Ohio Star Ball

[Larinda McRaven]

WORLD PRO/AM CHAMPIONSHIPS - JUNIOR RHYTHM
1 Daniel Knapp & Adrianna Chessa
2 Laura Greenspan & Jonah Schneider
3 Katy Davis & Dion Jones
4 Anna But & Tony Delgado
5 Alex Bohan & Raza Begg
6 Natalie Crandall & John Abrams
7 Michael LaMonaca & Lyndsey Rutherford

Pro/Am Rising Star Smooth - A
1-Suyuan Liu & Ben Ermis
2-Andrea Johnson & Eric Hudson
3-Eri Minagava & Sergey Nekrasov
4-Nicole Powers & Stefan Dobrev
5-Dana Mills & Tad Joy
6-Katie Karpf & Kostadin Bidjourov
7-Charna Johnsnon & Jim Maranto

Pro/Am Rising Star Smooth - B (from a Quarter Final)
1-Darla Davies & Jim Maranto
2-Blaire Miller & Glenn Clark
3-Diana Sullivan & Tony Scheppler
4-Daniella Koren & Victor Russo
5-Maria O'Daniel & Ben Ermis
6-Judy Susskind & Louis Soma
7-Randi Zedeck & Stefan Dobrev
8-Elizabeth Apesos & David Rosario

Pro/Am Rising Star Smooth - C (from a Quarter Final)
1-Jackie Johnston & Ben Ermis
2-Donna Torsney & Danny Pugh
3-Jeanie Bernstein & Jim Maranto
4-Jane Parker & Vladimir Kosarev
5-Maria Matulaniec & Gunnar Sverrisson
6-Yoko Kani & David Rosario
7-Madeline Marchese & Steve Dougherty

Hope I didn't make any mistakes!!!

Pro Standard:

1. Jonathan and Katusha
2. Victor and Anna
3. Linas and Ieva
4. Giampiero and Anastasia
5. Erminio and Liene
6. Igor and Julia

Pro Standard Showdance:

1. Igor and Julia (their 'hard rock' number - was awesome)
2. Jonathan and Katusha (foxtrot - I think)
3. Linas and Ieva (hot stuff!!! danced foxtrot to ... Don't cha)
4. Giampiero and Anastasia (tango / argentine)
5. Erminio and Liene (nice foxtrot)
6. Victor and Anna (beautiful waltz / foxtrot)

Overall winner of the Pro Standard category, and moving forward to the American Ballroom Challenge final: Jonathan and Katusha

Pro Rhythm:

1. Toni and Elena
2. Emmanuel and Joanna
3. Felipe and Carolina
4. Evgeniy and Inna
5. Decho and Bree
6. Michael and Danielle

Pro Rhythm Showdance:

1. Emmanuel and Joanna (fun number to Michael Jackson's 'Black and white'
2. Evgeniy and Inna (awesome - E. in a bathrobe and with a rubber duckie)
3. Toni and Elena (danced their comp bolero routine)
4. Michael and Danielle (clever number, playing with M's suspenders)
5. Felipe and Carolina (bolero, great lines but not much dancing in between)
6. Decho and Bree (bolero / theatrical)

Amateur Latin Under 21
1--Anton Balyayev and Karolina Paliwoda 1/1/2/1/1
2--Alex Zaika and Elijah Piker 3/3/1/2/2
3--Allan Gillin and Anastasia Trutneva 2/2/3/3/3
4--Pasha Stepanchuk and Sasha Nissengolts
5--Sergey Onik and Michelle Glazarov
6--Michael Groberman and Milana Lazareva

Pro Smooth:

1. Ben and Shalene
2. David and Valentina
3. Mazen and Irina
4. Steve and Eulia
5. Kostadin and Carrie
6. Tomasz and JT

Pro Smooth Showdance:

1. Mazen and Irina (fun martial arts inspired routine)
2. David and Valentina (pop-ish routine, she wore a fun wig)
3. Ben and Shalene (she took his number off, very flowy routine, in the end threw the number on the ground - did that mean anything????)
4. Steve and Eulia (very energetic foxtrot)
5. Tomasz and JT (abstract foxtrot / tango, sort of a dracula theme)
6. Kostadin and Carrie (foxtrot)

Overall winner of the Smooth Category - Ben and Shalene

Amateur Latin Results:

1--Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Valeriya Kozharinova 1/1/1/1/1
2--Grigori Sedrakyan and Lilit Avagyan 2/2/2/2/2
3--Nikolai Pilipenchuk and Natasha Skorikova 3/4/6/3/3 (YAY! Congrats, Nik!)
4--Boris Leukumovich and Nicole Volynets
5--Kamil Studenny and Katya Trubina
6--Stas Savich and Anna Tovbin

Professional International Latin
1--Max Kozhevnikov and Yulia Zagoruychenko 2/1/1/2/1
2--Andrei Gavriline and Elena Kryuchkova 1/2/2/1/2
3--Andre Paramanov and Ms. Natalie 3/4/3/3/3
4--Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina
5--Vaidotas Skimelis and Jurga Pupelyte
6--Delyan Terziev and Boriana Deltcheva

Showdance
1--Andrei Gavriline and Elena Kryuchkova (Number with shared long red and black capes)
2--Max Kozhevnikov and Yulia Zagoruychenko (Very good mixed latin number, though I got the feeling there might be a concept uniting the dances and I didn't quite get what it was.)
3--Andre Paramanov and Ms. Natalie (Darn it, I didn't write down what they did and now I'm not remembering! But I think this was actually my favorite of the showdances.)
4--Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina (Number to music including Aretha's "Respect" wearing red and black jackets and hats. Sharp, cute.)
5--Vaidotas Skimelis and Jurga Pupelyte
6--Delyan Terziev and Boriana Deltcheva

Okay, so it went to a Rule 11 to decide who advanced to the America's Ballroom Challenge, with one representative from each style.

Winner: Andrei Gavriline and Elena Kryuchkova


Theatrical

1 st. Eric Luna - Georgia Ambarian
2 nd. David Savoy - Enga Goremykina
3 rd. Felipe Telona - Carolina Orlovsky Telona
4 th. Richard Collett - Laurie Collett

[flyingwolf]

Does anyone have any insider info about who is going to compete in Pro this year? I am thinking about going there to watch but not sure if it is worth the trip, considering the football game is the same day/same place, and therefore the lodging will be expensive/inconvenient

[reb]

Shhhh . . . this is secret info and no one else is supposed to find out . . . the best pros in the US will be there.

Ohio is unique among competitions - if you win a national title but not at Ohio, hmmmm. And the anticipated tv coverage is an additional draw.

And you're right - it's a BIG football weekend in the same city, so hotel rooms downtown are fairly well booked.

[fascination]

respectfully, information that isn't public wouldn't be made public here...

additionally, if you are thinking of going you are already in peril in terms of finding a room unless you are on package...see our previous thread on this...and good luck

[Purr]

And you're right - it's a BIG football weekend in the same city, so hotel rooms downtown are fairly well booked.

Ohio State (no. 1 in current ranking) is playing Michigan (no. 2 in current ranking) November 18, with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff at Ohio Stadium. The schools have a huge rivalry. Most likely the game will decide the national title. You could say it's big.

I've heard that tickets are going for $1000 and up. It's crazy.

[Purr]

additionally, if you are thinking of going you are already in peril in terms of finding a room unless you are on package...see our previous thread on this...and good luck

Columbus and the surrounding vicinity has plenty of hotels. It's just that the ones around downtown and Ohio State are filled that weekend. If you're still need to book a hotel room, you might do better to look to the outerbelt (I-270 and beyond) communities. That doesn't solve the problem of transportation, but it's an option. Columbus has COTA (http://www.cota.com/COTA/Cotaweb/main.xml), a public tranportation system. And there's always rental cars. From almost anywhere on the outerbelt, you can get downtown in under 20 minutes.

[fascination]

thanks purr

[Purr]

In case anyone is doing a search, the outlying areas with the most hotels are as follows:

Dublin, NW of downtown (I-270 and Route 33)

Columbus, N of downtown (I-270 and US 23, and along I-71)

Columbus and Hilliard, W of downtown (I-270 and I-70)

Grove City, SW of downtown (I-270 and I-71)

Reynoldsburg, W of downtown (I-270 and I-70)

[clemcr]

Does anyone have the web site address for the Ohio competition?

[Katarzyna]

very simple

http://www.ohiostarball.com/

[clemcr]

Thank You!!!

[Katarzyna]

anytime

[skwiggy]

Does anyone know if Friday night is formal attire?

[fascination]

last year it was...MOSTLY...lol

[skwiggy]

last year it was...MOSTLY...lol

Ah, ok. So pretty much the same as Saturday night, then? Thanks. :)

[fascination]

yep...bunch of ladies in formals ...then a bunch a folks in whatever...dress slacks etc...most guys managed a jacket...fewer managed ties...I am going formal b/c I have a dress I haven't fit into it about ten years that I am going to wear come hell or high water

[star_gazer]

Does anyone know if Friday night is formal attire?I just wore slacks and a warm coat. It was cold and we had to walk a ways. I saw quite a range of attire.

[ChaChaMama]

A question about programs: last year, I didn't arrive until Saturday morning, and they were out of programs. Did anyone buy one successfully on Friday night? I'll be there on Friday this year, but not until the PM, and I really like having a program....

[fascination]

I suggest if you know someone who is going have them buy you one

[tanya_the_dancer]

yep...bunch of ladies in formals ...then a bunch a folks in whatever...dress slacks etc...most guys managed a jacket...fewer managed ties...I am going formal b/c I have a dress I haven't fit into it about ten years that I am going to wear come hell or high water

How was the temperature in the ballroom - too hot, too cold or just right ;) ? My favorite LBD has open shoulders and arms, so if it's too cold for that, I probably should pick some other outfit for Saturday.

[fascination]

it was cold last year...but ya never know about these things...I generally go backless and bring a very heavy wrap

[Joe]

From the horse's mouth...

Attire as follows:
Tuesday will be casual.
Wednesday will be casual.
Thursday will be casual.
Thursday evening DanceSport Series Regional colors.
Region 1 - Orange
Region 2 - Blue
Region 3 - Purple
Region 4 - Yellow
Region 5 - Green
Region 6 - Red
Friday evening will be semi-formal.
Saturday evening will be formal.
Sunday will be casual.

[fascination]

thanks joe...gotta say tho' I didn't see a bit of difference btwn fri and sat...

[Purr]

How was the temperature in the ballroom - too hot, too cold or just right ;) ? My favorite LBD has open shoulders and arms, so if it's too cold for that, I probably should pick some other outfit for Saturday.

It's usually cold.

[Purr]

Here's the link to the National Weather Service (NOAA), for those who are wondering what the weather in Columbus is like.

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?CityName=Columbus&state=OH&site=ILN

[Purr]

Here's the link to the Columbus Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

http://www.experiencecolumbus.com/

[Katarzyna]

Did anyone get some sort of notification that their registration and payment was received> we sent ours long time ago, but haven't heard back.. I wonder if they acknowledged entires for other people?

