Latest Articles
Open Professional Rhythm: San Diego Beach Bash 2016
Report by Wendy Johnson
Photography by Stephen Marino
It was with great pleasure that I judged San Diego Beach Bash organized by some of my favorite friends, Jon, Michael and Toni. San Diego is dear to my heart as I lived 20 years in this beautiful city.
Open Professional Latin – Miami Vibe 2016
Report by Forrest Vance
Photography by Ryan Kenner
Hosted by Andrew Phillips, this competition was a beautiful event. As I appreciate old-world sophistication, the venue was great with beautiful, renovated rooms and a beautiful ballroom decorated and adorned with beautiful flowers. It was my pleasure to write the article on the Professional Latin, so here it is.
Open Professional Smooth from Ballroom Beach Bash 2016
Report by Anna Trebunskaya
Photography by Stephen Marino
First, I want to congratulate Michael Mead, Tony Redpath and Jonathan Roberts for a fantastic weekend! It's the second year of the annual event and is already sporting an impressive 8000 entries. A+ for keeping it light, fun, and humorous while still maintaining a lot of quality Pro-Am, Amateur and Professional dancers.
Getting the “Vibe” in Miami Beach! Miami Vibe 2016
Report by Keith Todd
Photography by Ryan Kenner
It is always a treat to attend a competition in your hometown and for me, Miami Vibe offers just such a treat. Its venue, The Eden Roc Hotel, is barely ten minutes from my residence. And what a venue this is! The Eden Roc is a MIMO masterpiece, designed by Morris Lapidus and completed in 1955. It has been lovingly restored, keeping all of its original flavor. I was very lucky this year to be housed in the fully renovated ocean tower and I could literally hear the Atlantic surf if I opened my windows.
“Flying Sharks, Batman!” It’s the Beach Bash!
Report by Keith Todd
Photography by Stephen Mario
Flying Sharks, judges in deck chairs, competitors fanned with palm fronds while having their feet massaged, bathing suits matched with formal wear – where else could I be but the San Diego Beach Bash! Organizers, Michael Mead, Toni Redpath & Jonathan Roberts have brought their own brand of “California wackiness” to the ballroom and it seems to be working. Only in their second year, this event exploded to over 8,000 entries this year. Oh, by the way, just to appease the animal activists – the flying shark was not real!
Back to our Roots! The Cuba International Ballroom Championship 2016
Report by Keith Todd
Photography by Charles Ryder
Ask most dancers which country they associate most with the Latin American Dances and the answer 90% of the time will be “Cuba.” While it is true that samba originated in Brazil, paso doble in France and the jive in USA, it is the Cuban music of the mid 20th century that still fuels much of our competitive Latin dancing to this day. But for most of us living in the USA, the country of Cuba remains mostly a mystery thanks to the embargo policy reaching back to the 1960’s.
Dance Life Coaching: A Column To Help Dancers Journey In Life
“Principle of Perspective”
By Susan Silva
There is a Principle of Perspective that holds true for all of our lives. That principle has to do with where you sit currently which determines what you see. And what you see determines what you do. This is a heavy-duty statement but it is very important for all of us to understand. I hope to help clarify and bring light to your life by discussing this statement.
Good Enough for Tina Turner! Champions Ball 2016
Report by Didio Barrera
Portion of photos courtesy to Priyanka Mathew
The Champions Ball is the largest Pro/Am event outside the United States. With over six thousand entries it also rivals a number of events here in the USA. I have been fortunate to have been asked to officiate at the Champions Ball for a number of years and every year this event has to be judged by a standard of excellence. The staging and focal point is always amazing. I remember my first time attending the Champions Ball, I thought “Tina Turner” was going to make an appearance with the amount of lighting, smoke and props. This year was no different. In fact it was the best ever, with the two giant LED screens opening up to present the Pro/Am competitors on the stage and the stairs coming out of a tunnel for them to come down to the floor.