Latest Articles
The Art of Seduction!Maryland Dancesport 2016
Report by Didio Barrera
Photography by Timeline Media
As I mentioned on our blog, the art of seduction, “You either have it or you don’t.” When it comes to Ballroom dancing some couples have the art of seduction down, drawing you to them and making you, if you’re a judge, bring them back over and over and if you are the audience keep looking at them nonstop. There are many components to this art, it is not just about looking good and proper and pretty.
The Ballroom, the Rhythm and the Money!
Report by Didio Barrera
Photography by Charles Ryder Photography
Thursday, January 28th I arrived in beautiful, historical San Jose, California for the City Lights Ball, sponsors of the Star Professional Tours where over $100,000.00 was awarded to our Ballroom and Rhythm Professional competitors.
Sizzling in the Snow!The Snow Ball 2016
Report by Keith Todd
Photography by Ryan Kenner
This was my first ever visit to Donna Edelstein’s Snow Ball, held in Minneapolis, MN on the first weekend of January. It was also my first competition of the 2016 season. Keeping the event true to its name, the weather gods turned on the snow for my arrival and it was steadily snowing as I left the airport.
Back to One!
Report by Didio Barrera
Photography byTanuja Tharani
Back to one is the expression used when you’re filming something and you want to do it again! This past December I was asked by our local Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Coral Gables, Florida to judge their winter showcase. It’s been quite a while since I had an opportunity to do something as simple as a showcase and so I was very excited when asked.
Tis the Season to be Dancing!Southeastern States Championships 2015
Report by Chantal Leclerc
For the past few years my holiday season has started at the beginning of December with a visit to the Orlando Renaissance Hotel at Sea World. This is the venue for the Southeastern States Dance Championship hosted by the team of Larry and Dianne Dean, 44 years in the business of turning out competitions that have set the highest standards in our industry for first class venues, world class shows, superb ballrooms, stunning gifts and warm welcomes.
Amateur Haven:The Savannah Dance Festival
Report by Keith E. Gardenhire
The Savannah Dance Festival was an exceptional event to attend. A new beginning of the Savannah Dance Festival was ushered in this year. Moving to a new venue at the Hyatt Regency Savannah with a magnificent ballroom and a practice floor the tournament also had a new co-host of Corky Ballas along with the ever present Eddie Ares. These changes brought a new level of anticipation and the dancers did not disappoint.
Open Professional Ballroom from Holiday Classic 2016
Report by Stuart Cole
Photography by Park West
I would like to start my report by offering my sincere gratitude to the organizers of this prestigious competition: Sam Sodano, Mary Murphy, and Wendy Johnson.Year after year, the Holiday Dance Classic all but guarantees a well-organized and well-arranged event, a fun atmosphere with beautiful décor- and it is a great reflection on the dedication of both the organizers and the staff that put it on every December.
Ohio Star Ball 2015:Amateur International Latin
Review by Ilya Ifraimov
Photography by Park West
Another Ohio Star Ball has passed, bringing excitement, fabulous dancing, and an inspiring atmosphere for all competitors and spectators. Although there were many memorable moments throughout the week, I will concentrate on the Amateur Latin, which is always an exciting division. This year's event was not an easy one to judge, and some very close calls had to be made, especially in the final round. Each detail was important and every moment mattered for the competitors.