[fascination]

er...am not sure pro would give me a straight answer on this if I asked, lol...but I wouldn't be too concerned....there are so freaking many entries...is there a number to call on the website?

[Katarzyna]

I just wonder from everyone on the site, if anyone heard back.. if not, I won't worry

[redhead]

We did receive a confirmation, something like 2.5 weeks after sending the entries out.

[Purr]

From the website...

Organizer Contact:
(614) 848-7827

[Katarzyna]

really.. that's not good. I guess I do need to call to verify

[redhead]

It might've been longer than 2.5 weeks actually... I started to worry after reading about Joe getting them in the mail... do call

[Katarzyna]

I will call tonight, hope they were received, not sure I have the money order receipt anymore. will have to check with alex. I wish NDCA comps would start using online registrations

[tanya_the_dancer]

Our entries went out more than a couple of weeks ago. But we sent all entries from our studio together with one check. I wonder when they will put up the heat lists.

[Katarzyna]

The lack of the heat list is what got me originally worried. As some people said, most likely it will not be online till very little before the competition

[skwiggy]

On the Breaking News part of the web site it says, "Heat list will not be posted until about a week before the event".

[IlyZislin]

On the Breaking News part of the web site it says, "Heat list will not be posted until about a week before the event".

When I talked to Bill Sparks, they were planning to work on heats last and this week

[fascination]

hmmm, I'm just gonna drive to ohio and strangle pro if I'm not entered...


and what Kat said about dresses at ohio...me too

[Joe]

I got my confirmation weeks ago.

[fascination]

says silent prayer that pro has taken care of this

[Purr]

says silent prayer that pro has taken care of this

You have grounds to be very, very angry (note, I didn't say beat him to a bloody pulp) if he didn't.

[fascination]

he probably did , but even if he didn't..in truth, I wouldn't have grounds b/c I know this about him and have accepted it as a personal limitation, lol...meh, he's not the only pro with these issues and it always works out somehow...besides, he is such a fine teacher

[fascination]

besides that, he's quite fit (but I am bigger) so it would be a close match

[Purr]

he probably did , but even if he didn't..in truth, I wouldn't have grounds b/c I know this about him and have accepted it as a personal limitation, lol...meh, he's not the only pro with these issues and it always works out somehow...besides, he is such a fine teacher

Excuses, excuses. :)

[Purr]

besides that, he's quite fit (but I am bigger) so it would be a close match

Where do I buy tickets?

(I think I'm feeling just a little ornery this morning. :friend:)

[fascination]

maybe I should donate this to the auction..I am feeling ornery too

[Joe]

And where's the cage? Who's taking odds?

[fascination]

ah Joe, after today's lesson, he's toast

[Purr]

My money's on fascination. ;)

[fascination]

:D smart woman...although I finally weigh less than he does...dance of joy

[JANATHOME]

Talking about Ohio... I was at the Comonwealth last week-end and talked with a Dore person there... She told me that they expected all of thier (rack) gowns to sell out at Ohio, and then would be about a 3 month wait for new gowns to be made due to orders they will take at Ohio...

Reading here I thought that gown sales were decreasing and perhaps we would see a price change in these gowns. The gowns I looked at were all at about the 4K price range. I still cant beleive there are that many dancers out there that are willing to spend this much for a gown.

[mamboqueen]

Talking about Ohio... I was at the Comonwealth last week-end and talked with a Dore person there... She told me that they expected all of thier (rack) gowns to sell out at Ohio, and then would be about a 3 month wait for new gowns to be made due to orders they will take at Ohio...

Reading here I thought that gown sales were decreasing and perhaps we would see a price change in these gowns. The gowns I looked at were all at about the 4K price range. I still cant beleive there are that many dancers out there that are willing to spend this much for a gown.

The gowns Dore had at the Commonwealth were (IMO) the pits. I wonder if they send lesser-attended comps the ones they have a hard time selling. After seeing their selection at Hotlanta, I couldn't help but think that.

[Katarzyna]

Talking about Ohio... I was at the Comonwealth last week-end and talked with a Dore person there... She told me that they expected all of thier (rack) gowns to sell out at Ohio, and then would be about a 3 month wait for new gowns to be made due to orders they will take at Ohio...

Reading here I thought that gown sales were decreasing and perhaps we would see a price change in these gowns. The gowns I looked at were all at about the 4K price range. I still cant beleive there are that many dancers out there that are willing to spend this much for a gown.
dore seems to be most expensive, and not as good as the other brand it seems. A lot of people I know have problems with them too.

[tanya_the_dancer]

The gowns Dore had at the Commonwealth were (IMO) the pits. I wonder if they send lesser-attended comps the ones they have a hard time selling. After seeing their selection at Hotlanta, I couldn't help but think that.

I didn't like their inventory at Heart of America. The rep told me that they had other competitions going on that weekend and so only a small part of their inventory was at HOA. To tell the truth, even with the other sellers I didn't see any gowns which I liked as they were. I liked bits and pieces of different gowns. It seems to me though, that all the top brands - Dore, Chrisanne and Deidre charge at least $3500 for a custom-designed dress.

[Katarzyna]

regarding ohio, I called them like 4 times and left messages, nobody ever responded. I am so worried the money order was lost. :(

[Purr]

The website only lists this number, (614) 848-7827, plus a fax number, (614)847-5808

There's a way to e-mail from the contact page on the website.

[tanya_the_dancer]

regarding ohio, I called them like 4 times and left messages, nobody ever responded. I am so worried the money order was lost. :(

They're slow to return their calls, it seems. we had this issue when we were doing our entries.

[Katarzyna]

that's the # i used. thank you.. I hope all is good.. I am worried, have flights and hotels paid etc..

[redhead]

:D smart woman...although I finally weigh less than he does...dance of joy

what, you mean you're not wearing him down enough?

[Purr]

When do the heat lists go up on the competition website?

[tanya_the_dancer]

When do the heat lists go up on the competition website?

Their website says "one week before", it should be tomorrow, hopefully.

[fascination]

what, you mean you're not wearing him down enough?
he is a small man...I need him to keep the little bit of weight he has so I don't look ENORMOUS;)

[fascination]

dunno

[skwiggy]

A more detailed schedule is now posted on the web site.

[Katarzyna]

thank you...

and we finally heard back about our entries.... no more stress.. :)

[Purr]

thank you...

and we finally heard back about our entries.... no more stress.. :)

Yeah! Do you know when you'll be dancing, i.e. day and approximate time?

[Katarzyna]

some time around 1:00 I think.. on friday.. a little after maybe..

[reb]

Does anyone have any insider info about who is going to compete in Pro this year? I am thinking about going there to watch but not sure if it is worth the trip, considering the football game is the same day/same place, and therefore the lodging will be expensive/inconvenient
For those who have not been to Ohio Star Ball before or for those who are unfamiliar with dance comp web sites in general . . . maybe this will help:
Go to
www.ohiostarball.com (http://www.ohiostarball.com)
then select 'Tickets and Schedule'
then select 'Schedule'
Scroll down and you will see on Friday and Saturday evening:
AMERICA’S BALLROOM CHALLENGE
WITH MARILU HENNER
You can see who will be (likely) be spotlighted on the resulting TV special.

[DancerForLife]

Heat lists are still not up, but the final schedule has been published. Even though it won't help finding out with who are you competing with, it does give times for each event and indicates the size of the event (quarter, semi, etc).

[fascination]

maybe it's just me but I don't wanna know

[waltzgirl]

Good heavens, no! I refuse to even look at the program before I dance.

[Indiana_Jay]

Because many DF members will soon begin traveling toward Columbus, Ohio (some might already be enroute), this is to wish you all safe travel and success in the competition!

[tanya_the_dancer]

Does anyone know if heat lists are going to be up at all?

[fascination]

I looked yesterday ...I'm thinkin' no...but who knows?

[mamboqueen]

Yeah...good luck to you all. And please give us detailed reports!

[fascination]

dunno yet about access on my part...will see

[skwiggy]

For those of you who are flying and have a ton of cosmetics and hair products, what is your plan for dealing with security? I would ideally like to not check anything, and especially not anything that I need to get ready for the comp. We're dancing about 4 hours after we're scheduled to land, and I'm really nervous about having makeup and other things snatched or lost. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to fit everything I need into a 1 qt ziplock baggie!

And I'm also concerned about having to fit things that aren't actually liquid. A guy at the MAC store yesterday was telling us how in the last month, so many people have come in saying that airport security has snatched things from them that weren't even liquid. Powders and similar things. Cosmetics are expensive. :(

So any strategies or ideas would be welcome!

[Peaches]

FedEx, next day delivery, insured package? Make sure that the hotel will accept deliveries?

Or maybe have your partner carry some of your stuff with him, to split it up?

[mamboqueen]

Can you "downsize" your liquids into bottles that hold 3 oz. or less?

[skwiggy]

I certainly plan to downsize to the smallest travel containers I can find. I'm hoping I can find 1 oz bottles or something. But even so, 1 quart is VERY small. My partner is willing to share any free space he might have in his 1 quart, but I'm not holding my breath that he will actually have any.

FedEx is a possibility, but based on previous experience I don't necessarily trust them any more than I trust the airlines not to lose my stuff.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[fascination]

For those of you who are flying and have a ton of cosmetics and hair products, what is your plan for dealing with security? I would ideally like to not check anything, and especially not anything that I need to get ready for the comp. We're dancing about 4 hours after we're scheduled to land, and I'm really nervous about having makeup and other things snatched or lost. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to fit everything I need into a 1 qt ziplock baggie!

And I'm also concerned about having to fit things that aren't actually liquid. A guy at the MAC store yesterday was telling us how in the last month, so many people have come in saying that airport security has snatched things from them that weren't even liquid. Powders and similar things. Cosmetics are expensive. :(

So any strategies or ideas would be welcome!I'm at the courtyard if you need any extra stuff...hug...joe has my number

[fascination]

driving ...leaving in about two hours, btw

[skwiggy]

I'm at the courtyard if you need any extra stuff...hug...joe has my number

Thank you so much! :)

[latingal]

driving ...leaving in about two hours, btw

Good luck fascination! Have a safe trip and great comp!

Best to all DF'ers heading to Ohio....ya' all go for it!

[tanya_the_dancer]

For those of you who are flying and have a ton of cosmetics and hair products, what is your plan for dealing with security? I would ideally like to not check anything, and especially not anything that I need to get ready for the comp. We're dancing about 4 hours after we're scheduled to land, and I'm really nervous about having makeup and other things snatched or lost. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to fit everything I need into a 1 qt ziplock baggie!

And I'm also concerned about having to fit things that aren't actually liquid. A guy at the MAC store yesterday was telling us how in the last month, so many people have come in saying that airport security has snatched things from them that weren't even liquid. Powders and similar things. Cosmetics are expensive. :(

So any strategies or ideas would be welcome!

