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2009 Australian DanceSport Championship

Melbourne, December 11 - 13

It was that time of the year again, when all the Australian, and some international, competitors headed to Melbourne for the annual Australian DanceSport Championships.

Up for grabs were, next to bragging rights, the right to represent Australia in the 2010 IDSF World Championships. This right usual goes to first and second place getters.

Team Emporio was out in force and we had three days packed full of dancing, covering all age and skill groups. A big thank you also to our support crew, who did a fantastic job of cheering on all the couples.

Cale Amos & Monique Pisaniello again one of our biggest stars, winning the Juvenile Level 1 Standard – well done to our Australian Champions!

They were also finalists in the Level 1 and Level 2 New Vogue as well as the Level 2 Latin.

Competing in all three styles, they had a very busy day that went from early morning to late evening - you guys are awesome! 

David & Leanne Amos were out to make their mark in the Masters I Open New Vogue.

It was a tight race to the finish, with David & Leanne bringing home 2nd place, an excellent result.

Chris Davies & Gail Sprott made the podium in the Masters I Level 1 Latin, placing 3rd and also made the Masters I Level 1 New Vogue final – great show!

Also making the finals were Neale McLauchlan & Kris White. In their first Aussies appearance, they made the final in the Masters I Level 1 and Level 2 Latin, placing 4th in both events.

On the Sunday, all eyes were on Annalisa Zoanetti & Julian Tocker.

They only started dancing together 4 months ago and danced their way into the semi-final of the IDSF International Open Latin, narrowly missing out on the final by placing 8th.

Annalisa & Julian are based in London and represent Ireland. Julian is actually from New Zealand, but seems to have more passports than James Bond.

Congratulations to all the couples that danced and well done to everyone. It takes great commitment and dedication to make a successful dance partnership and The Emporio is very proud of all the couples.

Joel Amos & Bianca Lazar
Philip Alvaro & Heather Forbes
Evan Sutherland & Claire Kelly
Chris Gruber & Andrea Robertson
Andrew Kennedy & Mary Mears
Oryst & Janet Tkacz
Brenton Hillard & Karen Bollenhagen
Brenton Hillard & Giselle West
Graham Riley & Fay Reid

There are photos in the photo gallery from the event as well as from the “Night to Remember” Masked Ball.

As always, there are plenty of photos on dancesportphoto.net

Chris Gruber