Chongqing - The annual Peak Dancer Youth International Standard Dance Invitational was held in Chongqing over the recent May Day holiday when over 8000 contestants from Chongqing and neighboring provinces showed off their Latin and ballroom dance skills across multiple competition events at the Yubei Gymnasium.

Head judge Li Xiaoyuan explained that while Latin dance standards in Southwest China lag behind the coastal powerhouses, which have traditionally enjoyed greater access to internationally trained professionals and, in general, possess stronger financial means, Chongqing provides an ideal location for this event thanks to being situated at the center of a large regional population.

It is expected that as Chongqing continues to host competitions like Peak Dancer, more talented instructors will bring their experience and raise the profile of Latin and ballroom dance in the region, and help bridge the gap with coastal metropolises over the coming years.

The competition featured 285 teams of young contestants who performed before a panel of 40 expert guest judges, including the distinguished professional dancer and competition judge Michael Reilly, who has traveled to Chongqing multiple times for this event years and runs the M & A Dance Studio in Guangzhou.

Michael describes himself as a technically orientated judge who loves to see good posture, straight legs, and disciplined adherence to musical style and rhythm. On the second morning, Michael spared time in his busy schedule to meet with iChongqing reporter James Alexander and spoke about his glittering career before sharing how the event successfully manages the large number of contestants like clockwork.