It was raining gold medals for the Goan team comprising students of Dance Illusions as they cleared the gold medals in two simultaneous dance competitions in Mumbai. The proud dance instructor who taught his students every minute movement couldn’t hold back his excitement as he spoke about the team’s achievements. “At the India International Tanzsport Contessa organised by Tanz Verden Ballroom International School, Seby Gauncar and Ivanna Gomes won four gold medals in 4 Dance Category Gold Level, Milroy and Maeve won four gold in the 4 Dance Category Silver Level in Jive, Rumba, Samba, Cha Cha. Carolyn Nunes and Agnelo D’Souza won a gold medal in the Rumba Bronze Level and also won silver medal in waltz while Stephen and Daisy won bronze medals in Cha Cha Bronze Level,” says Dr Martin D’Costa, who along with his wife, Flossy, are the Founders of Dance Illusions. According to him, dance has certainly come of age after years of training. The movement to showcase this competitive style of dancing began in 2008 in Goa by this talented dancing duo. Carolyn Nunes explains her experience at the competition. “The whole experience was wonderful; it was great being amidst such graceful dancers. The competition was tough; but as we were the first dancers for Rumba in Gold Level, we could not watch the other dancers who performed after us. Once the music starts, within the first four bars, we have to start dancing according to the beat step. We have to focus on not just our steps but also our technique and build a communication with the audience,” says Carolyn, who teaches music in Caranzalem. With rigorous training for nearly a month, their hard work on the dance floor has paid off and how! Ivana Gomes from Loutolim, a class X student, is so passionate about dancing that she intends on continuing her dancing even while studying for her board exams. Teamed with Seby Gauncar from Raia, they won four gold medals in the 4 Dance Category Gold Level which includes dance styles Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba and Jive at the India International Tanzsport Contessa in Mumbai. “We used to practice for nearly 3-4 hours for almost a month as the dance sequence has to be in order. It was a dream come true to win gold medals. The competition was extremely wonderful as we got an opportunity to make new friends and learn more ideas. Dr Martin and Flossy were very helpful and guided and corrected our every move,” says Ivana, who has been dancing since the age of 7. The 7th Maharashtra Dancesport Championship was organised by Maharashtra Dancesport Association at NCPA Auditorium, Nariman Point where Cyder and Cinidia won two gold medals in Cha Cha and Jive in children category. Dr Lloyd and his wife Dr Nadia Souza took the gold in Cha Cha in senior category. Amazingly, the couple from Calangute started dancing just a year back and find it very relaxing. “It was an awesome experience at the competition as Mumbai and Pune are known for competitive dancers. Music and dancing is now become a serious passion for us. After a tiring day at the clinic, dancing is a charge booster. Competing against nearly 120 couples at the competition, we have perfected the techniques and styles,” says the gold medalist. When Dr Lloyd heard about the dance classes, he immediately called to ask for the details. “Dr Martin told me that the classes would be held on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. As Wednesdays are busy, I asked if the day could be changed. I vividly remember Dr Martin telling me to join the class on Wednesday, saying I would never regret it. Now I am excited to be the first time participant who won gold,” says Dr Lloyd, a physician by profession. “All I told them was to have fun on the floor, never mind if you win or lose, just make an impression,” advises Dr Martin.
