Championship Ballroom Dancing International Latin Final Round 1998-99

The 1998 Ohio Star Ball Championships International Latin Finals, shown on PBS as Championship Ballroom Dancing in 1999. Hosted by Ron Montez and Sandy Duncan. Featuring Gocha Chertkoev & Shoreena Gacheechiladze, James & Jaana Kunitz, , Donald Johnson & Katarzyna Kozak, Gary & Diana McDonald, Stephane Champagne & Manon Hurteau, and Bill Sparks & Kimberly Mitchell.

[@remcat03]

I remember this competition and thankfully taped it at the time it first aired. It just doesn't get any better than this!

[@7kamikaze07]

Wow... Memories ♥️♥️😭😭

[@nisookh]

Janna has more attitude and character in her thumb than anyone else on that floor :)

[@user-ls2jf5cr2h]

Танцуют с чувством, с удовольствием и это видно, даже, неопытному глазу! Посмотришь на танцы нашего времени и ноль эмоций, как роботы какие-то. Конечно, более усовершенствованные, но все равно чего-то не хватает! Естественно имею ввиду не всех, но у большинства кроме техники- Ничего! Вообщем,очень классно станцевали! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ComeForPeace]

Lol,I accidentally click this video. I Nvr realize ballroom dancing can be such graceful.

[@elenn9219]

gocha&shorena!

[@spencersmith1121]

James and Jaana hands down are the best in this final. It's really a no-brainer. They are the most dynamic and technically proficient. It's actually laughable that for so many years they placed behind couples that were much, much inferior from all aspects! (It's my biggest problem with competitive ballroom) Placement came down to "politics" rather than actual ability. James and Jaana's dancing still holds up even to today's standards, which is very hard especially when dance progresses at such a fast rate (better footwork, tighter connections, faster and better quality of movement). So this begs the question.. Is it better to know that you're the best and not be awarded the best? OR Is it better to consistently be awarded the best and secretly know that you're not the best?

[@nisookh]

Spencer Smith agree 101% . James and Janna are stunning , breath taking full of personality skill . If any couple from the US in this era who I think should have topped in the Pro Latin rankings at blackpool , will have been this pair . Amazing rhythm in their choreography. I'm sure they knew it as well how vastly superior they were and must have been very frustrating . Put Kim and bill sparks next to them and it's a joke ! IMO

[@madamx7422]

Spencer Smith I liked them too, they had lots of charisma

[@nisookh]

Love seeing these vids...

[@nisookh]

James and Janna should have won..great speed and dynamic movement

[@frankcaruso688]

I thought the same when I saw this in person almost 19 years ago, and I still think so now. I had just started dancing then, so I thought perhaps I just had a lot to learn about what to look for. Today I see more flaws with Jaana than I did back then, but also more with Kimberly--she's relatively stiff. So glad I got to take lessons with Jaana back then! As for Gary & Diana, I never had much patience for their choice to spend more time dancing apart than together.

[@nisookh]

Frank Caruso awesome comment ! I think even as a beginner dancer your eyes become used to what the top dancers choreography looks like in terms of connection and speed and dynamics and I totally agree with your analysis. Like eg you can see a couple that just stands out and gives you goose bumps whenever they come out on the floor .

[@hphilsaul]

Would anyone happen to know the titles of the songs danced here? I'd appreciate your help. Thanks.

[@charlessmith263]

My best guess on the samba you heard was the song "Chasumba". I do not know the original artist of that samba but I do know that there was a cover song on "Chasumba" in merengue hip-hop style by Proyecto Uno, in their song called "Latinos."

[@jrotach]

Does anyone know the names of couple 340?

[@TripsCloudsPureBliss]

Bill sparks and Kimberley Mitchel. they were crowned US National Champions that year

[@nisookh]

Name of the samba anyone ? please...

[@nisookh]

I loved this era and no offense to bill and Kimberley but I just can't seem to ever put them ahead of James and Janna ugh and just as national champions , lose some weight ! Gosh !

[@mklover]

Niv she has curves! With her short stature & curvy body she looks more like the women where most of these Latin dances originated. Those hips catch the attention for sure!

[@georgemorgz6041]

G