Yan Bangbang and Du Yujun (CHN) achieved their first-ever victory at a DanceSport Latin Grand Slam tournament in July 2024. They have been dancing together on an international level since 2018, and they were thrilled to win their first Grand Slam in Yujun’s hometown, Wuxi, China. They are The World Games Athletes of July 2024!
In an interview with The World Games they share their story, including the impact The World Games 2022 had on them. The victory at Wuxi was another special moment.
“For me, winning the championship this time is not a personal honour, it is the result of the hard work of several generations of Chinese Latin dancers", Yan Bangbang says.
"But we are very fortunate that it has been achieved by us! This is the first time in the history of Chinese dancing that we have won the World Grand Slam championship. I believe we are in a good era, and I was very happy in Wuxi because it happens to be my dance partner Du Yujun's home town, so many friends and relatives came to cheer for us and we felt really at home.”
Du Yujun reflects on the victory: “For me personally, this is the first Grand Slam win in my competitive career. I feel very honoured that I can represent China and win such an honour in Wuxi, China. What I liked most about the competition in Wuxi was the atmosphere and the music; the good atmosphere and music made me feel very excited, and also motivated me to perform at my best level.”
The couple took part in The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, and finished 9th in the competition.
“Birmingham was our first international match after a very difficult period. Our biggest regret after three years of not appearing on the international schedule is that our minds were ready but our bodies were not ready, and this will be fully made up for in Chengdu, where we will train our bodies like steel to become the best competitors on the field,” Yan Bangbang says.
Du Yujun adds: “The most unforgettable thing for me from The World Games 2022 is that my partner and I participated in an international competition for the first time after experiencing the epidemic for three years. For me, the floor lighting and all the things were so fresh, so I remember this competition vividly, as if it was only yesterday. I think I should apply this fresh feeling to every competition and every dance. It makes me feel more alive.”
The next edition of The World Games will be held in the couple’s home country in Chengdu, China. Du Yujun feels it’s lucky to have such a huge event in China, but admits that it brings pressure, too.
“With the support of the country and everyone, there is a certain pressure, because everyone has expectations for you, and I will be more demanding of myself. But this pressure will also become the driving force for me to move forward, so I am also very grateful for everyone‘s expectations for us.”
“Of course, The Games being in China brings a lot of pressure on us because we want to present our best because we are representing our country,” Yan Bangbang agrees.
Can you describe your training routine and preparation strategies as you gear up for The World Games 2025?
Bangbang: ”Our regular training is every Monday to Friday. We spend a lot of time, maybe seven or eight hours in the training room, and we also do a lot of complementary training. We decided to go to ballet classes, flamingo classes, Pilates classes, and we also went to the thought teacher, to help us prepare more maturely for each competition, not only in our bodies but also in our minds. We also have plans to learn Tai Ji more professionally and integrate Chinese culture into our dance.”
Yujun: ”We plan the content of our daily practice together. I will also practice swimming and ballet, and of course use the gym. The two of us will also go to see excellent live dance performances, and go to the Flamenco classes to learn, but the most important thing is how to make everyday practice at high quality, not just a practice.”
What are your goals and aspirations for the future beyond The World Games 2025? Are there any specific milestones or achievements you are aiming for in your dance careers?
Bangbang: ”My competition goal is of course very clear, I hope to win the world championship! My next goal is to win at The World Games and the World Championship in 2025, to achieve the Grand Slam. But my artistic expectation for myself is to dance like an artist, dancing like all the dancers I admire. Hopefully, after I retire, people will remember me for the art I created and not just for my achievements.”
Yujun: ”Personally, my dream and goal has always been to become an outstanding dancer, to be a leader of an era, to lead the next generation. Of course I want to be a world champion, that‘s for sure, and to be a really good dancer and competitor.”
As The World Games Athletes of the Month, Yan Bangbang and Du Yujun will receive a diploma and a branded gift.
The International World Games Association (IWGA) is a non-profit-making international sports organisation recognised and supported by the International Olympic Committee. The IWGA comprises 38 International Member Sports Federations. It administers and promotes The World Games (TWG), a multi-sport event held every four years that features around 35 sports on its programme. The next edition of TWG will be in Chengdu (CHN) from 7-17 August 2025. 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries are expected to take part in this 12th edition. The latest Games were hosted by Birmingham, Alabama (USA).
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