This past weekend, we traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona, for the People’s Choice Competition—a spectacular three-and-a-half days of nonstop dancing, with over 8,000 entries making this one of the most dynamic events of the year.

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The competition was held at the stunning Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, an inspiring retreat located in the heart of “new” Scottsdale. Framed by dramatic Arizona skies and breathtaking mountain ranges, the venue offered a perfect blend of elegance and energy. A new addition to the property, the bar and grill Antidote, overlooks the lush golf course and has quickly become a favorite gathering spot. Many guest rooms offer direct views of this beautiful courtyard, and as we’ve said before—it’s absolutely breathtaking.

The event kicked off Wednesday evening with a vibrant Nightclub session, starting at 5:00 PM and continuing all the way until midnight. The evening’s theme was Oriental, and many attendees embraced it with traditional Asian attire, adding color and culture to an already electric night.

On Thursday and Friday, the competition began promptly at 7:00 AM each morning, running continuously with barely a moment to rest. Thursday featured Rhythm and Ballroom divisions, while Friday followed a similar schedule, focusing on Smooth and Latin. Both days were packed with energy, talent, and the kind of dedication that makes this competition so memorable year after year.

Saturday Highlights & The People’s Choice Finale

Saturday offered a welcome change of pace, giving everyone the chance to relax and soak in the beauty of the resort. The first session began at a leisurely 9:00 AM and concluded by 5:00 PM, allowing participants and spectators alike to enjoy the amenities of the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.

Many attendees took advantage of the sunny Arizona weather—lounging by the pool, enjoying a round of golf, or simply taking in the scenery. The atmosphere was light and festive, a perfect midday interlude before the highly anticipated final evening session.

By evening, everyone had returned to the ballroom, dressed to impress and ready for the grand finale of the People’s Choice Awards and Competition.

Some of the weekend’s most thrilling performances were showcased during this concluding session. But without a doubt, the highlight of the night—and the categories that received the most accolades—were the Professional American Style divisions. Both Smooth and Rhythm delivered outstanding performances, featuring a remarkable number of entries and an equally impressive level of quality and sophistication.

From elegant foxtrots to fiery cha-chas, the energy in the room was electric—reminding us all why People’s Choice remains one of the most beloved events on the dance calendar.

Another standout competition was the Showdance/Cabaret division, where five couples thrilled the audience with breathtaking acrobatic lifts, creativity, and undeniable passion. It was a spectacular display of artistry and athleticism that brought the crowd to their feet.

• Professional Cabaret Professional Cabaret
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Saturday evening began promptly at 7:30 PM with the Open Professional Cabaret—a perfect event to open what would be a spectacular night of dancing. The crowd was immediately captivated, and the energy in the ballroom surged.

The undeniable stars of the event were Anthony Kantin & Olivia Card, who brought the house down with a breathtaking performance that earned them perfect scores across the board. Their adagio work was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring death-defying lifts executed with flawless precision, strength, and grace. Every movement was timed to perfection, their musicality seamless, and their chemistry undeniable. It was a performance that left both the audience and judges in awe, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Alexey Smirnov & Daria Smirnova placed second overall according to the judges’ scorecards; however, the decision wasn’t unanimous. They secured second place with the majority—5 out of 9 judges awarding them the runner-up position, while the remaining judges ranked them slightly lower, dropping them by one or two placements.

While we’re typically strong supporters of this talented couple, this time around, we felt their performance didn’t quite meet their usual high standard. Their routine, while technically competent, lacked the precision and thematic clarity we’ve come to expect from them. In fact, reflecting on the performance now, we’re hard-pressed to recall the exact theme or costume concept—an unusual miss for a pair known for memorable storytelling and presentation. We believe this new routine may still be in development, possibly in need of further rehearsal and a few more competitive outings to refine its impact. We remain confident in their potential and look forward to seeing how the routine evolves in the coming months.

Third position overall was awarded to Ivan Khudoliy & Alisa Seleznova, fourth went to Ian Meeks & Susanna Cranford and in fifth position was Nicolas Gastelum & Hanna Pierce.

As mentioned earlier, the Open Professional Rhythm event was another highlight of the evening and absolutely delivered in terms of energy, talent, and excitement.