I check my luggage. I need 5 days worth of stuff, so there would be no way I could carry on. But even if I could (like when I competed in Dallas, I only needed 2 days worth of stuff, I could have fit everything in a carry-on sized suitecase), I would still check it and hope it gets there with me. The only things I will take with me in a carry on are my shoes and my dress and the jewelry. I figured I can get replacement cosmetics at the comp if my checked baggage gets lost, but I probably won't be able to find a dress or shoes on a short notice.

[chrisjohnston]

Will arrive early to-morrow.BTW you may want to have a look at this video we did for last year

http://www.supershag.com/slice/Video/ohio-star-ball-video.swf

Cheers chris

We shall try and get the results up a.s.a.p We are alsogoing to try and get some video up.Cheers chris

All the World Pro-am results now posted.

http://gallery.supershag.com/g/ohio_star_ball

Cheers Chris

The results through Thurday are now posted
Cheers chris

Amateur Standard and pro-am Theatre Arts now posted
http://gallery.supershag.com/scripts/expman.pl?rm=overview_gallery&dir=galleries/24/7

cheers Chris

All Saturday Pro-am results posted
Chers chris

First results from Sunday now posted,Thanks Tibor

Results will be up by this evening. Theese events were danced yesterday afternoon.The packing up and traveling home is the cause for the delay.


Just finished puting up the last results from Sunday. Sorry for the delay.

BTW, Tibor, 3rd looks like Kyle Buzzard and Christy Kam.
Thank you for your help.

Tibor

[DancingJools]

I just returned (a couple of hours ago) from a quick trip. Here's the update on airport security:
It's very strict.
1- The "no-liquids" policy is still in force, but now they allow you to carry on-board up to 3 containers of liquids/gels, each no more than 3 oz. That's like a small (travel-size) bottle of mouthwash.
2- These three items must be in a zip-lock plastic bag. No exceptions. They will toss out anything that is not in that one zip-lock bag. They will NOT provide zip-lock bags for you. However, those small convenience stores at airports are getting in on the act. They sell zip-lock bags (I got one for 37 cents). But you will have to go get the bag, then stand in line again for the security check, and hope they don't find anything else they object to. This includes lipgloss, mascara, small perfume bottles, etc. Small hairspray bottles are an absolute no-no. Cigarette lighters of course are not allowed at all. Foundations and the like also fall under the liquid/gel rule, even if you don't think they should be. The enforcement of the rules can be a bit haphazard, in the sense that one agent may allow something that another agent wouldn't (I'm speaking from experience here). But the enforcement was very tight on this recent trip (Boston-Halifax, US security rules in force in both directions). There was a problem with my ticket on the first leg of the trip, and I actually had to go through security three times (back and forth across the airport). Each time it was a different agent, and each time it was very, very strict.
I travel a lot, and I did recently have security folks tell me I should toss out a concealer tube (gel-like), that cost about 40 dollars (Chanel, baby!!!)
I would suggest keeping all your cosmetics in your checked-in bags.
Of course, on this recent trip they also lost my checked-in bag. But at least they did that on my return trip, so it wasn't quite that stressful.
For the OSB, check-in your cosmetics, and carry your dress and shoes on-board. I agree that it is easier to replace or "borrow" cosmetics on the spot, in an extreme emergency.
Good luck at the OSB for everyone competing. See you there.

[redhead]

Jools, thank you so much for posting this! I'm a carry-on person, to a point of 11-day trip to Italy with one small suitcase (jacket included) lol... so I was just going to stuff everything I can in that ziploc bag; had no idea it's just 3 items! That'd be a pretty expensive surprise.

[samina]

I'm so excited for everyone.. Good luck all! Am looking forward to everyone's reports!

And HAVE FUN!!! :D

Samina

[skwiggy]

Wow I also had no idea about the 3 bottle limit. I was trying to figure out how to fit as much as possible into the 1 quart plastic bag. Thanks for the heads up.

I suppose checking a bag with all my cosmetics, while still a big risk of loss, is the smaller risk of the two. So I guess I'll do that. And of course, I'll carry my dress and shoes on the plane with me.

[redhead]

heh, I pictured myself as Carrottop... trying to check in tiiiny bag... lol

[LucyDiamond]

To everyone from DF competing in the Ohio Star Ball,

HAVE FUN & GOOD LUCK!!!

Paula

[DancerForLife]

In my experience (and I fly 2-4 times every week), as long as your carry-on cosmetics are in the regulation-size baggie and the items in there fit 'comfortably', the number of items in there doesn't matter. I've regularly had 6-7 small items in there and noone said a thing...

I usually have a travel size hairspray / makeup / foundation etc. with me and carry my dress and shoes on, so worse comes to worst I always have some items to get ready with. Though we don't usually cut it so close to our event that I wouldn't have time to go and buy some replacement cosmetic items if needed...

Good luck to all the DF-ers who are going - we'll be there Thursday, Friday and Saturday :-). See you there!

[johns]

I just returned (a couple of hours ago) from a quick trip. Here's the update on airport security:
It's very strict.
1- The "no-liquids" policy is still in force, but now they allow you to carry on-board up to 3 containers of liquids/gels, each no more than 3 oz. That's like a small (travel-size) bottle of mouthwash.
2- These three items must be in a zip-lock plastic bag. No exceptions. They will toss out anything that is not in that one zip-lock bag. They will NOT provide zip-lock bags for you. However, those small convenience stores at airports are getting in on the act. They sell zip-lock bags (I got one for 37 cents). But you will have to go get the bag, then stand in line again for the security check, and hope they don't find anything else they object to. This includes lipgloss, mascara, small perfume bottles, etc. Small hairspray bottles are an absolute no-no. Cigarette lighters of course are not allowed at all. Foundations and the like also fall under the liquid/gel rule, even if you don't think they should be. The enforcement of the rules can be a bit haphazard, in the sense that one agent may allow something that another agent wouldn't (I'm speaking from experience here). But the enforcement was very tight on this recent trip (Boston-Halifax, US security rules in force in both directions). There was a problem with my ticket on the first leg of the trip, and I actually had to go through security three times (back and forth across the airport). Each time it was a different agent, and each time it was very, very strict.
I travel a lot, and I did recently have security folks tell me I should toss out a concealer tube (gel-like), that cost about 40 dollars (Chanel, baby!!!)
I would suggest keeping all your cosmetics in your checked-in bags.
Of course, on this recent trip they also lost my checked-in bag. But at least they did that on my return trip, so it wasn't quite that stressful.
For the OSB, check-in your cosmetics, and carry your dress and shoes on-board. I agree that it is easier to replace or "borrow" cosmetics on the spot, in an extreme emergency.
Good luck at the OSB for everyone competing. See you there.

On a recent trip, the gentleman ahead of me in line at the security checkpoint was told he could not take his small bottles onto the plane. He pointed out that they were in a small, clear plastic bag with a zipper. The TSA agent's response? "Sir, that's not a Ziploc bag." Even though it was clear plastic and sealed with a zipper. The passenger found another clear plastic (but not Ziploc) bag in his carry on bag. The TSA agent wouldn't accept that, either.

The message: if you want to carry any liquids onto a plane, expect the strictest interpretation of the rules.

- John

[tanya_the_dancer]

On a recent trip, the gentleman ahead of me in line at the security checkpoint was told he could not take his small bottles onto the plane. He pointed out that they were in a small, clear plastic bag with a zipper. The TSA agent's response? "Sir, that's not a Ziploc bag." Even though it was clear plastic and sealed with a zipper. The passenger found another clear plastic (but not Ziploc) bag in his carry on bag. The TSA agent wouldn't accept that, either.

The message: if you want to carry any liquids onto a plane, expect the strictest interpretation of the rules.

- John

I think it really depends on the airport you're flying through. If you fly through a certain airport regularly, you'd know what to expect.

[redhead]

wonder if Ziploc sponsors TSA... Glad won't do, huh?

[samina]

LOL

It's all such silliness. But glad it seems everyone's learning to cope.

Sami

[Joe]

The TSA language says "zip-top" not "ziploc," so it's generic.

And I will be cramming all my stuff into said zip-top bag, accompanied by reams of printouts from TSA regarding this issue. And if my sh*t is confiscated I'll be filing a theft claim, because the sh*t will have been stolen from my luggage.

[Peaches]

The thing that strikes me about the regs, at least according to DancingJooks' post, is the "no more than 3 containers" bit. That's the first I've heard that little bit. I always understood it to mean as much crap as you can cram into a 1 qt bag.

Joe--for filing your theft claim, you might want to have an inventory of everything that was in your "zip-top" bag. Just a thought.

And, from previous travel experience with having my checked bags searched, you might want to pack your clothes in large plastic bags (ziplock or space bags). Twice now I've had a checked bag searched, and they evidently opened a bottle of something and did not shut it all the way. It's no fun arriving and discovering that toothpaste or shampoo has leaked all over your clothes. Just another thought.

[Indiana_Jay]

The thing that strikes me about the regs, at least according to DancingJooks' post, is the "no more than 3 containers" bit.
I don't question that DancingJools had the experience she described, but I think it's important to point out that the "no more than three containers" part is contradicted by the TSA's own web site (http://www.tsa.gov/311/). Its examples clearly show more than three containers in the quart bag and indicate the the purpose of the quart bag is to control the total volume of product.

Further, I just spoke with my LW, who just went through airport security about an hour ago on her way to a professional conference (I miss her already, but I guess that belongs in the whine thread). She had more than three containers in her zip-top bag and got through OK.

We must all bear in mind, however, that TSA agents sometimes are not as well informed as we would hope.

-I_J

[redhead]

The thing that strikes me about the regs, at least according to DancingJooks' post, is the "no more than 3 containers" bit. That's the first I've heard that little bit. I always understood it to mean as much crap as you can cram into a 1 qt bag.



Well I already have a problem with that. I wear contacts and have sensitive eyes. So if nothing else I'd have to bring on board (because of quality of their air) 2 unopened contact lens packs, saline spray, contact lens solution and eye drops - and lip balm of course. So I'm screwed even if I didn't wear makeup. TSA must think I'm going to bomb Milwaukee with my mascara tube.

[Peaches]

I don't question that DancingJools had the experience she described, but I think it's important to point out that the "no more than three containers" part is contradicted by the TSA's own web site (http://www.tsa.gov/311/). Its examples clearly show more than three containers in the quart bag and indicate the the purpose of the quart bag is to control the total volume of product.

Further, I just spoke with my LW, who just went through airport security about an hour ago on her way to a professional conference (I miss her already, but I guess that belongs in the whine thread). She had more than three containers in her zip-top bag and got through OK.

We must all bear in mind, however, that TSA agents sometimes are not as well informed as we would hope.

-I_J

Oh, I never meant to imply that she was wrong or didn't have that experience. I just took it as the rules having been changed (again) and that being a feature that was new to me.

But you're right, TSA agents sometimes seem not to know their own regs.

