2024 Recap
The Elite Dancesport 2024 competition, held from October 10th to 13th at the elegant Irvine Marriott in Irvine, California, was a spectacular celebration of elite dance performance that pushed the boundaries of grace and precision. Organized by the esteemed duo Andre and Natalie Paramonov, this event has solidified its place as a cornerstone in the ballroom dance competition circuit.
Participants and attendees were immersed in a unique and unforgettable experience during the captivating "Anything Goes" Halloween-themed night. This special evening offered a fusion of fun, creativity, and non-stop dancing like never before, making it a highlight of the competition. The event promised—and delivered—a remarkable showcase that blended competitive excellence with festive entertainment.
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The Significance of Elite Dancesport
Established as one of the premier annual ballroom dance events, Elite Dancesport serves as a beacon for both professional and amateur ballroom dancers. The 2024 edition was particularly special, marking the largest and most epic event yet, as noted by the organizers themselves.
"From the bottom of our hearts, we want to express our immense gratitude to every single one of you for making Elite Dancesport 2024 the biggest and most epic event yet!" — Andre & Natalie Paramonov
Notable Participants
The competition featured several dancers making their debut at Elite Dancesport. Ngoc delivered an excellent first performance in international standard dance. Tom Jensen had a wonderful debut in the pro-am category alongside his partner, Hunter Doughty. Vitalina Bunina and Aleksandr Ivanov also debuted in the professional division. The event additionally celebrated the incredible journey of Joseph and Alexandra Hopwood as they retired from professional Latin dance after 16 remarkable years. Beginning their careers in the UK and dazzling dance floors across the globe, they inspired many with their talent and dedication. Their final competition at Elite Dancesport was nothing short of beautiful, leaving unforgettable performances and memories.
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Event Schedule
The Elite Dancesport competition unfolded over six sessions, starting on Thursday evening with an "Anything Goes" Halloween Costume and BBQ Party that set a festive tone with Night Club and Country Western events. Friday's matinee featured American Smooth and International Latin events, along with Ballroom and Rhythm competitions showcasing emerging talent. The evening sessions included Youth and Under 21 categories, Pro-Am Battle of Showcases, and standout performances in the Open Professional Ballroom and Rhythm competitions. Saturday continued with fierce competitions across various skill levels in Ballroom, Rhythm, Latin, and Smooth, culminating in the Special Elite & Top Awards Presentation. The event concluded on Sunday with all Amateur and Pro-Am Youth events—including Teddy Bear, Pre-Teen, Junior Ballroom, Rhythm, Smooth, and Latin—highlighted by the Elite Top Youth Studios Awards Presentation.
Judging Panel
The event was adjudicated by a panel of esteemed judges led by Chairman Lee Wakefield and Master of Ceremonies Vince Bailey. The adjudicators included Dale Bennett, Sveta Daly, Katusha Demidova, Gary McDonald, Toni Redpath, Igor Suvorov, and Natalie and Dawid Schulz, among many other distinguished professionals.
One of the adjudicators expressed her amazement and gratitude on Facebook to the organizers for a very well-organized and professional event. She praised the exceptional efforts of Andre and Natalie Paramonov, highlighting the competition's high standards and the welcoming atmosphere that made the event memorable for everyone involved.
Event Organization
A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to the organizing committee, staff, and volunteers. Their tireless efforts were instrumental in the event's success.
"This incredible success represents not just us, but the entire team behind the scenes, who worked tirelessly to bring it all together!" — Andre & Natalie Paramonov
The organizers: Andre and Natalie Paramonov
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Upcoming Events and Opportunities
The excitement doesn't end here. The organizers are already gearing up for the next highlight on the dancesport calendar:
Nashville Starz 2025: This event promises to be just as spectacular. Dancers interested in participating can check through the official website.
2023 Recap
The Elite Dancesport 2023, spanning October 12-15 at the Irvine Marriott, was an ensemble of passion and artistry. Orchestrated by the talented duo, Andre & Natalie Paramonov, the Elite Dancesport 2023 was nothing short of spectacular.
The organizers. October 13, 2023 https://shorturl.at/csCHO
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It kicked off with a Halloween-inspired costume, Night Club, Country Western events, and a BBQ spectacular on Thursday evening. The following days saw a plethora of dance events, from American Smooth and International Latin on Friday morning to Pro-Am battles and professional showcases by evening. Saturday was brimming with Ballroom, Rhythm, Latin, and Smooth events for various categories, culminating in a grand award presentation. With doors opening early morning to late evening, the festivity and competition were truly non-stop.
These are some of the most outstanding moments from the Elite Dancesports competition, perfectly capturing the essence of strength and grace!
The dancers displayed remarkable and extraordinary skills. Undoubtedly, the judges had a challenging task, given the incredible prowess and determination of each participant. These adept performers truly communicated through their moves, energizing the room with their passion. While the competition was intense, the 4-day event was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Below are photos from various categories: Showcase, Open Rhythm, Open American Smooth, Open International Latin, and Open
Stay tuned for updates on next year's Elite Dancesport competition. Be sure not to miss any announcements by following them on Facebook, Instagram, and their official website!