Lee Jenkins and Catalina Verjan continued an impressive run of Salsa competition results in 2023, placing 2nd in the Semi-Pro Salsa couples division in their first season competing at that level.
The result followed their 2nd-place finish in the Amateur Salsa couples division the previous year, making their move into Semi-Pro especially rewarding for everyone involved in their coaching.
Progressing from Amateur to Semi-Pro Salsa
Moving into a higher competition division brings a new challenge. Dancers are expected to keep developing their Salsa technique and partnership while presenting choreography with greater confidence, control and performance quality.
Lee and Catalina have consistently stood out for their ambition and work ethic. Their improvement over a relatively short period was one of the reasons we were so proud to see them step onto the floor in Semi-Pro and achieve another podium result.
Why competition training is about progression
A placing is an exciting milestone, but competition coaching is also about giving dancers a clear reason to refine the details of their dancing. Preparing a routine creates measurable goals around timing, technique, connection, choreography and presentation, while competition day provides the opportunity to put that work under pressure.
For dancers who enjoy structured goals, that process can become a powerful part of their development. Lee and Catalina’s progression from the Amateur division to a 2nd-place Semi-Pro debut was a wonderful example.
Congratulations to Lee and Catalina on another well-earned result and, most importantly, on the work and improvement behind it.
This article records a 2023 competition result and is retained as part of our studio history.
