As is the case for most people, December was a very busy and eventful month for Dance Amadis Ballroom and its members. On December 13th and 14th, dance coach Babette returned to the studio. For those of you who do not remember, Babette provided professional coaching and one-on-one lessons for our students back in September.  She could not have come at a better time, as our students were able to receive coaching right before they headed to the last competition of the year.

We attended The City’s Dancesport Challenge hosted by Igor Litvinov at the TWA Hotel. A black-tie gala was hosted on the 16th. The gala included dinner, social dancing, a live performance by Daniel Tackett, and a Samurai performance by Zen Takai. On the 17th, students from studios all over the states performed in the Dancesport Challenge. As always, professional dancers Dmity and Olena Nikishkin, Valerio Colantoni and Anna Demidova, and Jessa Mae Briones and Francesco Arietta showcased beautiful choreographies throughout the event.

It is clear that the lessons with Babette paid off, because all three competitors from Dance Amadis Ballroom placed in their respective categories. Sandie, one of our first students, placed first in 3 different dance challenges, and second in one. She also received first place in both smooth and rhythm scholarships. Ruzanna secured four first places and two second places, as well as second place in smooth and rhythm scholarships. Lilliana placed first four times, got one second place, and one third place. She also received third place in the rhythm and second in the smooth scholarship. But our dancers didn’t stop there! Lilliana won the Top Bronze Student Award, and Ruzanna was the Top Overall Student. Due to the hard work of our students and instructors, Germine Amadis received the Top Teacher award yet again.

On the 21st, Dance Amadis members ventured to Ponte Vedra to attend the grand opening of our friend’s dance studio, Arthur Murray Ponte Vedra Beach. The event was filled with prize contests, salsa lessons, dance games, and performances. Germine and Ruzanna were asked to perform the East Coast Swing with no prior warning, which they danced beautifully. The dance community would not be what it is today without the support that dancers provide each other. If you live in the Ponte Vedra area, we encourage you to stop by Arthur Murray Ponte Vedra Beach.

On the 26th, we hosted a VIP Christmas Party. This event was open only to those that attend private lessons. Guests got to walk a red carpet to get into the studio, so they had to dress accordingly. Owners Mila and Germine provided the guests with hor d’oeuvres and wine to celebrate the holiday season and an amazing year of dance. The attendees participated in charades, white elephant, and, of course, dancing.

The last event of the year was an open-to-the-public dance social on December 28th. The event had a great turnout and was filled with lots of dancing. Additionally, there were many performances from our owners, instructors, and students, along with a wedding dance. Guests were served champagne, chocolate, and strawberries to usher in the New Year.

Before we go, we would also like to make an announcement that we have added a new group dance class to our schedule. We now teach Caribbean Dance and Rueda de Casino on Mondays at 6pm and 6:45pm respectively. We hope to see you there!