• Open Pro Rhythm Open Pro Rhythm
• Francesco Arietta & Jessa Brioness Francesco Arietta & Jessa Brioness
• Ilie Bardahan & Oxana Kashkina Ilie Bardahan & Oxana Kashkina
• David Nyemchek Jr. & Viktoriya Dilay David Nyemchek Jr. & Viktoriya Dilay
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To begin with, the reigning U.S. National Professional Rhythm Champions entered the event—and they were fierce from the very first step. Their command of the floor, musicality, and connection were undeniable. Their effort and performance were rightfully rewarded, as the majority of the judges awarded them first place in all dances.

There were, however, two exceptions on the panel. Nigel Clark stood out as the only judge to place the couple third in every dance—an opinion that clearly diverged from the consensus. Additionally, Mr. Sid Pocius awarded them a second-place mark in one of the dances, offering a slightly more reserved view.

We must respectfully disagree with the minority on this one. While we acknowledge that the performance may have felt a touch subtle at times in terms of impact, we found it to be a masterclass in precision, partnership, and performance. In particular, Jessa was, as always, unbeatable—her poise, strength, and artistry were absolutely captivating.

For us, Francesco & Jessa hit the mark with this performance. Their style, chemistry, and musical interpretation made them the clear champions of the evening in our eyes.

Ilie Bardahan & Oxana Kashkina took second place in all dances—and in our opinion, they did so quite decisively. The majority of judges awarded them second place across the board, with only a few third-place marks given. Notably, Mr. Sid Pocius awarded them first place in the Swing, a well-deserved nod to a particularly standout performance.

We fully agree with the judges’ overall assessment—Ilie and Oxana danced with strength, control, and clarity, delivering a consistent and high-quality performance throughout. What also can’t be ignored is the visual impression they make the moment they step on the floor.

Ilie, in particular, drew audible admiration from the audience—especially among the women—with his sculpted arms and impressive posture. His physical conditioning, combined with his commanding frame and polished presentation, only adds to the couple’s powerful stage presence.

It’s fair to say that this duo not only dances beautifully but turns heads with their athletic and chiseled appearance. They’re a package that’s hard to overlook—and one that continues to impress on every level.

Third place in all Rhythm dances went to David Nyemchek Jr. & Viktoriya Dilay, a well-matched and elegant couple who continue to rise through the ranks with presence and promise.

Viktoriya is an absolutely striking dancer, always beautifully groomed and effortlessly commanding attention every time she steps onto the floor. She has a refined sense of presentation that draws the eye and keeps it, delivering both grace and glamour with ease.

David, in turn, provides a strong and reliable frame, complementing Viktoriya’s style beautifully. Together, they earned a well-deserved third place in a very competitive final, which began with a full semifinal round—testament to the quality of this heat.

Our only current critique lies in Mr. Nyemchek’s posture and upper-body movement. At times, he appears to sacrifice neck length and shoulder carriage in pursuit of rhythm. While rhythm is, of course, essential in this style, we believe a bit more isolation in the upper body would enhance his movement further—adding more dynamic rhythm without compromising posture or polish.

That said, this is a highly promising couple, and with a few refinements, we believe they’ll continue to climb in the ranks.

Nikolai Voronovich & Hadas Fisher placed fourth in all dances—a result that reflects both consistency and potential in this developing partnership.

In our last write-up, we noted that the pairing felt somewhat unbalanced, with a gap in stylistic presence between the two dancers. This time, however, we were pleased to see some improvement in that area. The chemistry and coordination between them showed progress, and their performance felt more unified overall.

That said, we still believe there’s room for growth—particularly for Ms. Fisher. While she is clearly elegant and composed, we’d love to see her push beyond her comfort zone. Her presence on the floor could benefit from more volume and projection, to better match the seasoned and commanding competitive style of Mr. Voronovich.

We’re always happy to see dancers evolve, and we commend Ms. Fisher on her continued improvement. However, we gently suggest that more rehearsal time and focus on the fundamentals of performance might yield stronger results than the finer details of hair styling. The talent is clearly there—now it’s about bringing it forward with confidence and presence.

Fifth position on this excellent final went to the partnership of Alexey Smirnov & Daria Smirnova who took fifth in all dances and sixth place in all was awarded to Jhondarr Lopez & Ashley Mattingly.

The other event that truly hit the mark during this incredible evening of dancing was the Open Professional Smooth—a division that showcased artistry, athleticism, and some tough competition.

