Ballroom spectacle dazzles Shenzhen

Video and photos by Sun Yuchen

Today marks the final day of the 21st World Ballroom Dance Championships, which opened on July 18 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District. Recognized as one of the three most prestigious dance competitions in the Asia–Pacific region, the event has drawn tens of thousands of dancers from 35 countries and regions.

Open to both professionals and amateurs, the competition features participants ranging in age from just 2 to 81. The organizing committee enlisted more than 200 judges from around the world, including leading figures from China’s dance community.

Held annually in Shenzhen since 2003, the championships have become one of the city’s signature cultural events and are now officially featured on the Shenzhen Culture Menu.

During the opening ceremony on July 21, elite dancers in top-tier modern and Latin dance categories competed for the coveted titles. In the professional modern dance division, Stanislav Zelianin and Irina Cherepanova of Singapore emerged as champions. In the amateur Latin category, Sharif Mirkhanov Sinardi and Anna Dolgopolova, representing Russia, claimed top honors.

The junior segment, staged on July 18, brought together 63 young talents from Russia, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Kazakhstan, Singapore, China, and beyond. The contest served as a vibrant platform for cross-cultural exchange — with Chinese dancers ultimately taking home the championship. 

Stanislav Zelianin and Irina Cherepanova from Singapore secure the championship in the professional modern dance.

Sharif Mirkhanov Sinardi and Anna Dolgopolova, from Russia, claim the championship in the amateur category of Latin dance.

Dancers glide across the floor at the 21st World Ballroom Dance Championships.