NDC Orlando - Day One: Off and dancing to a glorious start

 

 

 

This year's National Dance Championships (NDC) at Orlando's Hilton Bonnet Creek is off and dancing to a glorious start! Over the next few days you'll get the flavor of one of the most prestigious dance championships in the U.S., through our blog postings of pictures, videos and commentaries. 

Dancers, both pro and amateur, from all over the country will either be competing for titles, or defending them. 

This event, much like the grace, passion and the incredible skills exemplified by our namesake, Fred Astaire, is the culmination of all those qualities, plus some hard work by our students, teachers, Judges, Examiners, choreographers, National competition organizers and coordinators, Co-National Dance Directors, Vice President, and President & CEO.

 

Dmitriy Kotsiyenko (Pro) and Selma McManus of Old Saybrook, CT. This is Selma's first national event and she's excited to compete and have fun.

Anna Kryvyk (Pro) and Larry Markowitz from Tarrytown, NY. He's attended two championships already this year!

Charles Kubelik of Deleware, OH with both his pro "buddy" teachers, Pam Robinson (L) and Gina Snyder (R).

Donna and Doug Fish are representing Bloomfield Hills, MI as an amateur couple. They're excited to compete in their first national event in 15 dances no less!

Tonight the audience was treated to roughly 100 routines in the Showcase, Solo and Novelty categories.

Kimber Petrucci (Pro) and Aidan Boutin of Middletown, CT, during his solo on "The King of Rock & Roll." 

Jade Benavides, along with dad, Jeff Benavides, cheer on mom, April Benavides.

 

 We're off to a great start. Stay tuned for more!

 

 

 

 

Our guest blogger for the duration of NDC Orlando is Mark Smith of Fred Astaire Dance Studios/Indianapolis South