• Open Pro Smooth Open Pro Smooth
• Lukas Spisak & Eva Tibenska Lukas Spisak & Eva Tibenska
• Denys Savytskyy & Mila Kovalova Denys Savytskyy & Mila Kovalova
• Joseph & Madalina Lettig Joseph & Madalina Lettig
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Throughout this final, there were two standout couples who repeatedly drew the audience’s attention: Lukas Spisak & Eva Tibenska and Denys Savytskyy & Mila Kovalova. Both couples brought unique strengths to the floor, which is likely why the judges were visibly divided in their scoring—particularly across dances other than the Viennese Waltz, where one couple secured a clearer edge.

On this particular night, Lukas & Eva appeared to have the advantage. They danced with confidence, clarity, and a sense of shared responsibility throughout their open work. What stood out was how both partners truly danced—not just Eva shining through, but Lukas stepping forward as an equally dynamic contributor, especially in the open choreography.

It’s often the case in Smooth that leaders rely heavily on their partners during the open work, fading into the background. But this was not the case here. Lukas matched Eva’s presence step for step, and the judges seemed to take note—awarding them the edge in several of the dances.

While there wasn’t a unanimous decision here because they also placed second in the Foxtrot, the subtle signals in the marks reflected a shared opinion among many judges: this couple brought a more balanced, engaged, and confident performance, and it paid off.

Second place in three dances and first in the Foxtrot was awarded to Denys Savytskyy & Mila Kovalova, another exceptional couple who, as mentioned earlier, very well could have taken the top spot on a different night.

In our view, Denys and Mila excelled particularly in their closed work. Their frame, control, and connection in the more structured portions of their dancing were truly elegant, and the Foxtrot in particular showcased their strengths—graceful, poised, and confidently executed.

However, in the open choreography, we noticed a recurring pattern: Denys seemed to step back slightly, allowing Mila to dominate the floor, which at times made the performance feel slightly one-sided. While Mila’s movement and presence are undeniably powerful, the balance in partnership is what often distinguishes a great performance from an extraordinary one.

As the saying goes, “it takes two to tango”—and not just to tango, but to waltz, and even Viennese. When both partners share the spotlight and move as one, the impact is exponentially stronger.

That said, Denys and Mila remain a top-tier couple with tremendous potential. With a more unified presence in their open work, they could absolutely find themselves atop the podium in future events.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what Joseph & Madalina Lettig need to do to break through and surpass the two top couples previously mentioned. However, one observation stood out early in the final: they are difficult to spot on the floor. In a division where presence and projection are key, blending in can be a significant disadvantage.

Once you do focus on them, the quality of their dancing is certainly commendable enough to warrant their place in the final. That said, their performance did not rise to the level of precision, technical command, and artistic interpretation demonstrated by the first- and second-place couples.

In our view, the next step for Joseph & Madalina lies in returning to the fundamentals. More emphasis on basic training, clarity of movement, and floor craft would allow their dancing to speak more confidently and resonate more clearly with both the audience and the judges.

It’s also worth remembering that in competitive dance, more is not always better. Sometimes, simplicity, cleanliness, and refined execution can outshine overly complex choreography. With refinement and strategic development, we believe this couple has the potential to rise in future finals.

Fourth place overall was awarded to Jonathan Wolfgram & Danyelle Morley 5,4,4,4, fifth position went to Oleg Teleha & Mishka Teleha 4,5,6,5, and last in sixth position was Joao Carvalho & Sarah Berens 6,6,5,6.

In the Open Professional Latin, there were quite a few surprises that sparked conversation throughout the ballroom.

• Open Pro Latin Open Pro Latin
• Nikita Grygorchuk & Karina Nugumanova Nikita Grygorchuk & Karina Nugumanova
• Ivan Romanov & Nicole Prosser Ivan Romanov & Nicole Prosser
• Anton Ivanyshyn & Hanna Lytvynovych Anton Ivanyshyn & Hanna Lytvynovych
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Most notably, the unexpected winners—at least in our eyes—were Nikita Grygorchuk & Karina Nugumanova, who took first place in three dances: the Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive, and second place in the remaining two. However, it’s important to note that no couple secured a clear majority of first-place marks from the judges in any of the dances, which likely contributed to the somewhat unpredictable final placements.

