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Home , Flavia Cacace, Kara Tointon, Karen Hardy, Lilia Kopylova, The Strictly

motional connection. Who is the best ballroom partnership of all time? Physical unity. Coalescing Marianka Swain asked Today readers to Estyles. Romance. Passion. help her create the ultimate countdown Beauty. Trailblazers. Innovators. Ambassadors. Timeless. These are all qualities readers Stephen responded to in our unbeatable 22 and list of ballroom greats. Some are Lindsey Hillier 22 champions; some are silver- This debonair screen stars; some represent leader provided that beloved “Strictly” J word; a perfect frame and some prove their individual for his expressive prowess by featuring with several partner in a

different partners. But whether highly successful Photograph © Murray Thompson Murray © Photograph old pros or strictly beginners, balancing act. kindred spirits or opposites, Photograph © Ron Self contemporary or veteran, they Bryan Watson and all have one thing in common: 21Karen Hardy Powerful, they are unforgettable. 24 slick and daring, they packed a serious punch on the floor. and 25Kara Tointon A personal to success, equally at home in Corky and relationship isn’t a necessity for a ten-dance or bringing Argentine 20Their competitive zeal and great partnership, but it certainly to a wider audience. charisma led to world titles and didn’t hurt as the gruff Russian @Dilly4: “They have a very their equally skilled coaching has crafted beautiful contemporary special partnership and are just helped shape the next generation. pieces for his star “Strictly” pupil. mesmerising to watch live.” Joanna Wood: “Their ‘Dancing Beth Matthews: “I loved with the Stars’ appearances watching the romance blossom and prove they’re still a force along with the dancing.” 23 The joy to be reckoned with!” of ballroom is its range, allowing and Matthew to patiently guide Pablo Verón and Sally 24 This pair Alesha towards her inner princess 19 Potter Sometimes conflict demonstrate that versatility is key as well as her Latin diva. can result in creative brilliance, ➤

august 2012 \ DANCEToday \ 23 dancepeople dancepeople

as proved by the turbulent David Sycamore and mix razor-sharp technique Richard and Janet Gleave Patrick Swayze and constant attention to detail led but constantly compelling 15 Denise Weavers Their with theatricality and a driving 8These eight-time world 4Jennifer Grey Not only is to their seemingly effortless partnering in The Tango Lesson. skill and array of tricks was ambition that has seen champions and truly equal it OK for men to do ballroom, ballroom dominance. matched only by their flair and them shoot to the top. partners are the definition it practically guarantees a Alain Doucet and Anik ability to make it all look fun. of timeless elegance. steamy summer romance! 18 Jolicoeur The constant Paul Mercurio and Tara Carys Craven: “Together, they 2 discipline of these ten-dance 11 Morice (Scott and Fran) made dance movie magic.” world champions kept them at 14 Ballroom stars are 7 the top, but they also played off a beautiful reminder that the Mirko Gozzoli one another and the crowd to root of ballroom is an emotional 3and Alessia Betti Their create entertaining performances. connection between two people. technical development and

Bill and Bobbie Irvine 17 Super-smooth and 3 elegant to a fault, this pair showed impressive versatility and were classy ambassadors for ballroom.

Photograph © Ron Self

17 Michael Malitowski and 2 Joanna Leunis Just as compelling executing simple

Photograph © Ron Self figures with unmistakable

Photograph from the Dancing Times archive brilliance as they are pushing the boundaries of skill and athleticism. Arunas Bizokas and Marcus and Karen Hilton Lisa Worth: “They’re in a 14 Katusha Demidova 7The pair built up their Self Ron © Photograph league of their own.” Proving once and for all that 10 impressive career together, from

dancers are athletes, they archive Times Dancing the from Photograph Juniors to world champions, and challenge one another to greater their shared commitment resulted feats of physical excellence Donnie Burns and in breathtaking performances. and dramatic performance. 10 Gaynor Fairweather These Latin legends dominated Bryan Watson and Carmen with their ferocious combination 6 Vincelj Their musical 13 and A of high energy, charisma and interpretation and ability to fuse

lovely example of how dancing seductively natural delivery. passion and technique makes

the for Strowbridge Maurice by Photograph Ballroom Dancing Times Dancing Ballroom can bring someone out of their every performance mesmerising. and shell, as the reticent cricketer and Jill Hillel Horowitz: “Their rumba Fred Astaire and Ginger 16 Great grew to match his fiery partner. 9Halfpenny The show that to ‘The Look of Love’ is one of Rogers Their charisma, partnerships aren’t born; they Emily Bury: “I loved their mutual revitalised ballroom was taken my all-time favourites – they chemistry and star are made. Lilia’s patience support and to another level by Darren’s combine a low-key song with quality, immortalised on turned the most unlikely respect.” masterful harnessing of seemingly simple choreography film, was, is and ever will contender into an impressive 12 an extraordinary natural and create sheer artistry.” be one of the greatest dancer – and he became a Riccardo talent – and ensuring she advertisements for the leader when she needed him. 12 Cocchi danced up to his level. Gene Kelly and Cyd joy of ballroom dancing. Victoria Todd: “He showed that and Yulia Joanne Henderson: 5Charisse His suavity. Brenda Bennett: even a burly Yorkshire cricketer Zagoruychenko “Definitely the best ‘Strictly’ Her legs. An unbeatable “Just fabulous!”

can be light on his feet.” The sultry pair pairing in terms of skill.” combination of skill and sex. Photograph from the Dancing Times archive Photograph © Ron Self Ron © Photograph 24 / www.dance-today.co.uk august 2012 \ DANCEToday \ 25