back to news Junior II World Latin Championships – Riga, Latvia 15/12/07 It was my great pleasure, as EADA appointed English Team Captain, to accompany English World Junior II Latin representatives John Giannini & Stevie Jones and Michael Foskett & Carla Garratt on a very interesting and memorable trip to Riga. For old hands at representing England, John and Stevie, this was their last trip as Juniors. From January 2008, they will be joining the swelling ranks of talented couples in the youth category for EADA events. It was great to have them and their parents on hand to guide first time representatives Michael and Carla (and me) through the different way European competitions are organised. Both Michael & Carla and John & Stevie put on very creditable performances in the face of world-wide opposition, particularly that from Eastern Europe which was of an incredibly high standard considering their ages. The eventual winners were Joel Lopez & Rosa Carne from Spain, who showed a winning combination of superb individual rhythmic body action coupled with a togetherness which made for a balanced and incredibly mature partnership for their ages. As Team Captain, I found myself busy undertaking several roles – keeping track of which heat John & Stevie and Michael & Carla had been drawn in for each dance in each round; checking the notice boards for recall details; ensuring everyone was in the right place at the right time (including being in the right hall – there were two halls in the Olympic complex running separate competitions in parallel) and videoing (you needed to buy a licence to video). But, the trip to Riga didn’t just involve great dancing. Riga is a fascinating city with lots to offer. Everyone had the chance to show their ice-skating prowess (or otherwise) on the open-air ice rink near the hotel. Stevie – how are your bruises? Everyone in Riga made us feel incredibly welcome. The Reval Hotel Latvia staff were excellent, the accommodation and food first class, the Latvia Open Dance Festival was well organised, and the people of Riga very friendly (and spoke brilliant English!) We all had a fabulous time. Our thanks must also go to EADA for supporting our couples going abroad to represent England at these events. Not all countries enjoy this sort of support. We are now really looking forward to March and the 2008 World Junior II Latin in the historic capital of the Ukraine, Kiev. Report by John Foskett, EADA English Team Captain, Junior II World Championships 2007.