Latest Articles
Savannah Dance Classic 2016: Rising Star Professional Smooth
Yusimi Cruz and Erica Millarc (1111) won the Professional Rising Star American Smooth (W/T/F/VW) at the Savannah Dance Classic. Their Foxtrot was a joy to watch as Yusimi show a tremendous flair to the routine.
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Report by: Keith E. Gardenhire
A Hero’s Welcome to the Big 20! Colorado Star Ball 2016
This year it was the big 20th celebration for the Colorado Star Ball, and organizers Richard and Jennifer Booth went all the way out to make it a major celebration. Two World Professional Champions were invited to perform, World Professional Ballroom Champions, Arunas Bizukas & Katusha Demidova and World Professional Latin Champions, Riccardo Cocchi & Yulia Zagoruychenko.
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Report by: Didio Barrera
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Photos by: Charles Ryder
Savannah Dance Classic 2016: Professional Divisions
Saturday night at the Savannah Dance Class was breathtaking. From the Professional American Rhythm to the final Professional International Latin was scintillating to watch.
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Report by: Keith E. Gardenhire
Yankee Classic2015: World Masters Professional International Ballroom Championship
The Yankee Classic is one of my favorite competitions to attend, both as a competitor in the past, and now as a judge. This competition is one of the most prestigious events on the East Coast where lots of the USA’s best dancers take the floor every year.
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Report by: Darya Sushko
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Photos by: Ryan Kenner Photography
Amateur Haven: Savannah Dance Classic 2016
Once again my Memorial Day weekend was spent at the Savannah Dance Classic in Savannah, GA. This is one of my favorite events to attend. For the sixth year Savannah has hosted a ballroom competition that had something for everyone.
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Report by: Keith E. Gardenhire
Emmanuel Pierre Antoine & Liana Chirulova: The Past, Present, and Future
Exclusive Retirement Interview for DanceBeat.
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Report by: Maria Kordit
Open Professional Divisions at Atlanta Open 2016
All of the Open Professional Divisions at Atlanta Open took place on the last night of competition and it was quite a marathon! The two international styles had semifinals and the two American Styles had quarter-finals. On top of this we had what I believe was an unprecedented “13-couple” cabaret final at the end of the night.
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Report by: Keith Todd
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Photos by: Stephen Marino
Let’s talk about that O1 Visa
In the 2015 United States National Championships - Open and Rising Star Professional events - there were over 70 professionals who were at that time on the O-1B visa.
Today, most ballroom dancers and dance teachers who are from outside the United States came here legally under the non-immigrant visa category of O-1 which is for individuals who have demonstrated “extraordinary abilities”. As many of you are already aware, changes by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) in regard to the O1 are having a serious impact on our industry. We understand that it is not just our industry, but all O1’s. But the changes are taking a drastic toll on the dance industry.*