(I'm very curious about flying regs right now, since DH and I will have to deal with this nonsense in a few weeks.)

[Peaches]

Well I already have a problem with that. I wear contacts and have sensitive eyes. So if nothing else I'd have to bring on board (because of quality of their air) 2 unopened contact lens packs, saline spray, contact lens solution and eye drops - and lip balm of course. So I'm screwed even if I didn't wear makeup. TSA must think I'm going to bomb Milwaukee with my mascara tube.

Shhhh! Don't tell. I've managed to skirt the regs a bit by carrying things in the pockets of my jeans. So far, no problems. It was lip balm, but I wanted to have it with me since b/c of medication my skin/lips get VERY dry and chapped VERY easily. Plastic containers don't set off m*e*t*a*l detectors.

About the other stuff, though, I just leave mine at home and buy some while I'm away. A pain in the butt, but it's easier.

[Indiana_Jay]

Oh, I never meant to imply that she was wrong or didn't have that experience.
Sometimes we create more problems by being diplomatic! I did not mean to imply that you implied DJ was wrong. I was only attempting to assure that it did not appear I was trying to imply that DJ was wrong!

[reb]

Score another victory for the good guys who are working their butts off protecting us from the craziness of the bad guys - I landed safely in Columbus this morning.

Shared a cab ride with one of the vendors, a friend or ours.

It's cold outside!

Looking forward to seeing some DFers soon! (I gave Joe my number).

[redhead]

would love to meet some DFers but we can't relax until the comp is basically over... our event is Sunday evening

[samina]

Red & Reb... what events are you competing in?

And anyone else... please feel free to share that. Wishing you all success & a good time.

:)

[alemana]

DF'ers:

Anyone who will be in the audience watching PRO RHYTHM, RS RHYTHM and the SHOWDANCES - and would be willing to text me results, esp for pro rhythm - please PM me.

love ya, mean it!

[Katarzyna]

Would anyone be willing to post a little note about my dresses for sale in the changing room if you are there today?

[mamboqueen]

DF'ers:

Anyone who will be in the audience watching PRO RHYTHM, RS RHYTHM and the SHOWDANCES - and would be willing to text me results, esp for pro rhythm - please PM me.

love ya, mean it!

Hey! We want them posted here....not sent via pm!

I spoke to Natalka earlier, who was en route to Columbus. She has a laptop with her, so hopefully we'll get some results. There's always Supershag's website, although I think Chris is probably busy dancing today.

[alemana]

i want them posted here too but i can get them faster via PM, so any kind soul who texts them to me - i promise i will post them asap.

[KimoMakano]

Is there anyone there who will be taping/recording the local broadcasts?

We are unable to attend and would like to enjoy the performances. We have heard that the shows will be airing in January on PBS, but don't want to have to wait that long.

Thanks.

[mamboqueen]

We shall try and get the results up a.s.a.p We are alsogoing to try and get some video up.Cheers chris

Excellent! How is the attendance?

[ChelD]

WORLD PRO/AM CHAMPIONSHIPS - JUNIOR RHYTHM
1 Daniel Knapp & Adrianna Chessa
2 Laura Greenspan & Jonah Schneider
3 Katy Davis & Dion Jones
4 Anna But & Tony Delgado
5 Alex Bohan & Raza Begg
6 Natalie Crandall & John Abrams
7 Michael LaMonaca & Lyndsey Rutherford

[reb]

Pro/Am Rising Star Smooth - A
1-Suyuan Liu & Ben Ermis
2-Andrea Johnson & Eric Hudson
3-Eri Minagava & Sergey Nekrasov
4-Nicole Powers & Stefan Dobrev
5-Dana Mills & Tad Joy
6-Katie Karpf & Kostadin Bidjourov
7-Charna Johnsnon & Jim Maranto

[reb]

Pro/Am Rising Star Smooth - B (from a Quarter Final)
1-Darla Davies & Jim Maranto
2-Blaire Miller & Glenn Clark
3-Diana Sullivan & Tony Scheppler
4-Daniella Koren & Victor Russo
5-Maria O'Daniel & Ben Ermis
6-Judy Susskind & Louis Soma
7-Randi Zedeck & Stefan Dobrev
8-Elizabeth Apesos & David Rosario

[reb]

Pro/Am Rising Star Smooth - C (from a Quarter Final)
1-Jackie Johnston & Ben Ermis
2-Donna Torsney & Danny Pugh
3-Jeanie Bernstein & Jim Maranto
4-Jane Parker & Vladimir Kosarev
5-Maria Matulaniec & Gunnar Sverrisson
6-Yoko Kani & David Rosario
7-Madeline Marchese & Steve Dougherty

Hope I didn't make any mistakes!!!

[ChaChaMama]

Wow, way to go to teachers like Ben Ermis and Jim Maranto, in all three of those finals! It must make for a heck of a tiring day, but there must also be an enormous feeling of accomplishment in seeing one's students do so well.

Thanks for posting the results, reb!

ChaChaMama (Can't wait to get there!)

[Joe]

Pro/Am Rising Star?

[mamboqueen]

Pro/Am Rising Star?

I don't quite understand it either...not sure who is "qualified" (if you need to be qualified) to dance this.

[samina]

Pro/Am Rising Star?

Huh. Never heard of that before... yet another Pro/Am moneymaker???
;)

[gingerbread]

Pro/Am Rising Star Smooth - B (from a Quarter Final)
1-Darla Davies & Jim Maranto
2-Blaire Miller & Glenn Clark
3-Diana Sullivan & Tony Scheppler
4-Daniella Koren & Victor Russo
5-Maria O'Daniel & Ben Ermis
6-Judy Susskind & Louis Soma
7-Randi Zedeck & Stefan Dobrev
8-Elizabeth Apesos & David Rosario

Thanks SO MUCH for postng results so quickly.
I believe Rising Star Pro Am is indeed a money maker, but also a chance for those ProAm competitors who are not quite as advanced as others to get the chance to advance in rounds and make a final. Is it a bad idea?

[chrisjohnston]

It is only a bad idea if you believe rising star in pro and amateur is a bad idea.Pro-am also has its superstars just like the other divisions so this does give experience to some competitors who have no chance of making a big final.To be eligble i believe you could not be an open finalist from the previous year.Cheers chris

[samina]

It is only a bad idea if you believe rising star in pro and amateur is a bad idea.Pro-am also has its superstars just like the other divisions so this does give experience to some competitors who have no chance of making a big final.To be eligble i believe you could not be an open finalist from the previous year.Cheers chris

Well said. I suppose it gives Pro/Am competitors more opportunity as it does the Ams & Pros.

Are the Pro/Am RS divisions Open, then?

[chrisjohnston]

Yes ,open in level and age.

`Cheers Chris

[Ithink]

There is no rising star in Amateur, unless you count pre-champ as rising star, which it's not because pre-champ competitors usually do not get to dance nor do they ever get judged on all five dances like rising star competitors do. Therefore, I do not think pre-champ is equivalent to rising star...

[Katarzyna]

would be so cool to have rising star at some us comps for ams :) oh well , I guess US field is too small to split up.

[samina]

would be so cool to have rising star at some us comps for ams :) oh well , I guess US field is too small to split up.

I'm surprised that there are enough Pro/Am competitors at that level to justify a Rising Star category. I had the impression that things thinned out significantly at Open Gold.

Is there Rising Star Am in Europe, do you know?

[Katarzyna]

I know some competitions in Europe introduced it... blackpool, german open

[saludas]

I know some competitions in Europe introduced it... blackpool, german open

Not the real Blackpool.. the British Open does not have Pro/Am.

[Katarzyna]

Not the real Blackpool.. the British Open does not have Pro/Am.
I am talking about European comps adding rising star to am events.. not pro am.. that's purely an american thing... almost

[reb]

It is only a bad idea if you believe rising star in pro and amateur is a bad idea.Pro-am also has its superstars just like the other divisions so this does give experience to some competitors who have no chance of making a big final.To be eligble i believe you could not be an open finalist from the previous year.Cheers chris
Chris provides an excellent perspective.

This Rising Star concept worked really well and wil help support the growth of the top of the pack.

Ohio is like nothing else in the States - to paraphrase Sam - he has 'every' judge here. Watching in-person you can feel the excitment, cameradeire, and competitive qualities. This is my 3rd competition in 3 weeks and it helps to drive home how awesome it is.

If you can swing it, come to this event even if just to spectate.

As ChaChaMama pointed out earlier, another very impressive feat are the pros like Ben Ermis who give their best round after round for age groups A, B, C (students get a rest, pro's don't) after these pros already danced for days wih several students, and will keep at this all week - and then compete in their professional category - unbelievable stamina!

[DancerForLife]

We are at OSB. The venue is great - the room I saw so far is great, very nicely lit and decorated. There are TWO rooms of vendors, a practice room, and a great foodcourt downstairs.

So far so good - and even the weather is not as cold as the prior couple years have been.

If you are coming, don't forget an umbrella though :-).

First event is tonight, going to be soon time to start getting ready...

[mamboqueen]

Hey -- good luck to you! And please provide reports when you're able.

[wishing there was a simulcast for us to watch :(]

[ChaChaMama]

LOVING the on-site reports! My flight doesn't land until 6 PM tomorrow, so keep 'em coming!

Hope to meet some of you there. If anyone is still there 3:30 on Sunday, I'll be in the amateur latin silver syllabus.

ChaChaMama

[chrisjohnston]

Hi Reb your assesment of Ohio is spot on.

It amazes me that some of the posters on Df are so blatenly anti pro-am as the system in America is the envy of the rest of the dancing world.

Cheers Chris

[mamboqueen]

Well, the irony in that statement is that you won't find the naysers admitting there are any merits to pro/am dancing. But, I think it's a song that's been played once too many times here. For the sake of a peaceful holiday season (yeah, I'll resort to anything here....), let's pass on the conversation entirely.

[reb]

Red & Reb... what events are you competing in?

And anyone else... please feel free to share that. Wishing you all success & a good time.

:)
Champ Amateur Smooth, Standard, and Rhythm

Our friend Tibor was the ChrisJohnston stand-in with the ever-present SuperShag camera . . . thanks for taking our picture tonight after our Smooth event (Christmas is coming and we need a good recent photo, although hot and sweaty is probably not the best 'pose').

[mamboqueen]

Champ Amateur Smooth, Standard, and Rhythm

Our friend Tibor was the ChrisJohnston stand-in with the ever-present SuperShag camera . . . thanks for taking our picture tonight after our Smooth event (Christmas is coming and we need a good recent photo, although hot and sweaty is probably not the best 'pose').

Well, if you had your picture taken, that means you did well! So, don't be shy about it - how did you do??! Were there a lot of couples in your event? Enquiring minds want details!

[mamboqueen]

Thanks Chris.

Way to go Eiko!

[and123]

And Lisa Cristiani with PeeWee! Woooooooo! :banana:

[samina]

It amazes me that some of the posters on Df are so blatenly anti pro-am as the system in America is the envy of the rest of the dancing world.

