THE BDF NIGHT OF 100 STARS 2022
The Night of 100 Stars organised by the Ballroom Dancers Federation Ltd is one of the most prestigious events in the dance calendar and has been in existence for more than 60 years.
The World’s top couples are invited to demonstrate a dance of their choice making this a unique and special evening.
The audience were delighted to be back at The Epsom racecourse for a night of dance and glamour with no restrictions. The evening commenced with an Invitational Professional Amateur team-match which is a relatively new idea and proved extremely popular with audience, adding to the elegance and class of the evening.
Three teams competed this year, Australia, Italy and Great Britain and the standard was extremely high. The team coming out on top was team GB and this was adjudicated by top Professionals, Arunus Bizokas, Carmen and Barbara Ambroz.
Thanks, must go to the fabulous dancers and team captains and adjudicators who supported this event:
Australian Team (Team Captain Karla Rooke escorted by Rudi Rooke)
Ballroom: Matthew Rooke and Sandra Hill, Alan Tentser and Diane Porteous
Latin: Igor Iliad and Leisel Ward, Justin Sharrock and Tamara Casperson
Italian Team (Captain Ekaterina Tonello)
Ballroom: Luca Tonello and Claudia Benger, Walter Caraglio and Lorena Cravero
Latin: Olexsandra Kukalo and Carlotta Colarossi, Walter Caraglio and Carlotta Marcialis
GB Team (Team captain Kenny Welsh)
Ballroom: Stefano Soldati and Vivian Bryce, Sidney Chong and Catrinel Danauta
Latin: Krzysztof Grzelak and Reka Balogh, Anton Sboev and Olga Lates
It was then time for The British National Professional Showdance Championships. There was only one entry who thrilled the audience with their performance, thanks go to Geraint Heaney and Jasmine Joy for their fabulous showcase. This was witnessed by our illustrious panel of adjudicators Richard Gleave CBE, Hazel Newberry MBE, Jade Main, Jennifer Hillier and Michael Barr.
The evening of shows then commenced, each couple sharing their amazing skills, all different, using their own music and bringing their individual style to the excited audience.
Our thanks go to the following performers for their support and extreme talent which we were lucky enough to experience on the evening .
Alex Plant & Leanne Han, Mark & Olga Elsbury, Darren Hammond & Marina Steshenko, Naza Batih & Mariko Cantley, Gianni & Ariana Caliandro, Guiseppe Nonnis & Dasha Chesnokova, Si Chang Li & Lils End, Klemen Prasnikar & Alexandra Averkieva, Lucasz & Alexandra Tomczak, Ferdinand Iannaccone & Yulia, Rudy Homm & Katia Kanevskaya, Massimo Arcolin & Laura Zmajkovicova, Kiril Belorukov & Valeria, Fedor Isaev & Anna Zudiina, Pavel Zvychaynyy & Polina Teleshova, Stas Portanenko & Nataliya, Nino Langella & Andra Vaidilaite, Troels Bager & Ina Jeliazkova, Dusan
& Valeria Dragovic, Dorin Frecautanu & Marina Sergeeva, Valerio Collantoni & Anna Demidova and Victor Da Silva & Joanna Leunis.
It is always unbelievable to see so many icons in one venue at one time and it was a great honour for myself and Graham Oswick to introduce these marvellous couples.
The BDF also took the opportunity on this special evening to present the BDF Awards which are given to outstanding people in the dance industry. This year’s choices were congratulated with loud, rapturous applause.
A special award went to the Strictly star Shirley Ballas. The Overseas award to the wonderful Greg Smith and The Sonny Binick Lifetime achievement award went to the lovely Lynette Boyce, congratulations to all the recipients.
All in all, the evening was once again a great success and the BDF President and Executive Committee who work hard throughout the year to present this outstanding event could breathe a sigh of relief. Thanks, must also go to the musical director Kelvin Bridle who did an outstanding job, the scrutineer Tracy Brooks and the invigilator for the Show dance Robert Bellinger who as always were efficient and Professional.
We look forward to welcoming you all next year for the 2023 BDF Night of 100 Stars.