Latest Articles
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.*
Emerald Ball 2016 Open Pro Smooth
The Smooth this year at Emerald Ball was an exciting battle once again. Although one couple emerged on top, all of the couples had a range of placements in each dance. The marks ranged from first through sixth for most couples in EVERY dance.
-
Report by: JT Thomas
-
Photos by: Mary Tweeddale
The Georgia DanceSport competition was held at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North hotel in Atlanta, GA. This tournament is one of the steps in bringing back ballroom amateur dancing to the Atlanta area. This tournament was organized by Mark Garber and Holly Iyer.
-
Report by: Keith E. Gardenhire
In the Open A, Natalie Crandall w/ Decho Kraev was the victor.
Natalie won all dances with the majority of 1st places. 2nd in all was Isabella Libertore w/ Charles Cunningham who picked up some 1st places in all dances and for the rest had mostly 2nd’s and 3rd’s. Only judge Eugene Katsevman did not favor her, awarding 4 6th places and a 4th.
-
Report by: Keith Todd
The weekend of April 31st and May 1st hosted the Washington Open Championships. This competition was about caring, appreciating and giving. The organizers, Robert Woods and Lydia Petrigova spared no expense to give the participants and officials a weekend to remember.
-
Report by: Pat Traymore
-
Photos by: En Motion Photography
This is your life and career - you are a dancer!
Meet Star Ballroom Tour Champions: Alexander Voskalchuk & Veronika Egorova
This is your life and career – you are a dancer!!! It shouldn’t be hard – be prepared – it’s always very nice to see a prepared couple.
As we mentioned on our blog, the American Star Ball changed to a new venue and this venue to me is as American as Apple Pie. Their new venue is located right on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, giving you total easy access to everything this gambling city has to offer. If you love the beach as I do, it’s right out the back door, or you could just walk down the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, buy yourself a pretzel or take a ride on a Ferris wheel.
-
Report by: Didio Barrera
-
Photos by: Dance Sport Photography
The Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago was filled with dancers – both from the Windy City Open and the NUVO Dance Convention which made for a very exciting weekend! Congratulations to organizers Kris & Ezbieta Kasperowicz, Glenn Weiss, and Michelle Carpentier-Lazarz who continue to put on a great event in the Midwest!!
-
Photos by: Ryan Kenner & Timeline Media
-
Author: Amy Anderson