Shoot, I'll be competing Pro/Am, at least for starters, so a Pro/Am RS category would only be cool beans for the likes of me, moneymaker or not! Something perhaps a tad more reachable to inspire the daily sweat...

I'm glad the system exists.

Sorry... continuing the hijack.

"GO OHIO COMPETITORS!!!"
:)
Samina

[JANATHOME]

I dont look it as a moneymaker, either. I mean it can only be a moneymaker if people register to dance in the category. Hey, no one is forcing anyone to register in any category, so If people register for the category there must be a desire for a RS category in Pro/ AM.

I am curious about the results. I see there is an A,B,C and then Sr. Often in AM/AM comps that I attend category C is the Sr category. Anyone know how the age groups break down in these categories?

[latingal]

I see there is an A,B,C and then Sr. Often in AM/AM comps that I attend category C is the Sr category. Anyone know how the age groups break down in these categories?

From the Ohio Star Ball website rules section:

For Pro/Am Scholarships -
A = 16-35
B = 36-50
C = 51 and up

from the Pro/Am entry form:
Senior 3 dance (smooth and rhythm) = 70 and above
World Senior 4 dance (smooth and rhythm) = 60 and above

[star_gazer]

I just heard that Katarzyna made the semi-final in Amateur Standard :banana:

[samina]

I just heard that Katarzyna made the semi-final in Amateur Standard :banana:

That's great!

[mamboqueen]

I just heard that Katarzyna made the semi-final in Amateur Standard :banana:

Excellent!

[alemana]

woo kat!

[mamboqueen]

...thanks for stopping the vicious cycle of cheering bananas....

[LucyDiamond]

I just heard that Katarzyna made the semi-final in Amateur Standard :banana:
Congratulations Katarzyna!!!

[and123]

...thanks for stopping the vicious cycle of cheering bananas....

How 'bout this:
http://foldies.wtms.net/cat2.gif

[GJB]

I just heard that Katarzyna made the semi-final in Amateur Standard :banana:

Congratulations, Kat ! Very impressive.

[latingal]

Ooowww....all these bounding emoticons are making me dizzy....

Congrats Kat!

[mamboqueen]

How 'bout this:


For the sake of artistic integrity, one of those may be sufficient ;)

[reb]

Well, if you had your picture taken, that means you did well! So, don't be shy about it - how did you do??! Were there a lot of couples in your event? Enquiring minds want details!
For probably the thing most inquiring minds want to know - Kat looked beautiful and danced beautifully - and from a guy's 'pedestrian' perspective, I'll give it a try - her hair was ornately done and matched both her skin tone and her dress like no other on the floor!

Well, to answer your specific question . . . the supershag pics were taken, but when we went to the website to see if they were Christmas card material and to see if we were smiling or goofy - but they have not been posted, so if we are to see them Chris or Tibor will have to load them. This was a big victory for us . . . we were placed ahead of the 10-time US Champions, of which we know of this happening one other time (hat's off to callen).

[Chris Stratton]

For probably the thing most inquiring minds want to know - Kat looked beautiful and danced beautifully - and from a guy's 'pedestrian' perspective, I'll give it a try - her hair was ornately done and matched both her skin tone and her dress like no other on the floor!

And they did it on no sleep after driving all night due to a cancelled flight.

Speaking of which, last I heard (a few hours ago) they were trying to find a ride back to NY, if anyone knows of some spare car seats...

[star_gazer]

And they did it on no sleep after driving all night due to a cancelled flight.

Speaking of which, last I heard (a few hours ago) they were trying to find a ride back to NY, if anyone knows of some spare car seats...Why were so many NY flights cancelled?

[Chris Stratton]

I don't know... the weather here last night was pretty bad though - I think there had actually been a tornado watch in south jersey.

[star_gazer]

From what I hear, they were not the only ones who ended up driving.

[DancerForLife]

Pro Standard:

1. Jonathan and Katusha
2. Victor and Anna
3. Linas and Ieva
4. Giampiero and Anastasia
5. Erminio and Liene
6. Igor and Julia

Pro Standard Showdance:

1. Igor and Julia (their 'hard rock' number - was awesome)
2. Jonathan and Katusha (foxtrot - I think)
3. Linas and Ieva (hot stuff!!! danced foxtrot to ... Don't cha)
4. Giampiero and Anastasia (tango / argentine)
5. Erminio and Liene (nice foxtrot)
6. Victor and Anna (beautiful waltz / foxtrot)

Overall winner of the Pro Standard category, and moving forward to the American Ballroom Challenge final: Jonathan and Katusha

[DancerForLife]

Pro Rhythm:

1. Toni and Elena
2. Emmanuel and Joanna
3. Felipe and Carolina
4. Evgeniy and Inna
5. Decho and Bree
6. Michael and Danielle

Pro Rhythm Showdance:

1. Emmanuel and Joanna (fun number to Michael Jackson's 'Black and white'
2. Evgeniy and Inna (awesome - E. in a bathrobe and with a rubber duckie)
3. Toni and Elena (danced their comp bolero routine)
4. Michael and Danielle (clever number, playing with M's suspenders)
5. Felipe and Carolina (bolero, great lines but not much dancing in between)
6. Decho and Bree (bolero / theatrical)

And the couple representing Pro Rhythm to the American Ballroom Challenge... is Toni and Elena. Don't quite know how those numbers added up...

[DeltaVim]

Thanks a lot for the updates, DancerForLife!

[Still, I have an itch to know the whole results... grrr dancesportinfo.net isn't realtime :)]

[reb]

Probably every one knows by now . . . Egor & Katya danced in Pro Standard tonight and made the semifinal
Made us Amateurs proud!
They looked strong, and belonged - great floorcraft!

[Anna]

Ooh, I didn't know, that's terrific!

[DeltaVim]

Probably every one knows by now . . . Egor & Katya danced in Pro Standard tonight and made the semifinal
Made us Amateurs proud!
They looked strong, and belonged - great floorcraft!

Yeah, I didn't know either... that's awesome... another great pro couple!

[mamboqueen]

Did Jackie Josephs and Jesse Desoto not compete?

thanks for all of the results!

[GJB]

When is OSB going to be televised?

[ThreeStep]

And Lisa Cristiani with PeeWee! Woooooooo! :banana:

Orange dress right? Maaaaan. Had to take my hat off, room was starting to get warm all of a sudden. ;) Same with the white dress in the am standard.

ThreeStep
(spinning)

[reb]

Did Jackie Josephs and Jesse Desoto not compete?

thanks for all of the results!
Jackie and Jesse made the semi-final

[reb]

When is OSB going to be televised?
OSB is going to be televised as America's Ballroom Challenge starting January 31st - showing 5 hours over 5 week through February.

[Standard Dancer]

Probably every one knows by now . . . Egor & Katya danced in Pro Standard tonight and made the semifinal
Made us Amateurs proud!
They looked strong, and belonged - great floorcraft!

Awesome! Go Egor & Katya!! :)

[rz]

Post some photos online.
Enjoy!

www.timelessmoment.net (http://www.timelessmoment.net)

[Schelly]

I hope this is the write way and place to do this but I was hoping to find information on winners in the Ohio Star ball. I have friends competing.

[ChaChaMama]

Hi! Just back from 5 1/2 hours of amateur latin in various age groups, with some 35+ and senior standard mixed in.

Amateur International Latin Championships--The final will be danced tonight, and cheesily enough, they chased everyone out of the ballroom without announcing the results. Here are the 12 semi-finalists:

Stas Savich and Anna Tovbin
Alex Zaika and Elijah Piker
Russ Wilder and Katusha Wilder
Kamil Studenny and Katya Trubina
Maxim Fomin and Alina Litvak
Jean-Phillippe Milot and Luarence Bolduc
Grigori Sedrakyan and Lilit Avagyan
Nikolai Pilipenchuk and Natasha Skorikova
Francis Lafreniere and Claudia Primeau
Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Valeriya Kozharinova
Boris Leukumovich and Nicole Volynets
Pasha Pashkov and Inna Brayer

Based on past results, I would say the probable final is Stas/Anna, Grigori/Lilit, Francis/Claudia, Val/Val, Boris/Nicole, Pasha/Inna, but I personally am rooting for Nikolai/Natasha and Alex/Elijah to make it in.

Notes:
Valeriya's hair was black for this comp, and she wore it in a ponytail. She wore a reddish fringed dress. She looked amazing, as always.

Nicole's dress was my least favorite in the semi-final, but it was eye-catching: a rainbow of colors with fringe. I personally found it a little busy.

Anna Tovbin's dress was lacy red with a solid satiny red middle and really brought out her trim figure. Very flattering look.

I love the look of Natasha's dress, but I'm not sure the color was bright enough. It was dark with turquoise (maybe?) fringe.

[ChaChaMama]

Amateur Latin Under 21
1--Anton Balyayev and Karolina Paliwoda 1/1/2/1/1
2--Alex Zaika and Elijah Piker 3/3/1/2/2
3--Allan Gillin and Anastasia Trutneva 2/2/3/3/3
4--Pasha Stepanchuk and Sasha Nissengolts
5--Sergey Onik and Michelle Glazarov
6--Michael Groberman and Milana Lazareva
Semi-finalists:
Tal Liv****z and Kate Kapshandi (I really like this pair and wish they had made the final.)
Max Belozerov and Kristine Avsukevich
Sam Shneyyer and Jacqueline Dikansky (sp? That's how it is in program, but I think that's wrong)
Igor Zabrodin and Nina Estrina
Bernie Goldenberg and Sarah Gleyzer
Ted Volynets and Bridget Glazarov


I could be wrong, but I thought these results were a bit of an upset. I was really expecting Alex and Elijah to win, and I actually thought this was the best I've seen them dance since they partnered back up about a year ago. I was also surprised by the 3rd place couple. I hadn't even thought they were an obvious choice for the final.

Interestingly, later that afternoon, in the Amateur Latin J6, Pasha Stepanchuk and Sasha Nissengolts (who came in 4th in the under 21) took FIRST, beating Anton and Karolina who came in second. How to explain?
-Better round for Pasha and Sasha?
-Different judging panel?
-Differences in endurance?
...I think the real lesson is that the top couples are very, very close in ability.

If anyone wants to know J2, J3, J4, J5, or J6 results, I've got them. I've also got 35+ latin and standard and senior standard.

I know nothing about the pro-am or the college comp. (OSB is a three ring circus Saturday day, and I chose the amateur room).

I have some commentary on last night's festivities too, but since results have already been posted, I will save my personal thoughts for later and take a nap!

P.S. There are an INSANE number of Ohio State University fans in town. Pro-Ohio State chanting broke out on my plane before take off. A couple of boarding Michigan fans were booed.

[mamboqueen]

Hi! Just back from 5 1/2 hours of amateur latin in various age groups, with some 35+ and senior standard mixed in.

