KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian dancers' outstanding performances at the Dance Sport Festival in Bremen, Germany, which concluded on Sunday, has given their world rankings a boost.
Malaysia won two gold and one bronze at the World DanceSport Federation-sanctioned event.
Cherry Yeo (adult female solo latin) and Yap Wan Xin (youth female solo latin) both claimed gold, while Kimberly Chew (junior II female solo latin) took bronze.
Wan Xin's world ranking in the youth solo latin category jumped from eighth to third, while Cherry's world ranking in the adult solo latin improved from ninth to sixth.
Kimberly's world rankings went from No. 189 to No. 42 for the junior II solo latin category and from No. 263 to No. 52 in the youth solo latin category.
Madeleine Lau and three other Malaysian pairs who competed in Bremen — Loh Yi Wei-Wan Xin, Anson Phang-Cherry and Ooi Ken Vin-Zoe Tan — also improved in their rankings.
Coaches Chua Zjen Fong and Evon Chong guided the team in Bremen.
Zjen Fong was pleased with their results.
"Kimberly, at 14, is the youngest in the group and was able to win a bronze. She is now No. 42 in the world," said Zjen Fong yesterday.
"Wan Xin's solo performance showcased her exceptional talent and dedication and earned her the top spot in a highly competitive category. She was one of the standout performers of the festival.
"Madeleine, despite having back to back events, was able to qualify to the final of the WDSF adult and youth solo latin category and was able to pull through."
Madeleine's world ranking in the women's adult solo latin category jumped from No. 50 to No. 22, while her ranking in the youth solo latin increased from No. 11 to No. 9.
The squad were able to compete in Bremen thanks to a grant allocated by the Youth and Sports Ministry.