The 14th Annual World Salsa Competition at the world famous Mayan nightclub has just ended, crowning this year’s amateur and pro champions. I judged the amateur finals and the professional semi-finals this year, and was pleased to see the dancers in both divisions were some of the best I’ve seen in the four years of judging this event. Over the years the competitors have become stronger, and more aware of the total package of great technique, costuming and choreography.
One of the unique entries this year was the first time that a same sex couple entered, and won, the competition. Eli Torres and Yen Dorado stunned the crowd with their amazing technicality and precision. This was the first time I’d seen this partnership, and was impressed with the completeness of their performance package. Musicality and partnering were clearly quite above the other competitors. Eli’s turning ability is certainly to be admired and is clearly one of his trademarks. He pulled off multiple and complex turning sequences with such speed, stopping effortlessly on a dime. Of course making this level of dancing look so easy is not something one can do alone. Eli’s showstopping abilities were displayed so well thanks to great partnering from leader, Yen Dorado.
UPDATED: Yen Dorado passed away November 9th, 2010. The salsa community has surely lost a bright star in his passing.
Taking second place were Liz Lira and Christian Oveido. These two are veterans for the LA salsa scene and I’ve seen them both with other partners in the past. This pairing is the best I’ve seen from both of them. Liz’s signature style showcases her ballet training and creative use of her contortion abilities. Christian is a strong and masculine partner, which contrasts well with Liz’s femininity. They did have some missteps and were not as seamless as the winners. I hope they continue to develop their partnership, as it looks very promising.
Congrats to the winners and all the runners-ups!
champs Eli Torres and Yen Dorado in their winning performance
Pro Division Results:
1st Eli Torres and Yen Dorado
2nd Liz Lira and Christian Oveido
3rd Shirley Amador and Luis Aguilar
Amateur Division Results:
1st Vicky Cruz and Antonio Jimenez
2nd Lindsay McCarthy and Eddie Sadiwa
3rd Allison Potter and Ismael Rodriguez
Check out the Mayan every Saturday for hot salsa dancing and live music.
—Melissa
With her husband Erik, they are the founders of DanceSport Place and have a passion to help dancesport competitors reach their dancing goals.
- Write your Dance: Improve your dancing through journaling - November 12, 2019
- The Difference Between Oversway and Throwaway: Ballroom Video Preview - June 8, 2018
- Principles of Movement: Ballroom Basics Video - September 21, 2016
