DanceSport Sri Lanka In Step To Break Into Olympics
The 02nd anniversary celebrations of DanceSport Sri Lanka was held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. The launch of their website was also held during this event.
Dancesport – competitive ballroom dancing as contrasted to social or exhibition dancing. In the case of Para Dancesport – at least one of the dances will have to be on a wheelchair.
It is documented that the first unofficial world championship took place in 1909 & the first formation team was presented in 1932. The International Council of Amateur Dancers was formed in Wiesbaden, Germany as far back as 1957. The name change to International Dancesport Federation was effected in 1990. Now it is the World Dancesport Federation since 2011. Dancesport was first broadcast on television in 1960.
The current best in the business are the Russians, with the Americans not far behind. Europe is the most popular for this pulsating sport. In Paris, France in 2024, Dancesport will be one of 04 new disciplines up for medals. Breaking is the style to be in focus. There are 94 national member organisations as at present, with Sri Lanka moving to get their membership in the near future. First the national recognition will have to be obtained by the relevant authorities. The Associate Members have been recognised since 1995 & Para Dancesport was recognised since 2008.
The Chief Guest invited was Amal Edirisooriya, Director General, Department of Sports Development. Participating as the Guest of Honour was Zhang Hong, Managing Director – Fortune Entertainment, the sole sponsor of the event. Also attending was Maxwell De Silva – Secretary General, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka & Kamal Munasinghe – General Manager, Cinnamon Grand – Colombo the venue partner. Among the others present were Malinga Fernando – President, Gamini Jayasinghe – Vice President, International Relations who was the Chief Organiser of the function,uGobinath Sivarajah – Secretary, Kevin Nugara – Director, Development as the most achieved / decorated dancer in the country & now an adjudicator of international competitions – all from DanceSport Sri Lanka.
El Latino Dance Academy, CJ’s Dance Lab, Cypher of Culture & Island Stompers performed during the proceedings. With assurances from the State & Olympic officials & assisted by various other stakeholders, Dancesport is bound to gain much needed popularity & recognition islandwide. Sri Lanka is a nation with many different dance forms associated with culture, religious functions, entertainment, social gatherings & fun for all.
Photos courtesy ThePapare.com