PETALING JAYA: National dancer Bernice Iu Weng Tong is enjoying her journey as a solo dancer after bagging silver at the Caucasus Cup in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The debutant came in second in the female adult solo Latin category at the Sheraton Grand Palace Tbilisi on Saturday.
“This feels like a new journey for me because previously I was competing in couples events with a partner,” said the 23-year-old.
“But due to personal reasons, I had to start a new journey solo.
“And to get silver in my debut competition just makes me feel so happy and proud of myself. Not just me but my coaches and the nation as well.
“Winning silver reminds me that this is just the start and I have to keep working harder,” said Bernice.
The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) sanctioned event saw over 350 athletes from 33 countries compete.
Teammate Cherry Yeo, who became the first Malaysian to win the World Cup Solo Latin last year, settled for sixth place.
National coach Chua Zhen Fong commended Bernice and Cherry.
“We are looking forward to seeing greater results from Bernice. Her podium finish is just the start.
“Cherry had a stumble just as any athlete would, but this is due to her studies. Moving forward, she plans to adjust her schedule to allow more training time,” he said.
In the junior II female solo Latin World Championships, which was also held during the tournament in Tbilisi, Kimberly Chew Yun Han and Cermen Yeow Kai Wen gained valuable experience at the elite level, finishing 42nd and 56th out of 119 competitors.
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