A VERY SMALL, but appreciative audience turned out at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Complex last Saturday to witness the best of Latin dance at Strictly Latin 2014.
It was a joy to see youngsters from ages four and up strutting confidently onto the floor to display their expertise in dance expressions such as the cha cha, rumba, samba, jive and paso doble.
The tots and teens got loud applause, but it was the more mature categories the crowd was waiting for. They provided a competitive atmosphere as each couple tried to outdo the other in movements and flashy costumes.
Returning to the dance floor after a three-year hiatus was Daana Linton with new partner Glenford DeFreitas.
They trumped the competition, winning the prestigious Adult Advanced and the Adult Open (four dances) in their first ever appearance as a dancing duo when the announcements were made minutes after midnight.
They thrilled the upbeat audience with their moves, Linton moving like the pro she is, and DeFreitas happy to lead. It was a delight to see them both.
Kamar Beckles and Keisha Cordieu, the darlings of the dance floor, had to settle for second places in both categories, and they now seem to have been put to sidelines, making way for two new champions.
The over five-hour event had its high and low points. The numbers of the audience and dancers were at the lowest they have been in years and some of the choreography was flat and low keyed. (NS)
