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2011 Six Degrees Salsa Competition Latest News
Wed. 6 April. It was a race with a lot of lifts, turns and twists last night at the 2011 Six Degrees of $10,000 Salsa Competition.
Two classes, Amateur and Professional put out their very best in their attempt to win either the $7,000 professional first prize, $3,000 professional second prize $1,000 professional third prize. Or Top Toronto couple winning a Denise Hernandez/Moreno Travel package and a dance on stage at the May Oscar de Leon concert.
The question on everyone's minds was whether defending champions Montreal's Victor & Katia would make it two years in a row. The couples from Mexico David & Paulina, Ernesto & Maritza were within reach, based on the semi-final round.
The Judges
Seven judges with sharpened pencils intently watched the stage. Toronto Ballroom instructor Juan Alberto who has choreographed Cirque de Soleil tricks and lifts; Giovanni Torres, a long time Toronto salsa instructor turned DJ; DanceTo Live Paula Videla-Rodriguez who worked with SYTYCD Canada Season 1 winner Miles Faber; Vanessa Trujillo, long time salsa and fitness instructor; and City Dance Corps Tina whose dance company has trained actors for dancing parts in professional Mirvish dance productions took their places. Miami's Renowned Latin Hustle and Salsa Champions and performers/choreographers Katie & Billy rounded off the judging panel.
All of the competitors rouines had to run within a 1:45-2:00 window. With 12 couples competing, things would be moving quickly.
Competition organizer Jennifer Aucoin and San Tropez founder and Montreal Salsa Convention founder Sonia briskly MC'd the evening. Jennifer noted the professional quality costumes the amateurs were to perform in. With virtually no delay, the competition started. With the small stage, the couples warmed up to the same song, three at a time. Then it began.
The Amateur Contestants
Six couples: 281 - Johnny & Jenny; 282 - Ellie & Vic; 283 - Leon & Libra; 284 - Roberto & Lauren; 285 - Sumeet & Crystal; 286 - Andrew & Chantal took the stage, one right after another with a choreographed piece.
The crowd warmed up to the two minute shows and cheered on their favourites. In a flash, it was over. MCs Jennifer Aucoin and Sonia then introduced the professional couples, who took the stage in two groups of three for their warm-up. By co-incidence the organizers selected the tune that SalsaTO's Mike & Sharon choreographed and performed in 2009.
The Professional Contestants
Six couples: 291 - Albert Gomez & Alex; 292 - Steven & Jena; 293 - Evens & Monica; 294 - David & Paulina; 295 - Ernesto & Maritza; 296 - Victor & Katia warmed up and then one after another...
Albert & Alex left the crowd spellbound with a display of aerials seldom seen on a stage anywhere and they roared with delight with the Cali footwork in a short solo section.
Steven & Jena put in a solid performance of styling and turn patterns. David & Paulina astounded the crowd with a pair of figure skating twizzle turns so close together it seemed they were one.
Leaving the crowd breathless and looking for more, the last couple left the stage, and the judges retired to a back room, tasked with determining who would win that $7,000.
The Results
Some 50 minutes later, Jennifer and Sonia returned to the stage and re-introduced the six amateur couples.
From six to one, Jennifer called the couples out one by one, with a different judge giving them their prize, their recognition for the hard work and the courage needed to compete.
Amateur
Sixth - 283 Leon & Libra 317.3; Fifth - 281 Johnny & Jenny 337.4; Fourth - 282 Ellie & Vic; Third - 286 Andrew & Chantel 355.4; Second 285 - Sumeet & Crystal 375; and First 284 - Roberto & Lauren 392.
Professional
Sixth - 291 Albert & Alex 353.9; Fifth - Steven & Jena 385.2; Fourth - 293 Evens & Monica 416.9; Third - 295 Ernesto & Maritza 425.7; Second - 296 Victor & Katia 434.5; First - 294 David & Paulina 448.7.
The crowd started singing Mexican anthems after second place was announced.
Jennifer did announce that the Canada Salsa Congress is featuring a Salsa, Bachata and Latin Hustle competition.
Wed. 30 March. $10,000 of Salsa Competition is reaching across all of North America. Dancers from Canada, The United States, Mexico turned up Tuesday 29 March for a chance to win some of that $10,000 at the Semi Final Round of the 2011 Six Degrees Salsa Competition.
