Experience the dynamic atmosphere of one of America's premier ballroom dance competitions.
2024 Recap
Event Overview
On October 13, 2024, the Hilton Naples in Naples, Florida, transformed into a haven of grace and glamour as it hosted the Naples Star Ball. Organized by the expert Mark Nocera, this annual ballroom dance competition brought together the crème de la crème of the dancesport community. Despite the challenges posed by a recent hurricane, the event shone brightly, showcasing resilience and passion in the face of adversity.
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The Significance of Elite Dancesport
This year's competition was not just a testament to the dancers' skills but also to the unbreakable spirit of the dance community in overcoming obstacles.
"Naples Star Ball was an amazing competition with great dancers. Thank you to everyone who participated even though we had a big hurricane and the aftermath of it all. We appreciate to all who supported this event because this competition is supporting Ukrainian Defenders." — Valentina Kostenko
Notable Participants
The event was graced by top dancers at Naples Star Ball, including the current United States National Under 21 Latin Champions, Max Rodionov & Sophia Marriott. Their performance was a highlight, leaving the audience in awe and setting a high standard for excellence. Alongside them were numerous notable participants and dance teams who brought their unique flair to the ballroom floor.
"We are beyond grateful to @marknocera for inviting us to perform at this years @naplesstarball! We had an absolute blast dancing in front of an electric crowd. This experience was one of a kind and brought us great knowledge!" — Sophia Marriott
Event Schedule
The competition was a full-day affair packed with excitement:
- American Smooth kicked off at 7:00 AM, featuring Adult Pro/Am, Student/Student & Mixed Amateur, and Amateur categories.
- International Ballroom and Latin categories showcased both TB/PT/JR/Y divisions and adult divisions, with must-see performances that captivated attendees.
- The afternoon saw the energetic American Rhythm & Night Club dances, adding a vibrant touch to the event.
- The day culminated with the 2024 Triple Crown Finale & Awards Banquet at 8:00 PM, celebrating the achievements of dancers and instructors alike.
Judging Panel
The competition boasted an illustrious panel of adjudicators:
- Aleksandra Barsukov
- Olga Bogdanov
- Max Greenhouse
- Shirley Johnson
- Valentina Kostenko
- Natalia Laubert
- Denise Lazo
- Iveta Lukosiute
- Denise Rivera
- Helle Rusholt-Yi
- Kelly Spradlin
- Aigars Stolcers
Winners and Results
At the Naples Star Ball, several outstanding achievements were recognized. The Royal Dance Academy was awarded Top Youth Studio, highlighting their excellence with young dancers. The Fred Astaire Dance Studio Naples earned the title of Top Large Studio. Irina was honored as the Top Female Teacher, and Roberto was celebrated as both the Top Silver Student and the Overall Male Student. Many other titles were also given to deserving recipients.
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Event Organization
The success of the Naples Star Ball was a testament to the meticulous planning and dedication of Mark Nocera's and his team's efforts:
- Larry Dean, Chair of Adjudicators
- Max Greenhouse, Event Director & Registrar
- Cassandra Schneider, Scrutineer
- Jeremy Norris, Music Director
- Jim Clemens, Master of Ceremonies
- Gigi LaValle, Deck Captain
- Casey Skoglund and Jonathon Melendrez, Registration
- Amelia De-La-Haye, Awards
- Dance Production House, AV
Their collective hard work ensured a seamless experience for both participants and spectators, establishing the Naples Star Ball's reputation as a premier event in the ballroom dance competition circuit.
The organizer: Mark Nocera
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Upcoming Events and Opportunities
For those inspired by the competition highlights, opportunities abound to participate in future events. Dancers and instructors interested in joining the next Naples Star Ball can stay updated through the official website.
Stay tuned for more updates and be part of the continuing legacy of this remarkable event. Your journey in the world of ballroom dance could begin here, at one of Florida's most esteemed annual ballroom dance events.