World Championship Athens 2025 |03 July 2025

ADF dancers dazzle on the European stage

The elegance, power and rhythm of the Seychelles lit up the European dance floor as Artistic Dance Factory Seychelles (ADF Seychelles) proudly represented Seychelles at the prestigious World Championship Athens 2025, under the banner of the World Artistic Dance Federation (WADF).

Held in the vibrant city of Athens, the competition gathered dancers from across Europe and Russia to compete in a showcase of artistry and technical brilliance. The Seychelles delegation, small in number but mighty in spirit, took on the international stage in Ballroom, Latin, Caribbean (Solo and Student-Teacher), Afro, and Show-Dance categories.

A team composed of rising stars, this group of dancers demonstrated incredible poise, adaptability, and raw talent throughout the event:

                •              Farrah Diallo – Minikids

                •              Aleeson Omath – Juveniles

                •              Leeia Sopha – Juveniles

                •              Emirella Philoe – Juveniles

                •              Cataleia Freminot – Juniors

                •              Hannah Morel – Juniors

                •              Nerrick Bristol – Juniors

The competition spanned two intense days of solo and duo presentations, with dancers performing in front of panels of seasoned WADF adjudicators. Each routine was judged on criteria such as technique, musical interpretation, choreography, expression, and costume presentation.

Despite their relatively young experience at the international level, the dancers from Seychelles made a strong impression:

• Some reached the quarterfinals, showcasing elegant posture and footwork in their Ballroom pieces.

• Others advanced to the semifinals, particularly in fast-paced Latin routines such as Jive and Chachacha.

• A few dancers proudly reached the finals, earning well-deserved spots among the best in their age groups and categories.

Their efforts were rewarded with a brilliant medal tally: 16 Gold, 6 Silver and 5 Bronze.

The team also participated in Caribbean show-dance performances that celebrated the vibrant cultural fusion of rhythm and soul, earning enthusiastic applause from both judges and audiences alike. This competition not only provided a platform to test their training and resilience but also opened new doors for growth and connection in the international dance world.

While these dancers did not participate in the earlier 2025 phases of the WADF campaign, which took other ADF teams to Russia, Poland, and China, Athens marked Phase 4 of this ongoing international effort. Each phase has been strategically crafted to prepare Team Seychelles for the grand stage: the All-African Artistic Dance Championship happening later this year.

ADF Seychelles continues to lead the artistic dance movement in the country with a vision to empower youth, preserve cultural heritage, and elevate Seychelles to global recognition through dance. The Athens 2025 experience has not only added medals to the national tally, it has forged confident performers, inspired families, and placed Seychelles firmly on the artistic dance map of the world.

Text & photos: Contributed