Two Premières

There were two novelties at this year's Tokyo Open, which happened to be the 19th edition of this very traditional event. Breaking (locking, popping and much more) was presented by a crew of B-Boys/Girls during the Opening Ceremony at the Metropolitan Gymnasium, that was once again packed with some 7,000 spectators. Very appropriate as the Japan DanceSport Federation is seriously conisdering to host next year's Junior World Championship in Breaking, the final qualifier for the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympics in this DanceSport discipline.

Another important première involved the WDSF Judging System for Latin and Standard. A new version - 3.0 - was used for the first time in competition at the two World Opens that were held during the Tokyo Open. According to the chairman and the scrutineer, the final field test prior to the GrandSlam Helsinki was a total success, with the adjudicators being appreciative of the new features, and with the couples providing their valuable input as well. More about the JUDSYS 3.0 later this week.

In addition to the World Opens in Latin and Standard, the organisers included a WDSF PD GrandPrix Standard in the line-up of competitions as well. 36 couples entered!

Published on 13 March 2017