The glamor and allure of ballroom dance has finally made its way to Dubai! Run by World Ballroom Dance Champions along with qualified instruction in a variety of classes, the Crystal Dance Center (CDC), is the first as well as only institute of its kind in Dubai. Located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers area, the dance center was founded by Lithuanian dancer Greta Laurinaityte, who is currently ranked the 2nd best ballroom dancer in the world.

For professional ballroom dance hopefuls, dance enthusiasts, or people looking to try something new, the CDC provides the exclusive opportunity to be under the instruction of elite quality. Joining Laurinaityte in delivering world-class training is her long-time dance partner and Serbian World Ballroom Dance Champion, Dusan Dragovic, and professional ballroom dancer as well as fellow Lithuanian, Skaiste Alisauskaite. The CDC accommodates adults, children, and all skill levels with classes in a wide spectrum of categories as well as Zumba classes. The variety of genres offered include Latin Samba, Cha-cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, Ballroom Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Salsa, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep, Bachata, Merengue, and finally Argentine Tango.

In March, the CDC opened their doors to invite Dubai to embrace ballroom dance. For the masses of dance enthusiasts, this one of a kind institute is a “game-changer,” according to Laurinaityte. “The launch of the CDC here in Dubai is the culmination of years of passion, dedication, and concerted efforts to fill a widening gap in the UAE’s dance industry,” she explained. Laurinaityte and her team initiated this venture with the purpose of “tapping into this city’s treasure trove of dance talent.” And Greta Laurinaityte is no stranger to talent. Enthralled by dance since childhood, she obtained the Lithuanian Championship in Ballroom, Latin, and 10 Dance by the age of 14. Consequently, at 15 she qualified to partake in the World and European Championships ranking 5th in the World Ballroom Championship, and 7th in the World 10 Dance Championship.

Moreover, her career elevated to another level with her partnership with Dusan Dragovic. The dance partners have won the title of UK Amateur Ballroom Champions as well as the bronze in the Amateur World Championship in 2013. The duo catapulted from being ranked in the top 48 to the top 4 within one year, a feat not many can claim. As Laurinaityte and Dragovic are ranked in the top 6 best pairs in world, they are annually invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall Championship, which is an international competition with 360 of the leading professional and amateur competitors contending for the International Standard and Latin titles.

In 2014, the duo earned the runner-up position at Royal Albert Hall as well as the Parinama Shanghai Open (the largest in China), but won the European Cup. This year, in the UK Open Championships, which determines world rankings, the couple finished with a one-point difference between them and 1st place, securing the world standing of 2nd place. However, they won a consecutive European Cup. Aside from these competitions, the partners are invited yearly to join the Asian Tour and to compete in the United States, as well as in other parts of Europe.

Speaking with Arab News, Greta Laurinaityte introduces herself, her commitment and enthusiasm, as well as the Crystal Dance Center.

Tell us something about yourself.

I am 23-years-old and I started dancing when I was six and still living in Lithuania. Growing up, I loved to dance. I remember, even as a child, experiencing pure joy and sheer fun every time I stepped onto the dance floor. After graduating high school, I moved to London to study law at the University of Westminster. While I was studying, I was still dancing and competing intensively all over the world. I spent a great deal of time traveling between Singapore, Hong Kong, and London to practice and train.

How did you balance your studies with your successful dance career?

It was a real juggling act but it paid off: when I graduated with a law degree, I was already one of the top ballroom dancers in the world! Education has always been important to me, which is why I decided to pursue a law degree. I managed to balance it all simply by adhering to a very strict schedule and managing my time efficiently. I had my dance schedule as well as my academic curriculum one year in advance so I was able to plan my competitions and training around that.

What about dance captured your dedication at a young age until now?

My passion for dance started at an early age. Dance quickly became a big part of my life. When I dance, I forget about all my problems; any negative feelings that I may be having just disappear. Over time, I learned how to convey my emotions through movement and music. Dance is a powerful form of therapy: you get to create your own atmosphere and use your body to communicate and express yourself.

Why did you choose to open a dance center in Dubai?

I was teaching all over the world, most recently across Asia and Europe. On the way back from Asia, my partner and I received an invitation to teach some classes in Dubai. It was a great opportunity for us, as we were not familiar with the Middle East’s ballroom dance industry. So, we jumped at the chance to find out more about it! However, upon arriving, we noticed after teaching a few classes that the services and the levels of dance were not up to par. Both beginners and aspiring professionals in the region deserved better! It is based on this vision that we decided to launch our very own center. We did some research to determine where exactly we would launch it. We settled on Dubai because the ballroom scene here is quite underdeveloped. The fact is, since the industry was practically non-existent, people simply didn’t know that they weren’t being taught to the highest standard. But because we have been doing this our entire lives, we could immediately tell the difference. Now, our mission is to properly introduce people to this new world of dance, tap into their passion for ballroom dancing, and help them reach their full potential.

How has the CDC been received so far?

We have received a lot of positive feedback and new students are constantly approaching us. They can tell just from the instructors and the interior of the studio that the CDC is the ideal place to learn ballroom dancing in Dubai.

Aside from the health benefits and entertainment value, what can students gain from your classes?

Ballroom dancing is not just about physical movement; it is also about expressing your emotions and boosting your mental health. When you are dancing, you need to make immediate, split-second decisions. You need to multitask and think about moving different parts of your body at the same time, at a fast pace. You need to think about speed, movement, and space. That is precisely why it helps people build character and sharpen their focus. It is demanding and teaches you to work hard, overcome obstacles, and reach your goals.

Do you foresee a future for competitive ballroom dance in the Middle East?

I believe that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, however, there is definitely a future here for competitive ballroom dancing. There is a huge demand for it and I am seeing some exciting talent and great opportunities! I am very much looking forward to seeing how the scene here will progress and evolve. At the CDC, we are absolutely doing our part and working toward a brighter future for the competitive ballroom dancing industry here in the Middle East.

Have you incorporated any Middle Eastern music or fashion at the CDC? In other words, just as the CDC is focused on impacting the region, has the Middle East imparted anything on the center?

Middle Eastern culture is very unique and specific. It certainly has an impact on the CDC and the ballroom dancing itself. The most visible contribution is toward fashion and style. During my last competition in Blackpool, I had a hairstyle with a unique hairpiece, which is very common and popular in the Middle East. After such a competition, there is a huge demand to have oriental hairpieces, decorations on dresses, and certain hairstyles. Our clients are Arabs and expatriates from different backgrounds. Our Arab ladies have done belly dancing before; therefore, while they are doing ballroom dancing, they incorporate hip and hand movements. It becomes very different and special from the rest of the dancers. We as instructors are also learning a lot from such experiences and it is just the beginning of the potential impact it will have on ballroom dancing and CDC itself.

For more information on the Crystal Dance Center, class schedules, or any questions, visit their website www.crystaldancecenter.com and follow @CrystalDanceCenter on Instagram for updates.

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