Latest Articles
Amateur Haven: Greenville Ballroom Challenge 2016
The 2016 edition of the Greenville Ballroom Challenge was hosted by the able bodied trio of Eddie Ares, Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine and Clement Joly. The entire competition was first class. This year’s theme was of a Jungle motif. Our master of ceremonies Vince “The Voice” Bailey was at his usual excellence.
-
Report by: Keith E. Gardenhire
Northcoast Ballroom Championships 2016
What a pleasure to be asked to do a synopsis write-up of this wonderful event! Kudos to Organizers Carlos and Marielle Pabon for putting on such a well-run, comfortable competition event! Special attention was paid to every small detail.
-
Report by: Nathan Daniels
-
Photos by: Ryan Kenner
Desert Classic 2016 – Amateur Ballroom
First I would like to say that it was such an honor to judge alongside so many past legends. The dancers at Desert Classic were very lucky to be judged by so many amazing past superstars from all over the world. The panels were very professionally chosen by the chairman, not only for the Professional or Amateur events, but for the Pro/Am events as well, so that all of the dancers were really judged by world class specialists in this particular style.
-
Report by: Charles Ryder
-
Photos by: Ieva Pauksena
Open Amateur Latin: Manhattan Dance Championships
First of all I would like to say thank-you to the organizers of Manhattan Dancesport Championship, Gary and Diana McDonald. Your team always exceeds the possible expectations for a competition. It was an outstanding organization as usual, beautiful accommodation and of course a wonderful level of dancing throughout the entire competition. It was a pleasure to be a part of such a world class event and judge this competition. Below is my take on the Amateur Latin event.
-
Report by: Charles Ryder
-
Photos by: Agita Baranovska
Open Professional Latin – Desert Classic 2016
The Professional Latin was the highlight of the evening. After an exciting final the winners were Justinas Duknauskas & Anna Kovalova. They dominated the final with their performance and left little doubt that they would win. Anna uses her feet beautifully with a superb leg action.
-
Report by: Lorna Lee
-
Photos by: Charles Ryder
Open Professional Smooth – Desert Classic 2016
The semifinal started out with 14 couples and it was brutal to select 7 out of 14. They were all good, although some better than others, which made it fun to judge. The first four stood out and then we had to chose three more and be fair to everyone. It was a nice final, so much so that at times I got carried away enjoying the moment.
-
Report by: Pat Traymore
-
Photos by: Charles Ryder
Volunteer State Hosts Global Finale and Star International Latin Tour
This was an important year for David Medeiros’ Volunteer State Dance Challenge, held in Nashville, TN this past July. Volunteer was the host for the finale of the Global Series of competitions and the year’s top awards were presented here. The Global Series is now one of the longest running competition series as it began in 2000 and Volunteer Challenge is a founding member.
-
Report by: Keith Todd
-
Photos by: Charles Ryder
Analog vs. Digital
Music is very important. Every dancer knows this. Most of us receive inspiration, practice and perform to music all the time. Music that you choose to play for yourself reflects certain traits of character and moods that you are in. So every dancer enjoys dancing to music that he/she is able to connect to, to draw energy from and to unite with.