While we certainly recognize that Nikita & Karina are a capable and technically strong couple, we found their performance to be a bit lacking in emotional connection. Despite their clean execution and strong technique, their dancing didn’t quite draw us in. At times, their performance felt cold and distant, and we struggled to find a deeper sense of character or narrative in their routines.

That said, the judges clearly responded differently—and that’s part of what makes competition both fascinating and subjective. While our personal impression left us wanting more fire and warmth, the panel seemed to appreciate the precision and composure Nikita & Karina brought to the floor.

For us, the true winners of the night were Ivan Romanov & Nicole Prosser. Right up until the awards were announced, we believed they had secured the top spot—and in many ways, they still did in spirit.

This is a mega-talented couple, brimming with technical excellence and emotional depth. Their performance was not only precise but soulful, with a richness in musicality and dynamic contrast that drew the eye and held it. In our view, when it comes to raw talent and expressive power, this couple is simply unmatched in this division.

That said, their placement—second overall—came down to fine margins. The judges’ marks reflect just how close the result was, with Ivan & Nicole receiving scores of 1, 2, 1, 2, 2 across the five dances. It’s clear the panel was split, which is understandable in such a competitive and nuanced field.

If we were to offer one suggestion, it might be to elevate their visibility on the floor just a touch. In large heats, sometimes even the most exceptional performances can go unnoticed for a beat too long. With slightly more strategic floor presence or perhaps a bit more edge in their projection, they may find themselves claiming that top spot more decisively in the near future.

But for us—on this night—Ivan & Nicole were the very best.

The ultimate surprise of the night came with the third-place finish of Anton Ivanyshyn & Hanna Lytvynovych, who were awarded third in all five Latin dances.

We say “surprise” because even the couple themselves appeared slightly taken aback by the result. There’s no question that their performance was well-rehearsed and executed with clarity. In fact, there’s a case to be made that they could have finished as high as second, depending on how certain moments were interpreted by individual judges.

That said, while their routine was technically solid, it lacked the dynamic edge and emotional texture that elevate a good performance to a great one. It felt safe—well-packaged but not particularly risky or emotionally charged.

It’s worth remembering the adage: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” Or worse.

In this case, “step it up” may be the most appropriate feedback. This couple has undeniable talent, but perhaps they’ve settled into comfort rather than continuing to push their creative and performance boundaries. With more risk, character, and emotional connectivity, Anton & Hanna have the potential to shake up this final even further.

Of all the professional competitions held that evening, the one that felt the least competitive in terms of challenge was the Open Professional Ballroom. It was, without question, a walk in the park for Serhiy Averkov & Olena Barna, who won all five dances with a commanding presence and a majority of first-place marks from the judges.

Their performance was elegant, poised, and technically masterful—an example of championship-level dancing with little left to question. Their only slight dip in scoring came during the Viennese Waltz, where three out of nine judges placed them lower than first. Even so, their overall dominance was never in doubt.

To be honest, we expected this to be a perfect-score scenario, as the other two finalist couples—while certainly respectable—lacked the experience and performance maturity to truly challenge Serhiy & Olena at this stage.

Of course, it’s always easier to assess from the sidelines than from the judges’ chairs, where every detail counts, and angles and timing can influence perception. Still, from our vantage point, this was a clear and deserving victory for a couple that continues to impress with both their consistency and refinement.

• Grand Slam winners Grand Slam winners
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The People’s Choice element of the competition comes down to a polular vote for the most outstanding student and teacher of the weekend and an audience vote for the grand champion in the Professional Competitions. Francesco & Jessa won the Grand Championship, Mark Baker was selected as most impressive teacher and Carol Templeton as most impressive student.

The People’s Choice Dance Competition in Scottsdale, Arizona, once again proved why it holds such a special place on the competitive dance calendar. From the stunning setting at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa to the exceptional level of talent on the floor, this event delivered on every front—organization, atmosphere, and world-class dancing.

With over 8,000 entries, this weekend was a true celebration of dedication, artistry, and the unrelenting passion that drives our community. From fierce battles in the Professional Rhythm and Smooth divisions, to surprises in the Latin final, and the commanding performance in the Ballroom, each category brought its own highlights and memorable moments.

We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to all the competitors, and a heartfelt thank you to the organizers, staff, volunteers, and judges who made this weekend possible. Your tireless efforts, professionalism, and love for the art of dance are what continue to elevate this event year after year.

We leave Scottsdale inspired, energized, and already looking forward to what next year’s People’s Choice will bring.