

More personal reflections to follow.