World Salsa Championships 2009 Semi-Final Results

Interesting results…….the competition seems a lot smaller this year; not nearly as many Colombians, as is evidence by the Cabaret results. As usual the organizers of the competition don't seem to know their own rules judging by the team competition. Someone feel free to correct me but I read the rules and I'm positive they said you have to be 16 years old by the date of the competition to compete in the WSC? I guess the rules don't apply if you put on a congress with Albert Torres. I'm refering to the Chilital Team from Montreal Canada who put on a congress with Albert and who have a male team member named Adriano who is 14 years old. At least, he was this past August, so he could be at most 15 now?????? It's no wonder that the very best dancers in salsa don't comptete……it's a complete joke!

I am wondering as well if there is an age rule (ie 16) why are there children 12 and under competing against adults in a salsa competition. At the past Toronto Salsa Congress there were a pair of children aged 9 and 11 as well as two 12 yr olds competing against young adults over 18. As well is there a ruling regarding children of 12 dancing competitively as a pair with a 20 yr old. I am fairly new to salsa competitions but have been involved with dance competitions for the past 14 yrs and age is a factor and categorized as such to encourage fair competition. I am sure that when an adult sees that they will be competing with children 9 yrs of age they feel no desire to compete and it becomes a "joke". I would like to hear some feed back on this subject.

THank you