The Fred Astaire Dance Studios World Championships in Las Vegas were a whirl of excitement as dancers from across the globe competed for the top prize in their dance categories. From the dance floor in the world-famous Bellagio Hotel and Casino, dancers could compete against the best of the best, then head out for an exciting night on the town on Las Vegas Boulevard. But even though the competition took place right next to some of the world’s most famous casinos, it wasn’t all fun and games. The competition was heated as dancers fought for their claim to victory.
The week-long event started with a relaxed Sunday, made for travel, registration and sight-seeing. Then, it was straight to the dancing on Monday, with two sessions in the afternoon and evening. Tuesday and Wednesday were much the same, while on Thursday, dancers got a break for a solo session, dance showcase and novelty awards dinner. Then, spectators were invited to watch the professionals as they showed their best moves on the floor in their competition. On Friday evening, a cocktail party and open dance was followed by the presentation of awards for the whole week.
So, who came out on top in this year’s Fred Astaire Dance Studios World Championships? Here’s a list of who came out on top in each category:
American Closed Novice Mixed:
First: Travis Manera & Emily Forrester, Youngstown
Second: Rogelio Garcia & Emily Cortez, Warwick
Third: James Dolores & Amanda Overmyer, Parker
Abby Montalbo – 3rd Open Rhythm Scholarship
American Closed Bronze/Silver Smooth:
First: Octavian Para & Anna Antonyan, Syracuse
Second: Andrei Rudenco & Anna Rudenco, Ft. Myers
Third: Ivan Sovetov & Valeria Mkrtchian, Syracuse
American Closed Bronze/Silver Rhythm:
First: Juan Ramirez & Tara Barakov, Princeton
Second: Richard Kaszas & Faith Pangea, Cypress
Third: Andre Santore & Ellie Homan, Chicago West Loop
Scott Bicknell – Top Newcomer Award
American Rising Star Smooth:
First: Daniil Rostvinschii & Yulia Rudenco, Ft. Myers
Second: Marko Urosevic & Nevena Urosevic, Trumbull
Third: Artem Belmeha & Talia Barrington, Tarrytown
Showdance:
First: Ivan Kudashev & Ksenia Sokolova, Chicago North
Second: Daniil Rostvinschii & Yulia Rudenco, Ft. Myers
Third: Mikhail Nikolaev & Ksenia Kireeva, Chino
American Rising Star Rhythm:
First: Alberto Cortes & Jessa Mae Briones, New York East
Second: Kyrylo Myshakov & Oksana Sidak, Youngstown
Third: Kristian Sese & Mae Lozada, New York Midtown
David Brust – Top Bronze Showcase
Professional Open Cabaret:
First: Mykhailo Azarov & Tetyana Makarenko, Ft. Walton Beach
Second: Clifton Sepulveda & Mar Martinez, Delray Beach
Third: Zachary Pohl & Ariel Freilich, Pewaukee
American Open Smooth:
First: Sergey Barsukov & Maria Barsukova, St. Petersburg
Second: Mykyta Serdyuk & Anna Krasnoshapka, Pleasant Prairie
Third: Adrian Dydynski & Hannah Dydynski, Park Ridge
Open International Latin:
First: Francesco Bertini & Sabrina Manzi, Redondo Beach
Second: Aleksandr Skarlato & Loreta Krikscicikaityte, Boca Raton
Third: Ivan Kudashev & Ksenia Sokolova, Montville
American Open Rhythm:
First: Vard Margaryan & Inga Demetryan, Redondo Beach
Second: Ilya Velednitsky & Mariya Ilchenko, Milwaukee Downtown
Ilya Velednitsky & Mariya Ilchenko – 2nd Open American Rhythm Championship
Third: Aaron DeSoto & Iryna DeSoto, Chicago North
American Closed Novice:
First: Jake Steffes & Jaclyn Cole, Pleasant Prairie
Second: David leffers & Haylee Hughes, Chandler
Third: Jonathan Ceglio & Krista Pinialis, Las Vegas
Open International Ballroom:
First: Mikhail Nikolaev & Ksenia Kireeva, Chino
Second: Evgenii Ginin & Olga Morozova, Wayne
Third: Dymytrii Goncharov & Tetyana Lutsenko, Madison West
We’re excited to celebrate each of these men and women who whirled their way into our hearts during the competition. Their dedication to the craft of dance packed the week with fun and excitement, which we hope they will look back on with happiness until next year. Or, maybe next year is your year to take to the floor? Stop in and we’ll help you master any of these dances!
