Money or Justice?

For the third year in a row, the International Ballroom Dancing Tournament has refused to eliminate Russian couples, even against the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, presenting their participation in the competition as Neutral.

Recently (7.11.2024 – 10.11.2024) Dutch Open Championships was held in a small city Assen, The Netherlands. This dance championship has been held since 1999 and dance couples from all over the world come to it. The panel of judges are the masters of the dance world of ballroom dancing. The entire hotel, within which the competition is held, is filled with luxurious outfits, the smell of hairspray, the shine of rhinestones and stones. To win such a prestigious competition is a great success in a dance career. But for 3 years now, the issue of allowing the participation of Russian couples has been on the agenda of this event. All countries of Europe and America, and many others supported Ukraine in this conflict. Some countries even closed their borders to entry for Russian residents and banned participation even in such an international competition as the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. So, what is behind the Dutch Open Championships competition then?

Many Russian couples come to this tournament and compete for the honor of their country, but since the invasion of Russia into the territory of Ukraine, a scheme such as a neutral country was invented in the ballroom world. Does this really solve the issue? Politics and the world of ballroom dancing are closely connected, and as in any area of ​​life, connections that are strengthened by more than a couple of years of negotiations and proper communication are important. Undoubtedly, all countries have worked on their image in the world of ballroom dancing, taking lessons from masters and judges in order to build a good policy for their dance couple in the ballroom arena. After all, these masters then judge couples at competitions. But is it worth giving such a chance to Russian couples after what their country has done? Recently it was Georgia, today it is Ukraine, and tomorrow it could be Poland, Germany, France and others. But why then does the ballroom world turn a blind eye to this? There is only one answer – the turnover of money in this sphere, which has been built up over the years, because, frankly speaking, ballroom dancing is not a cheap pleasure. Is it possible that someday the dance community will come to its senses and take measures? Oddly enough, people get used to everything, even war. The 21st century is more about money than about justice, morals and personal principles. All that remains is to wait.