Day Four: They're Dancing Their Hearts Out

FAWC, San Juan, is really heating up. . .

This afternoon has been incredible. The competitors, all in their beautiful costumes, are dancing their hearts out. The only word that can possibly express the dancing we're seeing is 'spectacular'! The energy is so strong and the bonds that have been established between the competitors will last their lifetimes. All this, and there's still the whole rest of the day to enjoy! 

Competitors and spectators alike are having the time of their lives. Many especially
looked forward to the open division starting this afternoon.

Annette Monks with Ben Seifert, her pro-partner, representing Houston at
Annette's very first national competition in San Juan. If you ask Annette
 what she loves most about FAWC, she'll tell you it's how friendly
 and welcoming everyone is!  We're glad you're here, Annette!

From FADS Syracuse, here are Sharon Gridley and Igori Bagatinova, her pro-partner,
 getting ready for their turn on the dance floor. Looking great, you two!

Brianna Yadgir and pro-partner, Aaron DeSoto, are from the Chicago North studio.
Competing feels like perfection to Brianna, and she thinks this is the best she
 has ever danced. She also shared that her favorite part of competing
 is performing for the audience.  All the best, Brianna!

Introducing Chris Harrison and his pro-partner, Cheryl Seifert from the Champions studio
 in Houston. Chris is excited to be at FAWC, his first national competition.
You look fab, Chris, and fear not if you're a little nervous– everyone is!
Besides, a few nerves just enhance your performance!   

Cyndi Olivia with Aaaron DeSoto, pro, from Chicago North. Cyndi, who has also
competed in Orlando and Vegas, is having a great time at FAWC.  

First place in Bronze Closed American Smooth Scholarship (B) goes to
Janice Gonzalez and pro-partner Vladimir Kosarev, representing FADS Coral Gables. 

Megan Bruno and pro-partner Sergei Tryl won Bronze Closed American
Smooth Scholarship (A). They are proud to represent FADS Tarrytown. 

Yu-Lan Lin and pro-partner Istvan Cserven from Belmont, MA, took first
 place  in Bronze Closed American Smooth Scholarship (C).

Janice Gonzalez and her pro-partner,Vladimir Kosarev, from Coral Gables
 celebrate winning the American Smooth Bronze Closed Championships (B). 

Yu-Lan Lin danced to first place in American Smooth Bronze Closed Championships (C) with pro-partner Istvan Cserven.  The pair are from Belmont, MA.

First place in American Smooth Bronze Closed Championships (A) went to
 Tarrytown's Megan Bruno and her pro-partner Yuriy Herhel.

Day Three: Even Better than DWTS!

Fred Astaire (Dance Studios) World Championships, San Juan, Puerto Rico

FAWC spectators nearly drowned out the music in the ballroom with round after round of cheers for their favorite pro couples last night. The audience was amazed and thrilled by the incredible energy and endurance these pros brought to the floor despite a full day of dancing already! As attendees enjoyed some fun social dancing last evening, the word was that FAWC is better than Dancing With The Stars! And it's true that our pros are amazing - listen to this! Some of the professionals flying in for last night's events were stuck on planes for up to 14 hours due to rain. Facing tough conditions for muscles that need to be kept warm and flexible, these resourceful, dedicated competitors soon had their solution, which doubled as a delight for fellow passengers: they danced in the aisles of the plane! Now that's what makes a pro a pro!

Fun social dancing in the ballroom!

The FAWC crowd anticipates the Pro Show.

Tamas Kardos and Mariya Shurupova, FADS Boca Raton,
winners of American Rising Star Rhythm.

Sergey Smolin and Anna Tomasini, Chicago North, won the
American Closed Bronze. 

Ronald and Katie Guillen of Fort Walton Beach took first place
 in Showdance. 

Tarrytown's Chris Germain and Anna Kryvyk won American
 Closed Bronze.

Alyssa Goldstein and her pro-partner, Chris DeMiller, both from
 FADS Paradise Valley, took first in Open Cabaret Division 

American Closed Novice winners Marco Pizarro and Tamare Richartz,
Boynton Beach

Sergei Tryl and Anna Kryvyk, Tarrytown, winners of American
Closed Bronze/Silver Smooth

Representing Jupiter are Lucia Loper and her pro-partner,
Tamas Kardos. Lucia has attended several nationals and
loves ballroom. "Life is too short not to have fun,"
she says. Have yourself a great time, Lucia!

