In a previous post (Dancing Queens & Kings: Call for Participation (4)), I highlighted eight dancing queens or kings as examples (age-group):
- Linda Gill (S2).
- Kristin Franceschi (S1).
- Lou Nielson (S1).
- Giovanni Fortezza (C).
- Nichelle Kennedy (C).
- Sara Granberg (B).
- Alexis Salapatek (A).
- Frank Li (S1).
Now, let me highlight how they did at USDC 2023 last week (9/4-10).
1. Linda Gill (S2)
Linda won Ballroom (Open to the World) in S1 (photo below) and S2!
2. Kristin Franceschi (S1)
Unfortunately, Kristin could not attend USDC 2023 due to an injury. She is looking forward to OSB 2023 …
3. Lou Nielsen (S1)
Lou won Open Ballroom (US National – photo below) and Closed-Gold Smooth (C).
4. Giovanni Fortezza (C)
Giovanni won Open Rhythm, thus regaining his title as the Rhythm King!
5. Nichelle Kennedy (C)
Nichelle successfully defended her 9-dance title (photo below), in addition to winning the show dance.
6. Sara Granberg (B)
Sara achieved her goal of making the Silver Ballroom final, finishing 4th.
7. Alexis Salapatek (A)
Alexis finished 2nd in Open Smooth.
8. Frank Li (S1)
I had the best finish ever against ladies, placing 3rd in Closed-Gold Smooth.
Unfortunately, after dancing three Smooth championship finals (4 dances each) in a row, I broke my right big toe and had to pull myself out of the competition.
Fortunately, by then, it was good enough for me to earn the Top Gold Male student award – What an honor (photo below)!
Break a toe, or break a leg!
9. Discussion
With Kristin being the exception, all the other seven folks did very well at USDC 2023 – They are truly the “dancing queens or kings”!
In contrast, none of the six “Dancing Queens” in the reality show (“Dancing Queens”: The Final Review) even showed up at USDC 2023, which further illustrates the difference between the reality show and the reality!
For more, read Ballroom Dancing: Reality Show vs. Reality.
For the full result of USDC 2023, visit https://unitedstatesdancechampionships.com/.
10. Closing
If you have a good story to tell about your pro/am ballroom dancing, participate in this book to make history together with the “who is who” of the industry (Dancing Queens & Kings: Call for Participation (4)).
Together, let us make the ballroom dancing industry better, faster!
