"Rumba Rambler" freelance sports editor Ceridwen was at this Season's Pan-Athenian Dance Championships and writes this exclusive report for the "Greecian Gazette"!
The Pan-Athenian Dance Championship was one of the most interesting and inspiring events, I have seen in the last years. The first class 15 x 23m parquet floor - World Dance Federation approved - was especially transferred from the Schleyerhalle in Stuttgart, Germany to Rumba in Ancient Greece.
The organisation was excellent, the performances of the top couples - especially in the final round – could not have been exceeded and the music from the orchestra was optimal and championship-like. And it was a real fashion show for the competition dresses of the ladies, with wonderful colour combinations and elegance. With an absolutely convincing performance by all the competitors, 2000 fans in the hall and millions in front of the TV - screens at home all over the known world were enthused.
Very impressive was the level of the newcomer Hercules. It showed the enormous work, which he and his partner Althea had done during the last few days together with their personal trainer and coach, Widow Twanky.
Moria, many years a reporter of big international competitions for the conservative Newspaper The Greek Times, very critically but positively realized that with Hercules, a trend-setter had rushed to the top of the international dancing scene, who will certainly influence the development of this sport very positively.
Dynamically and ready to attack the demi-god and his partner Althea danced from round to round towards a possible victory, and the masses of Greek fans in the hall, waving their little flags and lights seemed to propel the couple even further.
Hercules and Althea played with the music. They developed a flair, which impressed everybody. Hercules and Althea were in top form. They seemed to have prepared themselves for this competition very carefully and danced outstandingly over all rounds with the belief to make it - and they did. Dynamic and ready to attack In my opinion Hercules and Althea had deserved this triumph.
Even when it was the Sumerian judge, who did not like their interpretation of the Samba, they did not give up, showed that they are fair sportsmen, went on with a very hard training and finally there was the result. And this time in such a convincing manner, that there was no other chance for the judges.
Hercules and Althea were the stars from the very beginning of the first round when they entered the parquet in the Dance Hall of Rumba.
We asked them for their future plans, to which they answered very diplomatically "We haven't made any plans yet. But it is not impossible, that we'll be back to defend our title next year."
We all can only hope!