XS Latin started its 2017 campaign by taking both the A and B teams to the ThyGer Dance Gala in Emsdetten, Germany. Sixteen teams were entered for the competition but a late withdrawal from one German team meant that fifteen formations took to the floor to compete for the title.
XS Latin B was debuting its new routine, The Planets. With original music by Tom Hunt, the team had done a remarkable job of preparing their new programme in their shortest timescale ever – four months from the first rehearsal to the competition. Lots of hard work resulted in a very pleasing opening outing for the routine, which promises to be the team’s most challenging and exciting yet. Unfortunately, the team did not qualify for the eleven teams selected to dance in the semi final.
Having made changes to their Wicked programme since the 2016 World Championships, XS Latin A were looking forward to getting back onto the competition floor. A solid first round was followed by an outstanding semi final performance, which the crowd responded to very enthusiastically. With World Championship semi finalists DSV Dance Impression and Double V from the Netherlands in the field, along with hosts Emsdetten A, Gross-Gerau A team, and the ever competitive FCP Perchtoldsdorf from Austria, the final promised to be a very competitive affair. The crowd were very supportive of all teams and after some very good performances all round, XS Latin were delighted to win the silver medal after a close contest for the gold with DSV Dance Impression, which resulted in the Dutch team deservedly winning by three judges to two. Former World Championship finalists Double V put in an ever reliable performance of their Citius Altius Fortius routine to sneak the bronze medal ahead of Emsdetten A.
XS Latin’s performance of Wicked at the competition can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es2iKnyXw4Y&t
Full results of the final were:
- DSV Dance Impression (1 2 2 2 1)
- XS Latin Cambridge A Team (2 1 6 1 2)
- Double V A Team (4 3 1 4 3)
- TSC Emsdetten A Team (3 4 4 3 4)
- FCP Perchtoldsdorf (5 5 3 5 5)
- BSG Gross-Gerau A Team (6 6 5 6 6)
XS Latin would like to thank the hosts for the wonderful organisation of the competition, all the supporters and other teams for the excellent, supportive atmosphere and Ballroom Bling for their continued sponsorship of the A team.