Five couples: Evens & Monica - Montreal; David & Paulina - Mexico; defending 2010 Six Degrees Salsa Competition Champion Victor & Katia - Montreal; Ernesto & Maritza - Mexico; Marc & Sarah - Detroit arrived from points all over North America to "late qualify" or LQ for four spots in the semi-final round. Those advancing would have to perform/compete twice in the same evening to DJ selected music - once in the LQ and once in the semi-final round. Add an extra challenge for Mexico's Pauline who stepped off an airplane some time around 8:00pm. Tuesday evening.
Two judges, Giovanni Torres and City Dance Corps Tina took on the unenviable task of judging the LQ round with these intrepid travelling pairs.
A short half hour later, the results flashed across the big screens and the four LQ couples advancing to the semi-final round were announced.
Evens & Monica - Montreal; David & Paulina - Mexico; defending 2010 Six Degrees Salsa Competition Champion Victor & Katia - Montreal; Ernesto & Maritza - Mexico would take their places with four Toronto couples - Steven & Jena; Albert & Alexandra; Jayna & Zaida; Henry & Kyra in the semi-final round.
Five judges with sharpened pencils and fresh paper marked, evaluated and scored the Semi Final Eight. Toronto Ballroom instructor Juan Alberto who has choreographed Cirque de Soleil tricks and lifts; Giovanni Torres, a long time Toronto salsa instructor turned DJ; Paula Videla-Rodriguez who worked with SYTYCD Canada Season 1 winner Miles Faber; Vanessa Trujillo, long time salsa and fitness instructor; and City Dance Corps Tina whose dance company has trained actors for dancing parts in professional Mirvish dance productions took their places.
MC Angus Dirnbeck, an iFreeStyle.ca co-founder, instructor and onetime performer kept the night moving with very light banter and entertaining anecdotes.
Courtesy of Angus, now we know that Montreal's very polished Victor is the owner of that "Colgate" smile.
One after the other, each couple took the somewhat constrained Six Degrees stage and put it all out for the judges.
The crowd was treated to slick turn patterns, polished by years of experience and training. Death defying spectacular lifts and aerials stunned the crowd, all done to music not selected or choreographed by the couples. They really did work that music, pushing hard for a spot in the Final Round and a chance to win some of that $10,000.
In a blink it was over and the judges retired to tally scores.
Competition organizer and chief scrutineer Steps' Dance Studio founder Jennifer Aucoin took the stage with all of competing couples and announced the Final Round. Scores are not carried over from round to round, so the Finals start with a 'clean slate.'
From sixth place to first place, which determines final round order, the Final Round participants are: Toronto's Strickly Salsa's Albert Gomez and SYTYCD Canda Top 40 / Lady Ga Ga stage dancer Alexandra; Toronto's Dance To Live's Steven & Jena; Montreal's Evens & Monica; Mexico's David & Paulina; Mexico's Ernesto & Maritza; Montreal's and 2010 Defending Champion Victor & Katia.
The Professionals will join the Amateur Finalists Andrew & Chantel(244.0/300); Sumeet & Crystal; Roberto & Lauren (229.9/300); Leon & Libra (227.9/300); Ellie[Mardi] & Vic(220.8/300; Johnny & Jenny(211.6/300) Tuesday 5 April.
Book Tuesday 5 April at Six Degrees to see the Amateur and the Professional couples compete for $10,000+ of cash and prizes put out by the 2011 Six Degrees Salsa Competition. Judges will include Miami's Renowned Latin Hustle and Salsa Champions and performers/choreographers Katie & Billy.
Competition and Championship week continues. Renowned Latin Hustle and Salsa Champions and performers/choreographers Katie & Billy will be teaching workshops Thursday 7 April at the Six Degrees Latin Hustle - Swing - Salsa Party and Friday 8 April at Steps' Dance studio. Details on SalsaTO.ca's Events page.
And, 6:00-8:00pm. Tuesday 5 April, before the Six Degrees Competition, Mexico's competitors David & Paulina will be running two salsa turn pattern workshops at trainer and supplement specialist Roland Semprie's Rosedale Studio 1073 Yonge Street, Suite 200. Sneak a peek of
David & Paulina.
