Philadelphia Spreads Its Love!
Philadelphia Dancesport Festival
 
Report by Didio Barrera
Dance Photos by Ryan Kenner Photography

The Philadelphia DanceSport Festival this year was moved from the Airport to the center of the city of Philadelphia (Downtown), a terrific move in my opinion by the organizer, Chuck Danza. I have been to Philadelphia so many times. 

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Changing of the Guard for Tristate!
Tristate Dancesport Championships 2014

Report by Didio Barrera
Photos by Ryan Kenner Photography

As most of you know this year the Tristate Dancesport Championships were sold to one of the USA’s most prestigious Latin American representatives, former ABC US Latin Champions, Andrei Gavriline & Elena Kryuchkova. After leaving the competitive circuit these two well-loved and respected people have now dedicated themselves to teaching and organizing competitions.  They already run a successful one-day event (Paragon Ball) the in north east and now have taken on the reigns of the well-established Tristate Dancesport Championships.

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“Spring” It On!
ABC US National Amateur Championships

Report by Didio Barrera
Action photography by Laura Johnson Photography

This year the American Ballroom Company’s US National Amateur Championships excelled in the Open Latin division and with perfect weather outside this venue in Provo, Utah also became a heavenly paradise for lovers of some spring time in the  snowy Rocky Mountains.

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Great Venue, Great Comp!
Superstars Dancesport Championships

Report by Didio Barrera
Photos by Alex Rowan

The Vinoy Renaissance Hotel in St Petersburg, Florida is always a perfect location for a quick getaway to dance and sunbathe under the Florida winter sun.  Until a few years back, this hotel was the home of the Millennium Dancesport but soon with the great popularity of that event, it outgrew the hotel. 

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What a Trinity! - The “New” City Lights

Report by Didio Barrera
Action photos by Park West

What a terrific trinity of prominent people to be chosen as head of the new City Lights competition - Anna Mikhed, Dan Messenger and Josie Lee. I am new to this event since I only attended City Lights once prior to this weekend and that was for one night only, so I cannot tell what the difference is between the new or the old. But I do know a little bit about events and I found the new group helpful, attentive and they tried hard to make sure everyone was accommodated.

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Visiting the Land in the Sky!
The Heritage Classic

Report by Didio Barrera
Action photography by Park West

The Grove Park Inn in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (better referred to as “The Heritage”) continues to be one of my favorite destinations for a dance competition. The hotel is magnificent with a wonderful spa and wonderful views of the mountains, so much so that there is only one way to describe it “The Land in the sky.”

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WDSF! A Work in Progress!
Report by Didio Barrera

Last year I attended a number of WDSF events in many different venues, including the second largest of the Olympic affiliated games in the world, the World Games held last year Cali Colombia and organized by the IOC. Although I tend to be more on the side of the art (Dance) rather than the sport, I find it incredible how far this organization has taken Dancesport as an “official” Olympic sport.

"I'd like to see Paris before I die, but Philadelphia will do!" Mae West.  Want to know more .......

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World Dancesport Series Pro-am Rhythm Scholarships

Report by Didio Barrera

The World Pro/Am Dancesport Series Rhythm divisions at the Ohio Star Ball were excellent, there were plenty of couples and all heats were huge, but it is not the amount but the quality of the dancing that made it special for me.

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