Amateur International Latin Championships--The final will be danced tonight, and cheesily enough, they chased everyone out of the ballroom without announcing the results. Here are the 12 semi-finalists:

Stas Savich and Anna Tovbin
Alex Zaika and Elijah Piker
Russ Wilder and Katusha Wilder
Kamil Studenny and Katya Trubina
Maxim Fomin and Alina Litvak
Jean-Phillippe Milot and Luarence Bolduc
Grigori Sedrakyan and Lilit Avagyan
Nikolai Pilipenchuk and Natasha Skorikova
Francis Lafreniere and Claudia Primeau
Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Valeriya Kozharinova
Boris Leukumovich and Nicole Volynets
Pasha Pashkov and Inna Brayer

Based on past results, I would say the probable final is Stas/Anna, Grigori/Lilit, Francis/Claudia, Val/Val, Boris/Nicole, Pasha/Inna, but I personally am rooting for Nikolai/Natasha and Alex/Elijah to make it in.

Notes:
Valeriya's hair was black for this comp, and she wore it in a ponytail. She wore a reddish fringed dress. She looked amazing, as always.

Nicole's dress was my least favorite in the final, but it was eye-catching: a rainbow of colors with fringe. I personally found it a little busy.

Anna Tovbin's dress was lacy red with a solid satiny red middle and really brought out her trim figure. Very flattering look.

I love the look of Natasha's dress, but I'm not sure the color was bright enough. It was dark with turquoise (maybe?) fringe.
'

Thanks for the results and the dress commentary ;) You know what the df women want to hear! I, too, enjoy watching Alex and Elijah. Keep us posted on finals!

[Katarzyna]

Thank you everyone for all the nice comments.. I think we should dance with no sleep more often.. so surprised we ended up with a bunch of marks into the final:shock:
just got to NY. Booked jetblue flight to NY.

[mamboqueen]

Thank you everyone for all the nice comments.. I think we should dance with no sleep more often.. so surprised we ended up with a bunch of marks into the final:shock:
just got to NY. Booked jetblue flight to NY.

Very happy to hear your results...and marks into the finals....completely thrilled for you. Same time next year...and I'm betting on finals for you guys.

Oh, and I've tried the no-sleep thing...it *never* works for me!

I hope you'll have some pics for us to see soon. And how did the dress selling go?

[alemana]

congrats, kat.

i wonder what the deal is with the showdance rules...

[Katarzyna]

Very happy to hear your results...and marks into the finals....completely thrilled for you. Same time next year...and I'm betting on finals for you guys.

Oh, and I've tried the no-sleep thing...it *never* works for me!

I hope you'll have some pics for us to see soon. And how did the dress selling go?
with all the mess with flights etc, i didn't get to deal with the dresses a all :(
I hope we can make it next year..

the no sleep thing never worked for us before.
oh and no photos, our camera broke and I dont think there were any photo vendors there :( didn't see any? I hope we will get at least one photo from someone.. would love to see how the whole dress hair thing looked on the floor

[rz]

with all the mess with flights etc, i didn't get to deal with the dresses a all :(
I hope we can make it next year..

the no sleep thing never worked for us before.
oh and no photos, our camera broke and I dont think there were any photo vendors there :( didn't see any? I hope we will get at least one photo from someone.. would love to see how the whole dress hair thing looked on the floor

Hey Katarzyna,

Congrats!
sorry didn't get any photos of ur guys this time, as a matter of fact, virtually didn't get any for amateur standard on Friday. By the time we were there, amateur standard final was almost over. Wish they made that event a bit later.

Post some new photos for Friday evening, will add more when i find time ... it's a great treat to see finalists doing solo numbers (http://timelessmoment.net).

[rz]

It is great that PBS finally is putting Ohio Star Ball back on its program.
5 hour show for 5 weeks next spring. What a treat!

http://timelessmoment.net/images/pbs.jpg


Way to go !! Sam !

[DancerForLife]

Pro Smooth:

1. Ben and Shalene
2. David and Valentina
3. Mazen and Irina
4. Steve and Eulia
5. Kostadin and Carrie
6. Tomasz and JT

Pro Smooth Showdance:

1. Mazen and Irina (fun martial arts inspired routine)
2. David and Valentina (pop-ish routine, she wore a fun wig)
3. Ben and Shalene (she took his number off, very flowy routine, in the end threw the number on the ground - did that mean anything????)
4. Steve and Eulia (very energetic foxtrot)
5. Tomasz and JT (abstract foxtrot / tango, sort of a dracula theme)
6. Kostadin and Carrie (foxtrot)

Overall winner of the Smooth Category - Ben and Shalene

[ChaChaMama]

Amateur Latin Results:

1--Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Valeriya Kozharinova 1/1/1/1/1
2--Grigori Sedrakyan and Lilit Avagyan 2/2/2/2/2
3--Nikolai Pilipenchuk and Natasha Skorikova 3/4/6/3/3 (YAY! Congrats, Nik!)
4--Boris Leukumovich and Nicole Volynets
5--Kamil Studenny and Katya Trubina
6--Stas Savich and Anna Tovbin

It was a VERY exciting event!

Natasha wore a gold dress with lots of fringe. It looked great on the floor.

Nicole wore a kelly green dress and Boris wore a matching shirt.

Lilit wore a dark dress with multi-colored stones.

Anna was wearing the same dress as in the afternoon. I need to revise my description: it was shimmery on the top, then solid satin in the middle.

Val wore the same dress as in the afternoon. I'd say the color was somewhere between hot melon and red...in other words, a pinky-orange red, not a deep red.

[reb]

Post some photos online.
Enjoy!

www.timelessmoment.net (http://www.timelessmoment.net)
RZ - great pics. You captured the spirit of the Ohio Star Ball.

[reb]

congrats, kat.

i wonder what the deal is with the showdance rules...
The Showdance counts as another dance - so in Standard, it's equivalent to a 6th dance, in Smooth it's equivalent to a 5th dance.

So if someone places all 1sts in the 'main' competition and comes in 3rd in the Showdance, they're the overall winner for that style.

1-1-1-1-1-3

Hope this helps.

[Laura]

2--Grigori Sedrakyan and Lilit Avagyan 2/2/2/2/2

I hate picking favorites because there are so many great dancers in this crowd (go Nik!), but it did tickle me to see Grigori & Lilit have this great result. Yay for them, go California! :)

Thanks for the updates ChaChaMama!

[latingal]

Anybody get the pro latin results? I know it's late (ummm...early), but enquiring minds would love to know!

[dancesportgirl21]

Amateur Latin Results:

1--Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Valeriya Kozharinova 1/1/1/1/1
2--Grigori Sedrakyan and Lilit Avagyan 2/2/2/2/2
3--Nikolai Pilipenchuk and Natasha Skorikova 3/4/6/3/3 (YAY! Congrats, Nik!)
4--Boris Leukumovich and Nicole Volynets
5--Kamil Studenny and Katya Trubina
6--Stas Savich and Anna Tovbin

It was a VERY exciting event!

Natasha wore a gold dress with lots of fringe. It looked great on the floor.

Nicole wore a kelly green dress and Boris wore a matching shirt.

Lilit wore a dark dress with multi-colored stones.

Anna was wearing the same dress as in the afternoon. I need to revise my description: it was shimmery on the top, then solid satin in the middle.

Val wore the same dress as in the afternoon. I'd say the color was somewhere between hot melon and red...in other words, a pinky-orange red, not a deep red.

Wow! Big congrats to Nik! That's fantastic!

[Katarzyna]

Hey Katarzyna,

Congrats!
sorry didn't get any photos of ur guys this time, as a matter of fact, virtually didn't get any for amateur standard on Friday. By the time we were there, amateur standard final was almost over. Wish they made that event a bit later.

Post some new photos for Friday evening, will add more when i find time ... it's a great treat to see finalists doing solo numbers (http://timelessmoment.net).
too bad. saw the ones you posted from the evening, beautiful!

[Schelly]

Does anyone have results for the Pro theater arts competition? I was looking at the result page but it comes up blank on my PC when I go there. Thanks

[ChaChaMama]

How funny! I think both DancerForLife and I must have gone "Oh, good, she's doing it."

Professional International Latin
1--Max Kozhevnikov and Yulia Zagoruychenko 2/1/1/2/1
2--Andrei Gavriline and Elena Kryuchkova 1/2/2/1/2
3--Andre Paramanov and Ms. Natalie 3/4/3/3/3
4--Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina
5--Vaidotas Skimelis and Jurga Pupelyte
6--Delyan Terziev and Boriana Deltcheva

Showdance
1--Andrei Gavriline and Elena Kryuchkova (Number with shared long red and black capes)
2--Max Kozhevnikov and Yulia Zagoruychenko (Very good mixed latin number, though I got the feeling there might be a concept uniting the dances and I didn't quite get what it was.)
3--Andre Paramanov and Ms. Natalie (Darn it, I didn't write down what they did and now I'm not remembering! But I think this was actually my favorite of the showdances.)
4--Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina (Number to music including Aretha's "Respect" wearing red and black jackets and hats. Sharp, cute.)
5--Vaidotas Skimelis and Jurga Pupelyte
6--Delyan Terziev and Boriana Deltcheva

Okay, so it went to a Rule 11 to decide who advanced to the America's Ballroom Challenge, with one representative from each style.

Winner: Andrei Gavriline and Elena Kryuchkova

I did not stay for the America's Ballroom Challenge event because I dance today (at 3:30 PM) and did not want to stay up until 1 AM.

[mamboqueen]

Thanks so much for those results. Did Pavel and Anna dance in the open pro latin? I was kind of hoping to see them on PBS.

Good luck today...CCM...and let us know how you do!

Anyone else hoping the next two+ months fly by so we can see this on tv??!!

[GJB]

Anyone else hoping the next two+ months fly by so we can see this on tv??!!

Yeah, me! I can't wait.

Thanks and good luck CCM!

[mamboqueen]

For those who had occasion to visit the vendor rooms, anything new and exciting?

[ChaChaMama]

Some more notes:
EXHIBITIONS:
Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Valeriya Kozharinova did an exhibition dance to Prince's "Kiss." LOVED IT! One of my favorite couples dancing to one of my favorite pop singers of all time.

Gary and Rita Gekhman did their robot classic showdance number and it was very well received.

Winston Tam (age 11) and Anna Kus (age 12), winner of the J4, did a samba exhibition and they did great.

FASHION:
Max and Yulia--Max had shorter hair than the last time I saw him. It looked good. Yulia wore a plum dress for the first rounds and changed to pale pink for the final (I think it was the same dress from USDSC). She looked great.

Andrei and Elena wore the caramel-y brown outfits that they wore in the open to the world event at USDSC in the early rounds, but switched to beautiful light turquoise blue for the final (his shirt and her dress). I loved what they wore for the final. The other outfit wasn't as eye popping, so I was pleased to see the change for the final.

Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina--In the early rounds, she was wearing a grape colored dress, which I did not love. It was one with a lot of loose fabric around the waist. I prefer something a little more form fitting for latin. Later, she switched to a pink fringed dress, which I liked a lot more, BUT he wore a black with floral print latin shirt. It looked like wallpaper to me. I get that it was supposed to echo the pink flower that capped her outfit, but it was not becoming.

Delyan Terziev and Boriana Deltcheva--She wore a great white fringe-y dress for the first three rounds. She looked great. I actually liked her dress in the final less. It was fringy, and started white, they went to light brown and darker brown, and Delyan wore brown latin pants. It was okay, but the first outfit was more attractive in my view.

[delamusica]

Thanks CCM! I'm living vicariously. :)

[delamusica]

For those who had occasion to visit the vendor rooms, anything new and exciting?


Vendors are sparkly. Who needs more occasion than that? :-p

[ChaChaMama]

Mamboqueen--I believe Pavel and Anna danced, but if my notes are right, they only made the quarter final.

The semi-finalists were:
Eddie Stutts and Viktoria Belova
Andrzej Przybyl and Adriana Przybyl
Danny Arbour and Myriam Savaria
Tomasz Lewandowski and Ezabela Olszewska
Krystian Grabowski and Irina Grabowski
Mikolay Czarnecki and Yana Mazhnikova

[latingal]

CCMama, thanks for posting the latin results (and good luck today!). Was hoping to see Vaidas and Jurga in the final....looks like I got my wish -yay!

[musicchica86]

Does anybody have the semifinal list for Open Pro Rhythm?

[Art&Sport]

Thanks so much for those results. Did Pavel and Anna dance in the open pro latin? I was kind of hoping to see them on PBS.

Good luck today...CCM...and let us know how you do!

Anyone else hoping the next two+ months fly by so we can see this on tv??!!

Pasha and Anna didn't dance in Ohio due to illness.

[saludas]

Did any amateurs dance at Ohio?

[gingerbread]

Pro Smooth:

1. Ben and Shalene
2. David and Valentina
3. Mazen and Irina
4. Steve and Eulia
5. Kostadin and Carrie
6. Tomasz and JT

Pro Smooth Showdance:

1. Mazen and Irina (fun martial arts inspired routine)
2. David and Valentina (pop-ish routine, she wore a fun wig)
3. Ben and Shalene (she took his number off, very flowy routine, in the end threw the number on the ground - did that mean anything????)
4. Steve and Eulia (very energetic foxtrot)
5. Tomasz and JT (abstract foxtrot / tango, sort of a dracula theme)
6. Kostadin and Carrie (foxtrot)

Overall winner of the Smooth Category - Ben and Shalene

Maria and Hunter didn't dance? Do you know why? Were they there at all?

[gingerbread]

One other question (OK, I really hve tons I wuld like to ask): for those wh did tay up for the American Challenge, if I have the name right, could you describe and give results? You are so wonderful already giving us both results and descriptions, dare e ask for more...

[rock24]

How funny! I think both DancerForLife and I must have gone "Oh, good, she's doing it."

Professional International Latin
1--Max Kozhevnikov and Yulia Zagoruychenko 2/1/1/2/1
2--Andrei Gavriline and Elena Kryuchkova 1/2/2/1/2
3--Andre Paramanov and Ms. Natalie 3/4/3/3/3
4--Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina
5--Vaidotas Skimelis and Jurga Pupelyte
6--Delyan Terziev and Boriana Deltcheva

Showdance
1--Andrei Gavriline and Elena Kryuchkova (Number with shared long red and black capes)
2--Max Kozhevnikov and Yulia Zagoruychenko (Very good mixed latin number, though I got the feeling there might be a concept uniting the dances and I didn't quite get what it was.)
3--Andre Paramanov and Ms. Natalie (Darn it, I didn't write down what they did and now I'm not remembering! But I think this was actually my favorite of the showdances.)
4--Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina (Number to music including Aretha's "Respect" wearing red and black jackets and hats. Sharp, cute.)
5--Vaidotas Skimelis and Jurga Pupelyte
6--Delyan Terziev and Boriana Deltcheva

Okay, so it went to a Rule 11 to decide who advanced to the America's Ballroom Challenge, with one representative from each style.

Winner: Andrei Gavriline and Elena Kryuchkova

I did not stay for the America's Ballroom Challenge event because I dance today (at 3:30 PM) and did not want to stay up until 1 AM.

Too bad for Max and Yulia! They should be in the Challenge! Didn't the same thing happen to them last year only in reverse...they won the showdance but came in second to Andrei & Elena???

[dancesportgirl21]

Too bad for Max and Yulia! They should be in the Challenge! Didn't the same thing happen to them last year only in reverse...they won the showdance but came in second to Andrei & Elena???

Yeah- I'm surprised they would lose the showdance too since their shows in the past have been amazing.

[reb]

Yeah- I'm surprised they would lose the showdance too since their shows in the past have been amazing.
Ok, I'm willing to write what I saw, please don't shoot!

Assuming technical excellence for both couples . . .

When it came to the showdance - as ChaChaMama said about Max, if there was some unifying theme, I didn't get it either and it seemed 'ordinary' in contrast to Andre who did a showdance that added elements of costuming, flair, drama, excitement, and expectation of what they would do next. I don't know how to score showdance, but it seemed much more of a showdance than a dance choreographed to music.

[fascination]

from the shallow end of the pool:


personal highlights....


pro owes me a bunch of money for screwing up 8 heats that I didn't get to dance
I placed best in my worst style and hardly got to dance my best style b/c of aforementioned snafu
got to meet joe and skwiggy, but hardly anyone else b/c my phone went dead
(though IJ briefly for the same reason)
bought a new dress....
missed a bunch of pleasantries on DF, lol

nap now, more later

[Nik]

Exciting weekend! :)

It was a great comp but what disturbed me most is we danced the final with no one in the ballroom. Very happy with the results both days and am very happy with my dancing.

Thanks for all the yay's :)

[latingal]

Congrats Nik!

An empty ballroom? Were events running in parallel to the taping of the America's Ballroom segments? Was that the reason?

[gingerbread]

Just looked at the results for sunday afternoon on supershag. wow! Turn Pro and win Rising Star Standard,that is definitely the way to start. Congratulation!

[SPratt74]

I don't know what to say since I wasn't there and I don't know anything about OSB. But welcome back everyone and congratulations to those that participated! ;)

[mamboqueen]

Exciting weekend! :)

It was a great comp but what disturbed me most is we danced the final with no one in the ballroom. Very happy with the results both days and am very happy with my dancing.

Thanks for all the yay's :)

Congrats to you! Did they have videographers there?

[DancerForLife]

Does anybody have the semifinal list for Open Pro Rhythm?

I'll try to remember:

Matthew and Karen
Ilya and Lori
Jessie and Jackie
Gunnar and Darryl

I cannot quite remember the other two.

Was surprised NOT to see Brian and Ana.

[DancerForLife]

Maria and Hunter didn't dance? Do you know why? Were they there at all?

Yes....

Hunter and Maria are... expecting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maria is in her 4th month, and is sporting the cutest pregnant belly. Hunter danced some pro-am, but they are not competing until the baby arrives.

CONGRATULATIONS HUNTER AND MARIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nik]

The amateur latin final was the first event of the night before all the first rounds started and as soon as they opened the doors to let everyone in, they started the final. So people didn't even have a chance to get to their seats yet and there were still lines at the doors while the final was going on.

And I would of loved to tape my dancing but there was no one there taping.

[DancerForLife]

For those who had occasion to visit the vendor rooms, anything new and exciting?

I walked around quite a few times, didn't see anything overly new.

Smooth: there seem to be a lot of dresses that showcase more and more skin. As an example, for the final Valentina had one of the prettiest dresses I have seen in a long time - cut very similar to the dark purple dress we've seen her in (with lots of side cutouts etc.), but all in white, and the entire top was COVERED with stones. It was gorgeous. So smooth is showing lots of skin and has lots and lots (and lots) of stoning.

Standard: the fringe feathering is sort of - kind of in, but not really. Ieva wore dresses with feathers on her skirt, but she was the only one as far as I can remember. Floats seem to a bit smaller, I saw far fewer 'float tangled around the head' effects.

Rhythm / latin: saw many dresses with fringe, 'tails', or some funny appendages, there were several outfits with a feather skirt. So the word is 'skirt movement'.

[DancerForLife]

A word about the pro showcases:

With the exception of probably 2-3 couples, ALL pros brought a proper show routine to Ohio. They did NOT dance their routines (yet again, with the exception of a couple couples), and created something unique to showcase their talents with.

The showcases that stand out in my mind:

Smooth: Mazen and Irina's martial arts number was really cool
Latin: Andrei and Elena's paso number, and Vaidas and Jurga's authentic latin number were fabulous

All in all, the level of dancing was very high, great fun to watch

[DancerForLife]

Oh, and one more thing...

I believe Ben and Shalene retired from competing last night.

Their showdance was very symbolic - she took his number off at the beginning of the dance, put it in his pocket, and at the very end of a beatiful and emotional number she pulled the number out of his pocket and let it trail to the floor - very-very pretty. She also wiped some tears from the corner of her eye as they were walking off the floor...

We didn't stay for the actual announcement, so not sure how that happened; I do know though that Ben and Shalene were still the Smooth representatives for America's Ballroom Challenge.

I would like to wish all the very best to Ben and Shalene - thank you for being such gracious champions and competitors - you will be missed!!!

[musicchica86]

They did retire--I can say that for sure since I'm at their studio!

And yeah, it's really really sad, but I'm sure they'll continue to do showdances at comps like David and Olga do! They are absolutely the most committed instructors to their students I've ever seen in my life. They're just fantastic people.

[mamboqueen]

Oh, and one more thing...

I believe Ben and Shalene retired from competing last night.

Their showdance was very symbolic - she took his number off at the beginning of the dance, put it in his pocket, and at the very end of a beatiful and emotional number she pulled the number out of his pocket and let it trail to the floor - very-very pretty. She also wiped some tears from the corner of her eye as they were walking off the floor...

We didn't stay for the actual announcement, so not sure how that happened; I do know though that Ben and Shalene were still the Smooth representatives for America's Ballroom Challenge.

I would like to wish all the very best to Ben and Shalene - thank you for being such gracious champions and competitors - you will be missed!!!


Well, good luck to them post-retirement (I'm sure they'll be as busy or busier than before). And I hope we will get to see their showdance on PBS. Would be a shame not to see their final one ... I got goosebumps just reading your description.

Speaking of Shalene, when I was competing in Atlanta, during samba I had a little collision of the feet with another woman and she apologized. When I saw the video, I discovered it was Shalene. Very gracious. I mean, it wasn't *her* fault! Hmmm...wonder if she'll be needing that nice black dress she had on....

[latingal]

DancerForLife, thanks for all the great details about the comp. It's really nice to get a bit of the scoop as to what happened between the final results....

Thanks to all posters who attended the Ohio Star Ball for keeping us all up to date with results and stories....would love to hear more!

