This year, Bern, decorated with rainbow flags, was the venue for the EuroGames, the largest LGBTIQ sports event in Europe. This multisport event in the spirit of diversity and inclusion is primarily aimed at LGBTIQ athletes, but is open to all interested parties, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age or ability.
Dance sport is one of the 20 different sports carried out. Under the patronage of the ESSDA (European Same Sex Dance Association), the European Championships in Equality Dancesport Latin, Standard and Showdance were held from 27 to 28 July 2023. Some familiar faces were there - not only on the dance floor but also among the officials and spectators were "prominent STSV'ler": Willi Beutler (Tournament Director), Stephan Frehner (DJ), Corinne Roost, Patrycia Studer and Philip Banyer (adjudicators). Brigitte and Erich Stäldi, as well as Gunar Haas, watched the tournament as attentive spectators.
Various nations were represented on the dance floor. Among the Swiss couples, here are the names we know best: Judith and Helene, Valentin and Simon and our TTZ showpiece couple Nadia and Yasmin. They all danced in the Hotel National for the coveted medals and the European Champion title.
Equality tournaments are only comparable to STSV tournaments to a limited extent and follow different tournament regulations. In Equality Dance tournaments, a dance couple consists of two males, two females or one male/female and one non-binary person. The dancing is particularly exciting because the dance couples can integrate the change of leading and following during a dance, thus traditional dance figures can be creatively varied. The outfits may be original, as they are not subject to any dress code.
The internationally mixed audience created an exuberant atmosphere in Bern. Our TTZ couple Nadia and Yasmin enjoyed great support from the audience. In a strong field of 32 women's standard couples, they were classified in the B class. In this class they won the excellent silver medal. Congratulations!
Watching this Equality Dance Tournament was a pleasure and attending such an event can be recommended to all. More dates can be found on: ESSDA - European Same-Sex Dance Association.
We look forward to seeing Nadia and Yasmin dance at the Standard Swiss Championships on 9 September 2023 in Uitikon as well.
Text: Iris Buser, Pictures: Iris Buser, Roman Schneuwly
