Canterbury salsa dancers Natasha Frost and Jorja Dann have returned home after some unexpected success at a fiery latin dance competition in Florida.
The two 19-year-olds from West Melton spiced things up at the prestigious Summit championship in Orlando, where Frost won the ladies’ intermediate amateur salsa solo category and, together with Dann, also won the intermediate amateur salsa duet and the cha cha duet.
Said Frost: “It was surreal and crazy – who knew an unknown Kiwi team could win in salsa? I never thought I could compete at that level and place well. It was amazing.
“I would love to take the next step and keep pushing myself forward, towards competing as a professional dancer.”
Frost, who has been dancing since she was 11, described salsa as “unlike any other dance”.
She said it gave her freedom, connection and passion.
Dann has been dancing “her whole life”, first as a ballerina.
She and Frost teamed up about four years ago.
The championship was her first in the United States. She had previously competed in duets and teams with Frost throughout New Zealand and in Australia.
“When Natasha’s mother, Donna Frost, came to teach an international piece class at Burnside (High School) I fell in love with the dance and a day later, asked to join Donna’s studio,” Dann said.
“We were judged in many aspects in Orlando but the best thing about winning was the recognition we gained as New Zealand dancers.
"Hopefully, in future competitions, Kiwis will be recognised as having talent.”
Said Donna: “It was in 2013 when we began offering children’s latin dance classes. Salsa dancing is quite unique, especially for youth.
“It is a very passionate dance, uplifting and special. It was amazing to watch the two women step up a level for the competition.
“It was not all about the tricks – it was about the background of the dance and the base style too. They did very well – we are very proud.”
In the competition, which was held from January 16 to January 22, dancers were judged on timing, musicality, technique, difficulty, partnering/connection, choreography and overall presentation.
Frost and Dan beat out 45 solo performers and eight duets from all over the world. They plan to continue dancing together throughout the year.
