Keith Todd
SFO Back on Track!
Report by Keith Todd
Action photos by Park West
With over 5,500 entries this year, The San Francisco Open, organized by Stephan & Denise Krauel and Rex Lewis, is certainly back on track following a couple of leaner years.
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Ready for the Worlds!
USA Dance Nationals 2014
Report by Keith Todd
Photos by Carson Zullinger
The USA Dance National Championships are the vehicle used by USA Dance, the USA’s World Dance Federation (WDSF) member to select its representatives for most of the WDSF World Championships throughout the year.
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Vegas Open Comes of Age
Report by Keith Todd
Action Photography by Chris Hansen Photography
I believe I have attended every Vegas Open (or Vegas Showdown as it was originally named) since its inception. This year I believe the event came of age! It was larger than it has ever been with about 6,500 entries, but it is not only the entry count that measures a competition in my view.
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Farewell Frank Regan
On December 26th, 2013 the dance world was saddened by news of the death of Mr. Frank Regan, a seemingly indestructible icon of the North American dance scene. Frank was a great friend and supporter to us at Dance Beat. He contributed innumerable articles, many showcasing his his own dry wit. We will greatly miss him!
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CA Open Scores on Busy Dance Week
Report by Keith Todd
Action Photos by Chris Hansen Photography
The second weekend of February is one of the USA’s busiest dancesport weekends with three NDCA Registered events (Superstars Dancesport and Eastern US Championships are the others), plus the ever-popular Classique du Quebec in Montreal, yet Debbie Avalos’ California Open always draws a big crowd.
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Change of Location, but Platinum keeps its Vibe!
Report by Keith Todd
Photos by Decadance Photography
For the past two years, Platinum Dancesport has been nestled in Downtown Miami, right on the historic Venetian Causeway and incidentally about five minutes from my house. Hotel issues forced a move for this one year only, but the EB of Platinum, Mr. Scott Washburn, was able to secure the organizers, Igor & Polina Pilipenchuk, a place in the Airport Hilton.
"Dance is a conversation between body and soul."
This is a comfortable hotel with excellent convention facilities and the advantages of an airport shuttle. It is a little further from the delights of South Beach, but I believe many intrepid competitors made the trip to my “hood.” Certainly we saw many of them (Sunday) the day after the event enjoying the sun and sand.
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Dancing in Jaffa
A Famous Palestinian dancer takes his unique talent to the city of his birth.
By Keith Todd
On April 11th 2014 a documentary entitled “Dancing in Jaffa” opens in New York. Executive Producers are LaToya Jackson, Nigel Lythgoe (So You Think You Can Dance) and Morgan Spurlock. The Director is Hilla Medalia (To Die in Jerusalem), the Producer is Diane Nabatoff (Take the Lead) and the star is - Pierre Dulaine.
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New Organizer Joins Maryland Team
Report by Keith Todd
Photos by Ryan Kenner Photography
The mother/daughter team of Glenis Dee and Andrea Ringold, were joined at he helm of the Maryland Dancesport by veteran pro-am competitor and industry professional, Blake Kish. With over 6,000 entries this also coincided with the largest event in the competition’s history.
"Dancing: the vertical expresion of a horizontal desire legalized by music."