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2011 Australian DanceSport Championship 

Melbourne, December 8 - 11

This year the Australian DanceSport Championships featured next to the usual events the WDSF Asia Pacific DanceSport Championships.

International events not only attract International competitors, but bring many distinguished adjudicators from all over the world to Australia. The representative for Australia on the Asia Pacific adjudicator panel was none other than Madeleine Zoanetti.

Next to the representatives from the Asia Pacific region, the filed sported a number of top international athletes. A total of 18 different countries were represented at this year’s events.

Julian Tocker & Annalisa Zoanettti
Adult Open Latin Vice-Champions

In the Amateur Standard field were Emanuel Valeri & Tania Kehlet from Denmark, the current World Champions, Björn Bitsch & Ashli Williamson from Denmark, the current World Ten Dance Champions and Markus & Mariia Hirvonen from Finland.

In the WDSF Open Latin were next to many of the Asia Pacific competitors couples from Italy and of course our very own Annalisa Zoanetti & Julian Tocker, representing Ireland. This was a fantastic performance by Annalisa & Julian, earning them a well-deserved vice-champion title.

Representing South Australia in the WDSF Open Latin were Chris Gruber & Naomi Bailey, Clint Fiedler & Leanne Tassone and David Placentino & Amy Goreham, all from Team Emporio!

Photo right: Chris Gruber & Naomi Bailey
Adult Open Latin

Congratulation goes to Chris Davies & Sharon Cooper for winning the Masters II Level 3 Latin event.

It is great to see that the Masters II Latin is enjoying an increase in competitor numbers and this was an excellent effort from Chris & Sharon.

Photo left: Chris Davies & Sharon Cooper
Winners Masters II Level 3 Latin

Another highlight was Tony Romano & Cathy Caputo placing 3rd in the Masters I Open Latin against some very strong competition.

It was good to see them backing up their 3rd placing at the National Capital DanceSport Championships in Canberra earlier in the year. Fantastic performance and a well-deserved result.

Photo right: Tony Romano & Cathy Caputo
Masters I Open Latin Final

One of the most remarkable and inspiring achievements would have to be David & Leanne Amos making the final of the Masters I Open New Vogue after a very challenging year.

True champions and Leanne – you’re a legend!

Photo left: David & Leanne Amos
Masters I Open New Vogue Final

Also making the final in their respective events were:

• Jim & Irene Stevens, 3rd in the Masters II Open Latin 
• Neal McLaughlan & Kris White, 5th in the Masters II Open Latin 
• Goabaone Molelekwa & Lauren Weber, 3rd in the Adult Level 2 Latin 
• Chris Gruber & Mary Mears, placing 5th in the Masters I Level 3 Standard. 
• Santo Schembri & Nadine Romanova, 3rd in the Masters II Level 1 New Vogue 
• Santo Schembri & Nadine Romanova, 4th in the Masters II Level 1 Latin 
• Santo Schembri & Nadine Romanova, 4th in the Masters II Level 1 Standard 
• Kassie Naicker/Naumee Naicker 5th in Masters I Level 3 New Vogue 
• Kassie Naicker/Naumee Naicker 3rd in Masters I Level 4 Latin 
• Stephen Carthew & Julie Bennetts, 5th in the Masters II Level 1 New Vogue 
• Stephen Carthew & Julie Bennetts, 2nd in the Masters II Level 1 Latin 
• Stephen Carthew & Julie Bennetts, 3rd in the Masters II Level 2 Latin 

On a personal note I would like to thank Mary Mears for a short, but wonderful partnership in the Masters I Standard.

It was a fantastic experience and making the final of the Masters I Level 3 Standard will be something I always cherish. 

Photo right: Chris Gruber & Mary Mears
Masters I Level 3 Standard Final

For a complete list of results check the ADS website.

Check out DanceSportPhoto.net for more photos. 

Chris Gruber