In the Rhythm of the Championships Dance Festival held at FINA Water World Park

75 solo performers and 4 teams appeared on the main stage of the FINA Water World Park as contestants in various categories. The festival’s organiser, Marat Kazikhanov, said that a dance starts with baby steps; what’s important is to overcome your fears and to prove yourself and others that there’s nothing impossible.

“The message of the festival is promotion of healthy lifestyles and dancing culture. For me as a dancer, it is highly important that young people have an opportunity to feel the big stage. Anyone can take part in the festival, anyone who believes in their strength, who is not afraid of competition and is ready to reach new heights,” said Marat.

The dance teams competed head-to-head in such categories as hip hop, house dance, break dance, best team show. A new category, Me Against the Music, was introduced and turned out to be the most unexpected and spectacular highlight of the event. In this category, dancers were to battle against music: DJ played all kinds of music while dancers were supposed to adjust to this or that style and show their best dance. Dancer, Gleb by name, emerged the winner in this event.

“Actually, I was tired at work and wanted to take some pressure off. I didn’t expect to become the winner, though I have some experience in international contests, but it is an honour for me to win the competition that is held as part of the FINA World Championships cultural programme,” said Gleb.

Every evening visitors coming to the FINA Water World Park are treated to a vibrant entertainment programme. A detailed schedule of events is available here.

Press Office of Organising Committee for 16th FINA World Championships