Day Four: Here's More!

FAWC dancers work on getting their fill!

Friday afternoon and evening - absolutely incredible, right? The thunderous applause of the audience when the competitors took to the floor, the elegance of the swooping, floating gowns, the total focus and energy each dancer maintained - it was marvelous. The audience lined the floor with their chairs for the pro show and the dancers came within inches. Everyone had a such great evening - and we simply can't wait for tomorrow's International Divisions!  

The crowd at Friday's pro show

Standing ovation

First place winners in American Smooth Silver Closed Championships
(B category) were Janet Nadile and her pro-partner,
Dimitryy Saykovskyy from Tarrytown, NY. 

Lydia Haynes and Morten Schnedler-Jensen, her pro-partner, were the
American Smooth Silver Closed Scholarship (Jr.) winners.
They are from Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Brianna Yadgir and pro-partner Chris Germain, Chicago North, are all smiles after
placing first in American Smooth Silver Closed Championship (A).

Winners of American Smooth Silver Closed Championship (C) were
Gail Sermershein and her pro-partner Sergh Aliev from FADS Jupiter.

From Chicago North, Brianna Yadgir and  pro-partner Aaron DeSoto took
first place in Silver Closed American Smooth Scholarship (A).  

Janet Nadile and pro-partner Dimitryy Saykovskyy from Tarrytown
took first in Silver Closed American Smooth Scholarship (B). 

Ingrid Totten and Elmar Schmidt, pro-partner, from FADS Brookfield CT,
 were the first place winners in Silver Closed American Smooth Scholarship (C).

And then there was dinner! What a dinner and what a VIEW!

Jack Rothweiler, FADS President and CEO, looking great in
turquoise and having a marvelous time.

A perfect afternoon . . . .

Other winners in the Championship, Scholarship and Pro divisions:
American Smooth Open Championship (Heat 825): Sharon Gridley-Pelkie and Igori Bogatinov (Syracuse, NY)
American Smooth Open Championship (Heat 825): Brianna Yadgir and Chris Germain (Chicago North, IL)
American Smooth Open Championship (Heat 826): Lydia Haynes and Morten Jensen (Ridgefield, CT)
American Open Smooth 4-Dance: Misha Zharinov and Galina Zharinov (Miami Beach, FL)
Open Smooth Scholarship (Heat 827): Janet Nadile and Dimitriy Saykovsky (Tarrytown, NY)
Open Smooth Scholarship (Heat 828): Brianna Yadgir and Chris Germain (Chicago North, IL)
Open Smooth Scholarship (Heat 829): Lydia Haynes and Morten Jensen, (Ridgefield, CT)
Professional Open Cabaret: Justin Guilmette and Kimalee Piedad (Ft. Walton Beach, FL)
American Closed Novice: Jordon Cowan and Talia Barrington (Bloomfield Hills, MI)
American Open Rhythm 5-Dance: Hayk Arshakian and Emilia Goldberg (Milwaukee Central, WI)
Open International Latin 5-Dance: Hayk Balasanyan and Emilia Poghasyan (Hartsdale, NY)
Open International Ballroom 5-Dance: Vladimir Triazin and Alicia Gruttadauria (Rochester, NY)

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!