Latest Articles
NYDF Professional Smooth
Report by Igor Litvinov
Photography by Ryan Kenner
This year, 2016, marks the beginning of new history in the running of the prestigious New York Dance Festival. Under the new ownership of the legendary couple Eugene and Maria, many things were changed and improved or even invented to make this event more special and unique. But my job is to cover only the Pro Smooth division and I have to say I was very impressed by the quality and strength of all the couples.
WCO Rising Star Latin 2016
Report by Nadia Eftedal
Photography by Alliance Consulting
Congratulations to the organizers of the Windy City Open for another successful year! With warm hospitality, a convenient hotel and a panel of the most exquisite judges (wink,wink) this competition offers all the amenities one would desire for an enjoyable weekend. Therefore, it was no surprise that we saw support from all parts of the country and especially the Chicago area which made for some very nice professional events.
Vegas Open Throws a “7”
Report by Keith Todd
Photos by Chris Hanson
In the game of “craps, ” which I have never played, I believe the object of the game is to “throw a 7.” Here in Las Vegas, craps is a popular game and the Vegas Open certainly threw a “7” again this year. Held once again over the first weekend of March at the Luxor Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, Vegas Open is organized by Mikal Watkins, Maria Hansen & Paul Holmes. Las Vegas has proved to be a very popular location for dance competitions and it is not hard to understand why.
Pro Ballroom at Windy City 2016
Report by Anna Mikhed
Photos by Alliance Consulting
I thoroughly enjoyed adjudicating The Windy City Open! Very friendly fun competition in a beautiful hotel with a great team of organizers and staff! The Professional Open Ballroom division was represented by couples from California, Illinois, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Nevada, Taiwan. 6 couples made it from Semi to the Final.
New York Dance Festival – Professional Rhythm
Report by Diana McDonald
Photography by Ryan Kenner
A quarter-final took the floor for the Open Professional American Rhythm at this year’s New York Dance Festival. I will take this moment to rant slightly if I may. American Rhythm is supposed to be rhythmic and earthy looking before all else. I think we have REALLY gotten away from that idea and replaced it with too many stunts and gimmicks. I would love a clean and impactful approach to these ideas perhaps with less crawling around on the floor. At this point, I feel the only thing that matters about what leg action you are doing, is that you finish what you start. Ok I’m done, now onto the results.
Windy City: Professional American Rhythm
Report by Nadia Eftedal
Photos by Alliance Consulting
From a semi-final, the final 6 were as follows:
Kusak-Sartori: This couple did a good job of showing a nice balance of many dance elements…rhythmic body actions, good use of feet and legs, a nice awareness of connecting with each other, interesting choreography. Looking at their marks, it wouldn’t have been a surprise had they placed higher. Well done!
Superstars Rising Star Professional International Ballroom
Report by Wolfgang Opitz
Photos by DanceSport Photography It was a very promising Final with good talented couples! I liked that they have already the international touch.
Superstars RS Latin
Report by Shirley Johnson
Photos by DanceSport Photography
Florida Superstars is such a classy, elegant event! Each night we were entertained with a lot of wonderful dancing. Although the Rising Star Latin had a four-couple final, it did not disappoint. We saw some exciting up and coming dancers.
The 1st place couple was Artur Tarnavskyy and Anastasia Danilova. This couple has a lot of speed and very slick movements.