Tues. 29 March. Looks like even some Toronto Salsa Instructors are cheering on the Mexican champions as favourites in tonight's Professional Division Semi-Finals. No faith in our own - it seems? Don't write off Bong or Albert Gomez just yet. Fun starts 10:15pm. Get there early.
Mon. 28 March. Out of Town qualifiers start at 10:15pm. Don't be disappointed. Arrive early.
This in from Alexandra via Facebook.com, "Today so far: broke a light practicing a lift, broke the heel of my shoe dancing... and Booked a gig. :) not bad for only 3pm."
Looks like we will be in for the night of our lives at the Professional Couples' Semi Finals!
Tuesday 29 March, Mexicans David Zepeda and Paulina Posada Dagio, apparent Canadian Championship for the World Latin Dance Cup Champions are competing in the Six Degrees 2nd Salsa Competition - Pro category. This is going to be a night not to be missed.
Professional couple class competitor Strickly Salsa's Albert Gomez is full of surprises, and 2011 is no exception. Albert's partner for the 2011 Six Degrees Salsa Competition is Alexandra Crenian, a So You Think You Can Dance Canada -SYTYCD Canada - Season 3 Top 40. Alexandra is also the girlfriend of Miles Faber, SYTYCD Canada Season 1 Winner.
Alexandra has considerable dance experience behind her, including a Summer 2009 Much Music Video Awards gig with Lady Ga Ga.
Albert Gomez is no complete stranger to SYTYCD Canada. One of his dancers, Natalli Reznik made it to Season 1 Top 4.
The Professional Semi-Finals Tuesday 29 April should be very very entertaining.
Thurs. 23 March. One after the other, Mardi & Vic; Hermes & Elena; Roberto & Lauren; Melissa & Lionel; Leon & Libra; Andrew & Chantel; Johnny & Jenny; Sumeet & Crystal; Kimberly & Lloyd put another two minutes of dance out there - hoping to make the final six.
Angus Dirnbeck MC'd the evening, and introduced the five semi-final round judges.
Dance to Live's Dance to Live; Los Salsomanos Giovanni; Love to Dance Juan Alberto; iFreeStyle Caryl; Karen Trujillo; had their work cut out.
Up to this point starting order was random. Now, the semi-final scores determine order for the finals. The 2011 Six Degrees of $10,000 Salsa Competition Amateur Finalists are: Andrew & Chantel(244.0/300); Sumeet & Crystal; Roberto & Lauren (229.9/300); Leon & Libra (227.9/300); Ellie[Mardi] & Vic(220.8/300; Johnny & Jenny(211.6/300).
Wed. 9 March. Word is getting out there. Six amateur couples turned out Tuesday night for the Six Degrees $10,000 of Salsa Competition.
And there were some surprises too.
The couples who threw their hats into the ring - literally as the 'stage' is two circles from the spotlights were: Leonardo & Linda; Kimberly & Lloyd; Leon & Libra; Katie & Rainero; Rob & Lauren; Melissa & Lionel.
Judges for Tuesday's Round Three were City Dance Corps' Tina and Latin Energy's Vanesa.
The couples advancing to the Semi-Final Round are: Leonardo & Linda; Leon & Libra; Rob & Lauren; Melissa & Lionel.
Tuesday 15 March is the the day of the last round of Preliminaries before the Semi-Final Round. So, it isn't too late to enter Canada's richest Salsa Competition. Didn't make it the first time around? Tuesday 15 March is your last chance to try and make the semi-final round.
Throw you hat into
jennifer@stepsdancestudio.com email ring for the last round of preliminaries.
Sun. 6 March. Round 2 People pix posted.
Did you know that Dance to Live's Paula worked So You Think You Can Dance - Canada Season One's winner Nico's partnerwork skills to championship standards over just one summer?
Thurs. 3 March. Round 2 Competition pix posted.
Competitors who did not make the semi-finals during Round Two can try again in Rounds Three and Four.
Wed. 2 March. Competition pix are coming!
Round Two of the 2nd Six Degrees of $10,000 Salsa Competition saw two amateur Couples and two Professional couples advance to the semi-final round.
Amateur couples advancing are Kunal & Samantha and Ellie & Vic.
Professional couples advancing are Edgar & Lauren and Steven & Jena.
