5 couples from different regions vied for the title of best dancer during the 2nd international Codi-Zouk competition which took place in Fort-de-France, Sunday December 1st. Belgium, Reunion, Guadeloupe, mainland France and Martinique shone in rhythms, visual effects and choreography. The Martinique pair Christelle and Christophe Hérelle gave the best of themselves by winning the “Grand Prix Jean Philippe Marthély”.
The 2nd international grand final of the Codi-Zouk competition was held on Sunday December 1, 2024 at the Aimé Césaire Cultural Park in Fort-de-France. The Zouk team, Jean-Marc Templet, Patrick Andrey and the choreographer Moïse Rippon work tirelessly on this codification.
From the morning, with the support of the Anti-stress association, several artisans have set up shop in the alleys of the Parc Floral.
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©Daniel BETIS
In front of a jury chaired by Moïse Rippon, the contenders strived to offer choreographies full of life and spontaneity.
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©Daniel BETIS
The island of Reunion opened the demonstration. Sofy et Helldiablo in a conquering outfit, expressed the diversity of Zouk through their two choreographies. The other competitors competed in elegance, movements and creativity.
The public praised Belgium’s performance, Ti Caf La Soie and its partner Sarah Amaro. The pair transported the crowd into a choreographic frenzy symbolizing their passion and their knowledge of coded figures.
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©Daniel BETIS
The tone was set; Guadeloupe represented by Angela Landry and Fabrice Calabre highlighted this pleasure of evolving together and dancing brilliantly.
The French French team also impressed with Cameron et Sylvia Hollyara. Beautiful stage writing and beautiful use of space.
The people of Martinique Christelle and Christophe Hérellehave for their part, through harmonized movements, magnified Zouk in all its facets.
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©Daniel BETIS
The Jury was able to deliberate widely, because the organization had scheduled a traditional show as an interlude, with the Ballet Pomme Cannelle which reviewed certain local dances, for the pleasure of the spectators present on the Grand Carbet lawn. Then, President Moïse Rippon and Valérie Laigle came to announce the results.
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©Daniel BETIS
The emotion is palpable, the competitors are waiting, the public is under pressure, the music resonates, the lights sparkle. The President of the Jury prolongs the pleasure, by first announcing the 5th prize for Reunion, and 4e to Guadeloupe and the 3rd to Team France.
The final result announced by the president of the jury
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©Daniel BETIS
In the end, Ti Café La Soie and its partner Sarah Amaro, the worthy representatives of Belgium find themselves on the second step of the podium, behind Christophe and Christelle Hérelle who won this second edition of Codi-Zouk, Grand Prix Jean Philippe Marthély, accompanied by a prize of 3,000 euros.
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©Daniel BETIS
The evening continued late into the night, with a “chanté nwèl” from the group “Kantik Nwèl” by Michel Sauvage.
Kantik des Mornes in action
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©Daniel BETIS
