Unforgettable Night at the 13th Slovak Open Championship
The prestigious 13th Slovak Open Championship on November 30th in Šamorín, Slovakia, delivered an unforgettable evening featuring the 2024 WDSF PD World Championship Show Dance Latin and Standard. The event featured extraordinary performances, where couples from around the world used the power of dance to tell captivating stories. With choreography full of emotion and artistry, they created an unforgettable experience that resonated deeply with the audience.
PD World Championship Show Dance Latin Results
Ten couples from eight countries brought emotionally charged performances to the Latin division. Sergiu Maruster and Anastasia Stan from the Republic of Moldova were crowned champions with their compelling show, "Fighting Addiction - Chapter 1." France’s David Jutge and Tatiana Podgornaia earned the runners-up position with their poignant performance, "Domestic Violence," while Italy’s Nicola Leprai and Martina Restuccia took third place with their intricate show, "Yin Yang."
Final Results:
- 1st Place: Sergiu Maruster – Anastasia Stan ("Fighting Addiction - Chapter 1") – MDA
- 2nd Place: David Jutge – Tatiana Podgornaia ("Domestic Violence") – FRA
- 3rd Place: Nicola Leprai – Martina Restuccia ("Yin Yang") – ITA
- 4th Place: Giuseppe Rizzo – Jessica Pellegrino ("Beyond") – ITA
- 5th Place: Anatoly Kupchik – Julia Koliagina ("Voodoo Doll") – NIA
- 6th Place: Daniel Toth – Radka Britanakova ("Toxic Love (Forever Mad)") – SVK
PD World Championship Show Dance Standard Results
The Standard division brought another highlight to the Slovak Open Championship, with seven couples from five countries competing for the title. Matej Stec and Elena Popova from Slovakia delivered an inspiring performance with their show, "Once and for All," claiming the championship title. In a heartfelt moment after their victory, Peter Ivanic, President of the Slovak DanceSport Federation (SZTS), announced the retirement of Matej and Elena, marking an emotional conclusion to their illustrious careers.
WDSF athletes’ Nikita Anikeev and Elina Kokotova secured second place with their creative performance, "Nutcracker," while third place went to Czechia’s Vit Domorad and Simona Tejcova for their show, "Colors of Loneliness."
Final Results:
- 1st Place: Matej Stec – Elena Popova ("Once and for All") – SVK
- 2nd Place: Nikita Anikeev – Elina Kokotova ("Nutcracker") – NIA
- 3rd Place: Vit Domorad – Simona Tejcova ("Colors of Loneliness") – CZE
- 4th Place: Anatoly Kupchik – Julia Koliagina ("Office Worker") – NIA
- 5th Place: Ciccio Pecoraro – Jasmijn Pecoraro-van Jole ("Stillborn") – NED
An Evening of Triumph and Farewell
The 13th Slovak Open Championship proved to be a spectacular showcase of talent and creativity, in addition to a beautiful celebration of storytelling through dance, as competitors delivered emotionally charged routines that seamlessly combined athleticism and artistry—elements that are part of the very essence of our sport—and left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to witness them in person. The evening was marked by the triumphant farewell of Slovak champions Matej Stec and Elena Popova, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of dancers.
WDSF President Shawn Tay reflected on the events, stating:
“This championship exemplifies the power of storytelling through dance, where countless hours of training and preparation are beautifully condensed into performances that captivate and inspire. The passion and dedication displayed by these couples highlight the profound emotional connection our sport brings to audiences worldwide.”
Luckily, for those who didn’t have the chance to experience this magical spectacle live, the shows will soon be available on our YouTube channel—stay tuned for the opportunity to relive these breathtaking moments!
The WDSF extends its warmest congratulations to all finalists and expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Slovak DanceSport Federation (SZTS) for their exceptional organization of this prestigious event.
Stay connected with WDSF for more updates and highlights from the world of DanceSport! Follow us on our social media channels for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes moments:
- Instagram: WDSF DanceSport
- YouTube: DanceSportTotal
- Facebook: WDSF DanceSport
- TikTok: WDSF DanceSport
Published on
