Hanging up their competitive dance shoes—but not their passion for the art— Igor Mikushov and Valeriia Belozerova officially closed a remarkable chapter in the competitive arena. As United States Finalists in the International Ballroom Division, Igor and Valeriia delivered elegance, power, and artistry at the very highest level. It was both an honor and a true privilege for all of us to witness their final competitive performance at this year’s Ohio Star Ball —a dance fille

Setting Yourself Up for Success in 2026 Okay… you’re ready to set your New Year’s goals. Maybe you’re thinking  2026 is going to be different. You’re going to win your division. Become the next champion. Move up to the next level. You’re declaring your vision to your partner, your friends, your coach, your family—letting everyone know you’re climbing the ladder of dance success. This is  your  year. Your moment, dagnabit! (A more polite way of saying  damn it .) Now that you

Happy Thanksgiving weekend, everyone! This is an important time in America—a moment to celebrate the early beginnings of a nation, and the one day a year when many of us pause long enough to intentionally acknowledge what we’re grateful for. We go around the table, we say it out loud, we list blessings big and small. And honestly, isn’t that something we should be doing every morning when we wake up? Some years it may feel like your list of blessings is a little short. But i

This has always been my favorite quote — and it still drives me today. I’ve followed this advice throughout my entire career, and I continue to live by it. Yes, even now, With years of experience behind me, I’m still energized by the work and loving every minute. So, when you catch yourself saying you’re not ready — not ready to step onto that competition floor, to turn professional, to open that dance studio, or to start until you lose those extra ten pounds — stop right th

Let’s cut right to the chase — standing and dancing in front of a panel of judges is no easy feat. After all, they’re called  judges...

"From my lap to the dance floor—writing stories with a little help today." A friend of mine recently asked, “Do you use A.I. when you...

Picture this: You’ve polished your entry, braved the registration form, and submitted your work with hopeful anticipation—only to...

Ever watched a dance competition and thought, “Pfft, I could totally pick the winner”? Well, buckle up, armchair adjudicator—because...

Oh, the Drama (and Importance) of the Rules! 🎭 Reading through the NDCA rules and regulations for youth competitors might feel a bit...

The Advantages and Drawbacks of using a Mirror During Ballroom Dance Practice Ballroom dancing , a beautiful and complex art form,...

NICK & VICTORIA It’s never easy to step away from the dance floor—especially when it’s been the very heartbeat of who you are. For Nick...

Chewy hoping for a Doggy Dance Division With the month of May wrapping up (already? Who’s been fast-forwarding the calendar again?!), I...

Helping a child cope with a bad result, whether it’s a poor grade, sports performance, or any other type of setback, can be challenging...

The ingredients needed to become a Champion. I’ve been struggling with writing this , as the last thing I want is to come across as...

As I step into this season of growth and opportunity, I’ve been taking time to reflect—usually during a walk or a hike. These moments...

When Ken and Barbie touched down in London, it wasn’t just Heathrow that lit up — the  entire  city seemed to shimmer in anticipation....

Start Spreading the News! J ust returned from the New York Dance Festival at the Hilton in Midtown Manhattan! As you can see from my...

Dance Movie/Documentary of the Month “Call Me Dancer” (2023) "This film goes beyond being just a story about a dancer. It’s a powerful...

By Ricci-Lee Hotz As dancers, mindfulness is a key part of our training. We're taught to stay aware of the pressure we place on the...

Troels Bager and Ina Jeliazkova and The End of an incredible journey. As the saying goes, "It's not where you start, it's where you...