Experience the dynamic atmosphere of one of America's premier ballroom dance competitions.
2024 Recap
Event Overview
On October 20, 2024, the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel in Columbus, Ohio, transformed into the epicenter of grace and rhythm as it hosted the Icon Dancesport competition. Organized for the first time by Saori and Marcio DeSouza, this event marked its 9th year as one of the most anticipated annual ballroom dance events in the region. Known as one of Ohio's premier annual ballroom dance events, Icon Dancesport continues to captivate the dance community.
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Significance
Since its inception, Icon Dancesport has grown exponentially, becoming a cornerstone in the ballroom dance competition circuit. The event not only provides a platform for dancers to showcase their talents but also fosters a vibrant community that encourages growth and excellence in the dancesport community. Its significance lies in its commitment to promoting dance culture in Ohio and offering opportunities for both professionals and passionate amateurs.
Notable Participants and Teams
This year's Icon Dancesport event was a showcase of exceptional talent, highlighted by a professional performance from the renowned duo Yuki Haraguchi & Oleksiy Pigotskyy. Dance teams from studios such as Columbus Northwest Dance Studio, Dance Edge, Prestige Ballroom, Columbus Dance Center, and many others delivered performances that left the audience captivated. Their remarkable technical skills were undoubtedly among the must-see performances of the day.
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Event Schedule and Highlights
The day was packed with a variety of events catering to different age groups and dance styles. Starting at 8:00 AM, registration opened with dancers buzzing in anticipation. Sessions 1 and 2 featured Adult Pro-Am, Student-Student, and Mixed Amateur categories in Ballroom and Smooth dances. Session 3 focused on Kids Ballroom & Smooth, showcasing the future stars of ballroom dancing. Session 4 highlighted the Latin dance competitions, including must-see performances that set the floor ablaze. Sessions 5 and 6 were dedicated to Kids Latin & Rhythm and Adult categories in Rhythm and Night Club styles. At 7:00 PM, the Gala Dinner commenced, featuring social dancing, award presentations, and a professional show by Yuki and Oleksiy.
Judging Panel
The integrity and professionalism of the competition were upheld by an esteemed panel of judges at Icon Dancesport:
- Chairman of Judges: Sam Sodano
- Invigilators: Kristiina Ilo, Tony Meredith, Larinda McRaven, Bill Sparks
- Adjudicators: Melanie LaPatin, Vitaliy Kozhev, and Nichy Vegas
- Officials: Daniel Tackett, Sally Lee, Justin Deehr, Nicole Ruddick, Rick Pop, and Amanda Ances
The judges evaluated performances, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment.
Winners and Results
The competition celebrated outstanding achievements across various categories. Jennifer Garvin shone brightly, securing both the titles of Top WDSS Student and Top Newcomer Female Student. Charles Morrow-Jones was recognized as the Top Newcomer Male Student. In the teaching categories, Jeffrey Galtiao earned 1st Place as Top Teacher, while Kayla Satava was honored as the Top Youth Mixed Amateur Teacher. The Studio Awards highlighted the excellence of several dance studios, including Columbus Northwest Dance Studio as Top Large Studio, Dance Edge as Top Medium Studio, Prestige Ballroom as Top Small Studio, and Columbus Dance Center as Top Youth Studio. These results, along with others not mentioned, underscore the dedication and hard work of both the dancers and their instructors.
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Testimonials
Professional dancer Yuki Haraguchi shared her heartfelt appreciation for being part of Icon Dancesport 2024: "Thank you for placing your trust in us to perform the pro show at your first comp, especially when everything was exciting and yet so brand new. Thank you for your warm welcome and love! Appreciate this event so much." Her sentiments reflect the supportive and enthusiastic atmosphere of the event, highlighting how both organizers and participants contribute to making Icon Dancesport a memorable experience for all involved.
Event Organization
The success of Icon Dancesport 2024 is a proof to the meticulous planning of Saori and Marcio DeSouza and the tireless efforts of the organizing team. Their commitment ensured a seamless experience for all participants and attendees. Reflecting on the event, Marcio and Saori shared their gratitude: "Dear friends, we were thrilled, thankful, and full of appreciation to each of you who attended our first year running ICON Dancesport. It was a fantastic day of celebration, showcasing the beautiful art of dancing. We are incredibly grateful to all the officials, judges, and, most importantly, all the dancers."
Their heartfelt message underscores the passion and dedication that made the event a memorable success.
The organizers: Saori and Marcio DeSouza
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Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Looking ahead, the anticipation for next year's event is already building. Dancers and studios interested in participating or attending can stay updated through the official Icon Dancesport website for registration details and announcements.
Don't miss the chance to participate in one of Ohio's most esteemed annual ballroom dance events.