[DancerForLife]

DancerForLife, thanks for all the great details about the comp. It's really nice to get a bit of the scoop as to what happened between the final results....

Thanks to all posters who attended the Ohio Star Ball for keeping us all up to date with results and stories....would love to hear more!

You are very welcome - I know what it's like when you're waiting to hear what happened and nothing seems to be posted...

We were there for three days - would probably be the easiest if you let me know what you're interested in hearing about so I can write about something specific - otherwise I'm running the risk of just babbling :-). I will probably post some comments around the pro finals - though there really wasn't that much new stuff going on...

[reb]

Well, good luck to them post-retirement (I'm sure they'll be as busy or busier than before). And I hope we will get to see their showdance on PBS. Would be a shame not to see their final one ... I got goosebumps just reading your description.

Speaking of Shalene, when I was competing in Atlanta, during samba I had a little collision of the feet with another woman and she apologized. When I saw the video, I discovered it was Shalene. Very gracious. I mean, it wasn't *her* fault! Hmmm...wonder if she'll be needing that nice black dress she had on....
Ben and Shalene's retirement will provide an excellent storyline for PBS - and real-life drama to boot! The backdrop storyline . . . who will succeed them?!

[fascination]

DancerForLife, thanks for all the great details about the comp. It's really nice to get a bit of the scoop as to what happened between the final results....

Thanks to all posters who attended the Ohio Star Ball for keeping us all up to date with results and stories....would love to hear more!
I have just shamed dh into the purchase of a laptop for christmas or the rehabilitation of his old one(I really don't care which) so that I will not be so pathetically useless in this regard in the future;) ....but hey, I got a new dress...priorities ya know

[fascination]

re: ben and shalene...they are the most gracious folks...I must say I had a similar experience placing second in the championship at hotlanta (her student was first) and I swear she was more excited for me (ms. nobody) than I was...very nice

[latingal]

Woohooo, new laptop (and a new dress!) fascination....missed us waaaay much didn't ya'? Actually, I think we're the ones who missed you much! *grin*

[fascination]

and its one of those (ahem, more risque sorts of smooth dresses...almost fell on the floor when pro gave it the thumbs up)but yea...will be taking the laptop to heritage

[latingal]

You are very welcome - I know what it's like when you're waiting to hear what happened and nothing seems to be posted...

Yep, it's enough to make a gal beg for results on a public forum....:rolleyes: *grin*

We were there for three days - would probably be the easiest if you let me know what you're interested in hearing about so I can write about something specific - otherwise I'm running the risk of just babbling :-).

Babbling is good...;) I'll take babbling...

Actually I am interested mostly in the latin and smooth pro finals.

Also, any tips on the pro latin ladies costumes this year? Is it me or is there a trend toward longer, more solid skirts and more coverage in the bodice area....did you find this to be true? Or were there still plenty of skimpy going around?

Thanks again to everybody for posting!

[fascination]

babble babble DFL...trip reports are fun...mine is forthcoming...but it will be a while

[Keelzorz]

and its one of those (ahem, more risque sorts of smooth dresses...almost fell on the floor when pro gave it the thumbs up

If anyone else was teasing us like this, you'd be first to demand pictures, fascination. I wanna seeeeeee!

[latingal]

and its one of those (ahem, more risque sorts of smooth dresses...almost fell on the floor when pro gave it the thumbs up)

Can't wait to see it! Does it have a ton of stones?...if it can't blind a tsa agent at the airport it needs more!!!

[fascination]

in spots...there will be photos in february...more via pm...don't want to highjack

[fascination]

but I will say this, LOL....there will be a good bit of my newly ripped abdominals showing...wink

[latingal]

*sigh* going to have to talk to Valentina...please stop showing off your amazing body...the rest of us mere mortals would like to be left with a shred of dignity....

Of course, maybe I can borrow fascination's ripped abs for my next comp....

[ChaChaMama]

The amateur latin final was the first event of the night before all the first rounds started and as soon as they opened the doors to let everyone in, they started the final. So people didn't even have a chance to get to their seats yet and there were still lines at the doors while the final was going on.

And I would of loved to tape my dancing but there was no one there taping.

I know it's not as good as a tape, but we have a lot of still photos of you and Natasha. They should be up by next weekend, I suspect. I'll post back on this thread when they are up.

(And for the rest of you, I'll say in advance that these photos are predominantly amateur latin, with some pro latin thrown in. I know Natalka was there, though, so I'm sure there will be lots of great shots of the other pro events. And of course Park West was there and will have lots of great shots!)

[gingerbread]

You are very welcome - I know what it's like when you're waiting to hear what happened and nothing seems to be posted...

We were there for three days - would probably be the easiest if you let me know what you're interested in hearing about so I can write about something specific - otherwise I'm running the risk of just babbling :-). I will probably post some comments around the pro finals - though there really wasn't that much new stuff going on...

I want to add my thanks for all the details. Did you stay up for the Pro Challenge on Saturday night and could you describe that if you have a chance?

[Natalka]

Yes, I have tons of great photos! They should be up on my site within a week or so. Too tired to deal with them all right now...it was a very long week.

I think the PBS special will be fantastic. Personally, my favorite performance of the whole week was Vaidas and Jurga's showdance. I got goosebumps! It was ultra sexy.

Overall, my favorite event to watch was the Pro Smooth. These couples are such talented dancers! Smooth is the most challenging style to make look easy because of all its intricacies and all the couples were flawless!

[latingal]

Can anybody describe Jurga and Vaidas' showdance and what the crowd reaction was to it? Seems to have gotten a couple of good reviews here....

[latingal]

and thanks Natalka...again, knowing people's favorite moments from their visit to Ohio just adds so much for those of us that didn't have the privilege!

Will be looking foward to photos down the line....

thanks again...

[fascination]

went to bed before that...kicking self now...but they were sooo blinking awesome before then that I am consoling myself....the atmosphere was electrifying....folks definately need to do ohio at least once...some of us every year, but man, at least once...goodness it is so awesome to see a feather done the way top standard folks do it and man, I needed a cigarette (and I don't smoke)after watching the latin heats...HOttttttttttttt

[fascination]

my favorite moment...and you may hear me mention it on the pbs special b/c I was interviewed...was watching victor and anna...so in love, so beautiful...swoon...if I ever thought of quitting, watching them always reminds me of why I MUST dance...and she was just so kind and gracious to all of us with whom she used to teach in the midwest...it is so good to see her so happy with victor after the tragic an untimely death of her former partner...a real life romance...I am such a pushover for that

[tuftufwang]

Anyone care to give thoughts/comments on Pro Am Latin or Rhythm or any other events? The Pro/Am events were very well attended and I was happy that I was dancing to an appreciative crowd in the Ballroom. Cool.

[fascination]

actually, I thought the crowds were very sedate for pro/am and I myself felt inhibited to cheer...compared to other comps that is

[ChaChaMama]

Some additional random observations:
Lindsay Rutherford danced in the professional American rhythm. I'm assuming she is Dan Rutherford's daughter. I noticed her on the floor, then checked the number against the program ($30, my friends!) and thought "Wait a sec!" Cool....

DF's own Larinda McRaven was competing with Tibor Kerekes in the Professional American Smooth and she looked fabulous out there, very fluid and graceful and flexible. (She wore a beautiful white dress with long fringe which was definitely in my top 2 in the whole event.) They must have barely missed making the final.

Battelle Hall was surprisingly NOT packed on Friday night. We were in row C, section 15 that night (we were supposed to be in section 16, but misread our tickets--oops!), and for pretty big parts of the night, we had our row to ourselves, or shared it with maybe 4-6 other people. There were 14-16 seats in the row.

Saturday night was much closer to being a full house, but as Nik noted, it took awhile for people to arrive. ChaChaPapa and I remarked that there were more people in the audience for the amateur latin SEMI-FINAL at ~2:45 in the afternoon than there were for the FINAL at 7 PM! That was a shame, because the am latin final was one of the most exciting events of the whole night, in my opinion! Although Val/Val getting 1st was pretty much a certainty, after that, it could have gone any number of ways.

The audience was also more sedate at times than one might have expected. John DePalma was constantly reminding people (very politely, but insistently) that "Your generous applause is appreciated" (for the TV cameras). There was also insistence that EACH and EVERY show number be followed by a standing ovation. It was like being at Rosh Hashanah services, there was so much standing and sitting, standing and sitting. I think John DePalma is a *fantastic* MC, but I did think a standing ovation after every number made everything seem too the same. It kind of took away the value of the standing O, at least from my perspective. Instead of a standing O meaning "WOW! I'm blown away!" it became "Anything less than a unanimous standing O means we didn't like your number." Maybe that's just me.

The audience did get pumped for the final rounds of smooth and latin, and the Ermises had a cute supporting section with "Go Ermis" signs. Awww! Love that idea, and think that there should be more of that at ballroom comps.

Audience members wore a wide array of outfits, from beautiful evening wear to button down shirts and slacks. There was a woman in at least her 60s wearing a very short mini-skirt and knee high boots sitting near us.

**********
During the day session:

There were TV cameras following Danielle Karagach around all during her competitive rounds and interviewing her and her mom after. (She's J4, which means 12-13 at this comp, and a 10 dance competitor. Very charismatic.) I don't know if this coverage was for the PBS 5-hour OSB coverage or something else.
***********
Totally random but funny:
I went off in search of the convenience store, because I forgot to bring lipstick. The convenience store at the Hyatt sold alcohol, and had $160 bottles of Dom P in the fridge. Suffice it to say that you don't see that in convenience stores in my hometown!

Okay, I'll stop now!

[fascination]

DF's own Larinda McRaven was competing with Tibor Kerekes in the Professional American Smooth and she looked fabulous out there, very fluid and graceful and flexible. (She wore a beautiful white dress with long fringe which was definitely in my top 2 in the whole event.) They must have barely missed making the final.


agree, I put them in the finals ....and I think time will bear it out

[latingal]

Hmmm...CCMama I was asking earlier about a showdance and the crowd reaction....guess it's pretty hard to judge the crowd reaction to a showdance if you are asked to give a standing ovation to every one of them....geez.

[tuftufwang]

actually, I thought the crowds were very sedate for pro/am and I myself felt inhibited to cheer...compared to other comps that is
Really? Maybe I was deluding myself since I was so ecstatic to make it into the finals that I was hearing 'phantom' cheering. Haha. Most of the women in my division changed into new costumes for the scholarship event and it gave an "electrifying" air to the semis especially because I felt that everyone was definitely "gunning" for the finals. It was a good fight and I congratulate all ProAmers for continuously raising the standard in the world of Pro/Am.

I agree with Chris Johnson's earlier post that the ProAm system has certainly made its mark not just in the U.S. but the rest of the world. It is expensive for participants and it is somewhat (sadly) regarded as less prestigious than am and pro but hey, if anyone has seen the Pro/Am Latin/Rhythm/Smooth/Standard 'A' events, it makes you think twice. There are some really good dancers who could have been 'real' competing amatuers or pros.