Round Two of the preliminaries was judged by Dance to Live's Paula and Latin Energy's Vanesa.
$$$$ and competition bragging rights are getting them out of the woodwork. Four amateur couples and three professional couples turned up to show their stuff Tuesday for Preliminaries Round Two.
The amateurs who competed in Round Two are: Katie & Rainero; Kunal & Samantha; Ellie & Vic; Leon & Libra.
The professionals who competed in Round Two are: Edgar & Lauren; Jason & Jayna; Steven & Jena.
Chief Judge and Scrutineer Steps Dance Studio's Jennifer Aucoin announced that the top ranking Toronto couple will be dancing on stage with the legendary musician Oscar de Leon in his May 2011 Mississauga, Ontario concert.
And, the judging panel for the April Final round include Miami's Katie & Billie and New York City's Nelson Flores.
Wed. 23 Feb. Round One of the 2nd Six Degrees of $10,000 Salsa Competition saw three amateur couples and two professional couples advance to the semi-final round.
Amateur couples are Johnny & Jenny; Sumeet & Crystal; Andrew & Chantal.
Professional couples are Bong & Irena; Albert J. Gomez & Alexandra.
Round One of the Preliminaries was judged by iFreeStyle Caryl and Dance to Live's Jose.
Wed. 16 Feb. There is still time to enter Canada's richest salsa competition. And Toronto people, now's your chance to keep that $7000 first prize in Toronto.
And, this just in from chief judge Steps Dance Studio Jennifer Aucoin,
"There are still some spots to enter but it is getting busy!!! We already have 6 couples for the first preliminary round.
And,
Katie & Billie from Miami will be on the judging panel for the finals.
2010 Amateur Couple - Results!
The judges decided, after witnessing an outrageously slick and strong performance beyond their years, that the future is with youth. Briia & Sergio, long time Latin Groove Productions Oscar students took first place with 477 points. A trip courtesy of Denise Hernandez and Moreno Travel is theirs!
The standings continued: Second Place - Kevin & Thalia; Third Place - Iana & Roberto; Fourth Place 358 Points - Rodrigo & Bianca; Fifth Place 358.5 points - Leon & Luda; Sixth Place 352.5 points Salineh & Alberto; Seventh Place 337 points - Carmela & Milo.
2010 Professional Couple - Results!
When the dust settled and the numbers tallied, the couples who made the fewest errors and who were stayed with well rehearsed plans won. The 6 Degrees Toronto Salsa Competition Winner's list is below.
First Place 503 points - Montreal's Victor & Katia; Second Place - Steven & Tania; Third Place 451 Points - Montreal's Evens & France; Fourth Place 418 Points - Albert & Lauren; Fifth Place 411 Points = Orlando & Mira; Sixth Place 410 Points - Bong & Irina; Seventh Place - Java & Patience.
The Judges
Chief judge and scrutineer, Steps Dance Studio's Jennifer Aucoin introduced the seven judges then stepped back and let iFreeStyle.ca's Angus act as the elegant MC for the evening. The judges panel Tuesday night included in no particular order: long time instructor, choreographer and sometime DJ Giovanni Torres; Dance to Live's Paula Vidella-Rodrigues; Cuban trained dancer and instructor Ana Machado; Karen Trujillo; iFreeStyle.ca's Caryl; Ballroom and Tango expert and salsa instructor Elizabeth Sadowska; Ballroom dancer and Blackpool competitor Juan Alberto; Ballroom competitor, choreographer and So You Think You Can Dance Canada / SYTYCD Canada head judge Jean-Marc Genereux.
A competition is like a war. The best plans go right out the window with the first shot, or in this case the first note. The one who makes the fewest mistakes wins. Tuesday night's competition was no different than a war. The competitors who stayed with well worked strengths rose to the top, while some of the other competitors who tried to 'shoot for the moon' with new and possibly unfamiliar material missed the moon and settled for a place.
2011 Six Degrees Salsa Competition Is A Go!
Want to win next year? Eat your Cornflakes and start now. Jennifer Aucoin announced to a cheering crowd that 6 Degrees is running a 2011 Salsa Competition and has upped the ante, cementing their place as Canada's richest salsa competition.
The $10,000 Degrees of Competition splits $7000 with first place; $2000 with second place and $1000 for third place professional couples.
Here are the 2010 Six Degrees Salsa Competition Photos & Standings