WADF president welcomed at State House |02 September 2023

President Ramkalawan and Mr Andre in a souvenir with the WADF delegation (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

President of the World Artistic Dance Federation, Sir Nils-Hakan Carlzon, paid a courtesy call on President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday morning at State House, ahead of the All-African Artistic Dance Championships which got underway on the same day at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel.

The World Artistic Dance Federation (WADF) president was accompanied by the senior vice president, Irina Shmalko.

In an interview with the media, Sir Nils-Hakan mentioned that the championships being held in Seychelles are the first WADF championships organised in the African region, and that they have been planning the championships for around two years, after Seychelles was designated to host the world event.

In his welcome to Sir Carloz, the Seychellois head of state expressed his delight that the competition was taking place in Seychelles. President Ramkalawan mentioned that, unfortunately, he would not be able to attend the championships as initially intended due to his overseas commitments. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the hard work and dedication put into organising such a significant event.

It is worth noting that upon their return from Athens, Seychellois dancers who took part in the last competition had the honour of meeting with President Ramkalawan.

At State House, the president of WADF explained that due to the high cost of traveling to Seychelles, fewer countries will be taking part in the championships this year. Participating countries include the host country, North Macedonia, Russia, Italy, Sweden and South Africa.

"The dancers coming from abroad are exceptionally skilled, and Seychelles is poised to participate with the largest number of dancers," stated Sir Carloz. He explained that the decision to select Seychelles as the ideal location for the championship was made after encountering Seychellois delegates four years ago at the European Artistic Dance Championship held in Moscow.

"Seychelles recently became a member of our federation, and we were impressed when Seychellois dance teachers brought a delegation of dancers all the way to Moscow for the European championship. They proposed organising a competition in Seychelles, and that's where it all began," Sir Carloz recounted. He pointed out that during the following competition in Athens, Greece, they observed Seychelles' increasing number of dancers, with approximately 50 participants, indicating generous sponsorship.

Sir Carloz also noted that this is not a very large competition, primarily because it's their first venture into Africa. Furthermore, he explained that when they grant a country the opportunity to host a continental championship, it comes with the option to host it for three years.

 "We understand that the first year might result in a loss due to the expenses associated with accommodation, judges, and equipment. However, the second year becomes more economically viable as more people and dancers enroll and pay their fees. By the third year, it becomes profitable, and this is our approach when awarding the hosting rights for three years," Sir Carloz explained.

The president of the World Artistic Dance Federation (WADF) believes that the championships will be a vibrant and colorful competition, with many young performers showcasing their talents joyfully. He also anticipates a significant turnout of spectators at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel.

Seychelles National Institute of Culture, Heritage and the Arts (Snicha) secretary general David André was also present for the meeting at State House.

Neil Sirame