California Star Ball Dance Competition Nov 29-Dec 1st 2024

This past week end, I competed at the California Star Ball. I competed at International Silver level for International Waltz, International Viennese Waltz,  International Foxtrot and International Quickstep. Those are the official names of the dances and I will go into the details  of competition dances and levels at another time. For me, this translated to a pretty simple routine with focus on technique and artistry, as opposed to the more complex choreography that can be seen at higher levels. I absolutely love the Standard Ballroom dances, especially Slow Waltz an Viennese waltz. There is something about dancing in an embrace, focusing on the music and the movement that is truly transporting. As a dancer in a competition, I obviously cannot pick the music, but the competition had a great selection (that I tried to Shazam a few times). The decor at the Santa Barbara Hilton was gorgeous and the floor was grand and invited dancing.

There were a lot of dancers, from inexperienced to very high levels. I was there with my friends from the @golovin_dance studio and it was fun to watch each other doing our best. The dresses were gorgeous, very elaborate and obviously costly (hence my idea for thedanceover!!) 

I was happy with my performance because it went smoothly, and out of 8 dances, I placed first in each one – but I should add that it was a small group of dancers for that level. Especially, I’m happy, because in the videos, I look like I am dancing; not struggling, not stressed, just having a great time, which I was. 

Competitions are a big event for dancers; between the entry fees, lessons, costume costs, travel costs, they require a huge commitment and possibly sacrifices. So why do we do it? Looking back at my performances, seeing myself on the floor like that, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment and joy, that it was worth it, that in that moment, I was everything I wanted to be; a beautiful, twirling, floating dancer.

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