An Ipswich couple have jived, waltzed and quickstepped their way to the top in an international competition – landing first place in the Miami world professional ten championships.
Jade Main and her partner Alexander Shindila became one of only four couples in Britain to have won the competition after coming first in a series of challenging ballroom and Latin dances.
The last couple to claim victory in the UK did so back in 1993 – 23 years ago.
The pair, both 31, have been teaching dozens of aspiring dancers at their Essex-based company DanceMatic for two years.
Speaking after their victory, Mr Shindila said: “It’s such an incredible feeling to win something like this.
“It was such a pleasure to represent Britain and although the dances were tough the atmosphere was just fantastic.
“There’s been a lot of hard work from both of us to be able to get to this point and we would like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported us.” Former Claydon High School pupil Ms Main said it was her dream to become a dancer since the age of six – an ambition shared by her Russian-born partner.
“We both took different paths but had the same goal,” she said.
“The competition was very challenging as there are so many amazing dancers to go up against so it’s such an honour to be called the winners.”
After their landmark win, messages of support from the couple’s DanceMatic pupils flooded in on social media.
Carol Toms wrote: “We, and all your DanceMatic supporters, have never doubted you at all. We all love you unconditionally.”
Eshin and Akhin Hunter said: “Beautiful couple outside and in who work so tirelessly and endlessly – not only for themselves but for all their students, which we are so grateful for. You deserve every success and happiness and we wish you this and much more to come.”
View the couple’s scoresheet by visiting grandnational championship.com/?page_id=18
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