Forrest Vance

Emerald Ball 2007

Professional Rhythm

by Forrest Vance
7 Time Undefeated U.S. Rhythm Champion

Well, with over 10,000 entries, the Emerald Ball was packed full of exciting dancing for four very full days.

On Saturday night was the much anticipated Open Rhythm Category. 25 couples in all. Lots of “I wonder who will win.” We have heard the former champions Tony & Elena have retired. But with the partnership of Jose DeCamp & Johanna, and Julia Gorchekova returning with Emmanuel, the room was quite a stir. Well let’s first start with the semi-finalists who looked really nice and need mentioning.

Chris Suakjran & Alicia Richardson, fast – exiting and beautiful. This is a tall couple who can really put it out. Sometimes lacking strong finishes after a grouping of speedy and intricate choreography. 

Chris & Daisy Lynam – This couple is young, hot and sexy. Very nice and clear demonstration of everything. I feel the man needs more hip action and speed on turns. But definitely one of my favorite up and comings.

Gunner & Daryll Sverrisson. I hadn’t seen them in a while. Not quite as fast and exciting as I remembered, but we have a lot of new people out there. They are nice and clean and well groomed. But lacking a little in the wow section.

Jeremy Gatlin & Anna Harwood. Nice looking and fresh. I like their choreography and the fact that the man does many things to showcase him as well as her. Definitely finalist material.

Matthew & Karen Hauer. A beautiful Latin team. Handsome man and beautiful, exotic woman. Both are hot and sexy. I think they need to work on their basics and use of upper back to make themselves more finalist material weekly. But definitely got it going on.

Now to the finalists. All great and special which is hopefully what we are headed for. I like six different and unique couples staying completely with their own style and uniqueness.

In 6th – Michael Neil & Danielle Wilson. Handsome and beautiful veterans. Always on balance but sometimes lacking in the I am in your face impact. Sometimes leaving them overlooked. Need to be more fierce!

In 5th – Radomir Pasher & Silviya Renchava. Nice tall and powerful couple. I find the girl very exotic and powerful. I used to not like her feet – but they seem to have improved since their break to re-group. I find Radomir a little stiff in the upper back and hip region. He is very in your face and strong – but needs more rhythm in the body for me.

In 4th place – Decho Kraer & Brie Watson. This couple is also easy and free in their delivery. Always on balance. Brie is beautiful, sexy and quite flexible. I would like her to work on her facial expressions and delivery more. Can be a little dry facially. By the way, I preferred you a red head. Decho needs more attack with arms, face and upper body to the audience and partner.

In 3rd place – Evgeny Dyachenko & Inna Ivenenko. Nice easy movement, a great presentation. Sometimes Evgeny throws his lines away not finishing with strength. Inna always beautiful. Should concentrate on speed and moves that show her attributes off. Some of the choreography doesn’t suit her. But they are very strong Top 3.

In 2nd place – Emmanuel & Julia. After just returning from retirement, Julia looked great. Nothing changed from the Julia we know and love. And Emmanuel the same. Well groomed, connected and rhythmical. I think the problem was this. I think everyone thought Julia would re-invent and come back with a new look and style. But she didn’t. She came back with a new guy but the same look and style. Maybe we should think about re-inventing and make a new and more special couple. But what they did was great.

In 1st place and the champions – Felipe & Carlina Telona. Beautiful, sexy, handsome, fast and exiting. They were on tonight from the 1st round. I have always liked them as dancers but wanted more from their choreography. I think they are on the right track! Keep the ball rolling. This could be a very exciting year for our new CHAMPIONS!

I hope you readers and competitors find this informative.

As a former champion, I always appreciated the wonderful things and the constructive things so I could grow to become special, different and controversial. I like uniqueness in all. Remember a good dancer and teacher should want to be different and special. Keep your own style and know what your assets are and capitalize on that. We as judges want our job to be hard that on a given night any one of the top 6 could win.

So keep working hard and become the music. You’ll never be beat!

Forrest Vance
Scottsdale, Arizona
7 Time Undefeated U.S. Rhythm Champion
www.forrestvance.com