Feature: How a dancesport judge stole the spotlight at Chengdu World Games

Latvian judge Sergejs Sinkins became an unexpected sensation at the World Games dancesport competition in Chengdu, captivating social media with his graceful and elegant presence, while underscoring the profound impact of dance on posture and confidence.

by sportswriters Xiao Yazhuo and Gao Meng

CHENGDU, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The World Games dancesport competition in Chengdu had no shortage of champions on the floor this week - but it was a judge, not a competitor, who stole the spotlight.

At 1.91 meters tall, Sergejs Sinkins, with his upright posture and deliberate, measured movements, quickly became an online sensation on Chinese social media. Photos and videos of him at work - walking to his post, watching intently, or quietly waiting on the sidelines - began circulating online after Friday's competition, drawing waves of likes and shares.

"I was told about it last night," the Latvian said after officiating Saturday's standard dance event. "I'm surprised and grateful. I was just doing my job, and it's the audience who chose to notice me."

Born in 1970, Sinkins started dancing at the age of seven, competing professionally before becoming a coach and judge. He first came to China for the 2024 Asian Dancesport Festival in Wuxi. The Chengdu Games mark his second trip, and Sinkins said he had been struck by the warmth of the crowds and the professionalism of the organizers.

On social media, the word that keeps coming up to describe him is "grace" or "elegance."

Sinkins reveals the secret is simple: "Make dance part of your life. Good posture and habits become part of your body. Stay positive, surround yourself with sincere people, and you'll always carry yourself well."

One of his fellow judges in Chengdu, China's Che Yao, agrees - though she frames it slightly differently. For her, elegance in a judge is also about professionalism: focus, restraint and respect. Focus means spotting the quality and musicality of a couple's performance in just a few minutes. Restraint is keeping calm whatever happens on the floor. Respect applies to the dancers, fellow judges and the competition itself.

Che, once a top competitor herself and now head of a dance school in Shanghai, sees dancesport as more than an elite pursuit.

"It's a healthy workout that can shape posture over time and boost confidence," she said. "Many parents bring their children to learn for the sake of poise. Watching someone like Sinkins go viral shows people the positive influence dance can have - and maybe inspires them to take that first step."

At Chengbei Gymnasium, the two judges converge on the same message: elegance isn't innate - it's built day by day. If you want to keep it, the first step is simple: start dancing. ■