Ann Sanders poses with her pro-partner, Daniel Blain. They're
representing Houston Memorial and this is Ann's first national
event. Congratulations, Ann!  

Caterina Deac is competing in her first national event
 with her pro-partner, Clifton Sepulveda, on behalf of FADS
 West Palm Beach. Caterina understands the importance of
 self-expression, which makes dancing her perfect pasttime!

Day Two: Energy Levels at All-Time Highs!

Fred Astaire (Dance Studios) World Championships,
San Juan, Puerto Rico 

Wednesday was amazing, with the dancers displaying energy levels that carried them far into the night. Compliments flew for the competition's organizers and teachers who collaborated on a  fast-paced,efficient system that kept everyone moving and smoothly filled, emptied, and re-filled the dance floor at an unprecedented pace. Wednesday's watchword, though, was definitely 'camaraderie' as everyone by this time had been touched by the warm, all-inclusive spirit of every FADS family member in attendance. 

And a special shout out to Bonnie Schoenberg (Chicago North) who finished 78 heats today and still felt sad that the dancing was over! 

Susan Curling and and pro-partner, Kevin Prothro of Houston, won the American Rhythm Bronze Closed Division (B).

Jupiter's Maria Romano and  pro-partner, Sergh Aliev, won the American Rhythm Bronze Closed Championships (C).

Cattleya-Anne Veluz and pro-partner, Brandon Barranco, of FADS Birmingham, placed first in the American Rhythm Bronze Closed Championships (A).

First in the American Rhythm Silver Closed Championships (A) went to Brianna Yadgir and pro-partner, Aaron DeSoto,  from FADS Chicago North.

The American Rhythm Silver Closed Championships (C) winners were Cyndi Olivia and pro-partner, Chris Germain, from FADS Chicago North.

Tom Kremer and pro-partner Julia Emil from FADS Chicago West Loop took first in the American Rhythm Silver Closed Championships (AC-AMA).

Annette Monks and pro-partner Ben Seifert from FADS Houston-Woodlands won first in the American  Rhythm Silver Closed Championships (B).

FADS Chicago North's Brianna Yadgir and pro-partner Aaron DeSoto won first in the American  Rhythm Open Championships (A). FADS Corporate is sponsoring this category and the winner will represent the organization at USBC. FADS President and CEO Jack Rothweiler stands third from left.

Vicki Barbera and pro-partner Jonah Schneider, FADS Indianapolis, took first place in the American Rhythm Open Silver  Championships (B) and will be sponsored by FADS Corporate in this category for USBC participation. Jack Rothweiler also appears in this photo (back row, third from left).

The American Rhythm Open Championships (C) first place winners were Pam Olsen and pro-partner Vadim Gazda of FADS Pewaukee.

Maria Romano and pro-partner Sergh Aliev of FADS Jupiter, took first in the Bronze Closed Rhythm Scholarships (C). In front, far right, are FADS VP and Franchising Director, Al King and his wife, Debbie.

Cattleya-Anne Veluz and her pro-partner Brandon Barranco, both from Birmingham, won the Bronze Closed Rhythm Scholarship (A). 

FADS Chicago North's Bonnie Schoenberg and pro-partner Chris Germain placed first in the Bronze Closed Rhythm Scholarships (B).

Annette Monks with pro-partner Ben Seifert, Houston Woodlands, won the the Silver Closed American Rhythm Scholarship (B). 

Ashley Quibilan and pro-partner Ryan Lockhart, Oceanside, winners of the Open Rhythm Scholarship (A)

Bob Koehler and Kristen Dobson, his pro-partner, are from Youngstown. They took first place in
the Open Rhythm Scholarship (C)

From Indianapolis, Vicki Barbera and Jonah Schneider, pro-partner, won the Open Rhythm Scholarship (B). 

Cyndi Oliva and her pro-partner Chris Germain of Chicago North, first in Silver Closed Rhythm Scholarship (C).