Danceville, U.S.A., the ballroom dance studio located in the Short North has earned another win from the Ohio Star Ball, the largest ballroom dance competition in the United States. The group placed first in the group formation category, winning that category for the third year in a row.
“Over 100 studios competed,” says Kylie Kochert, PR/Regional Marketing Director for Danceville, U.S.A. “Ohio Star Ball happens in Columbus every year at the Convention Center. It started as a one day competition almost 40 years ago and has developed into a week-long competition today.”
Seven team members competed this past Sunday, November 20, dancing to Madonna’s Vogue. The routine was choreographed by Danceville, U.S.A.’s Director of Dance Tony Meredith.
“Tony relocated to Columbus from New York three years ago to serve as the Dance Director when the studio opened,” says Kochert. Meredith is a former U.S. National Professional Latin Champion and is a featured choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance. He has also appeared in films, TV shows and Broadway, including feature film performances in Dance with Me, The Thomas Crown Affair, Let It Be Me and The Last Days of Disco.
The team practiced the routine for about a month before the win. Members include Corinne Smith, Kylie Kochert, Sean Lyons, Ben Roark, Brianna Novotny, Whitney Sims, and Jennifer Goodman.
“To be a relatively new studio and win at the biggest ballroom competition in the U.S. for the third year in a row—as many years as we’ve been in business—it’s a great achievement!” says Sean Lyons, an instructor at Danceville. “We have such amazing, hardworking and dedicated staff members and students. Winning at Ohio Star Ball, in our hometown, means the world to us! We are so excited to continue seeing what the future holds for the studio!”
Danceville, U.S.A. also entered the competition with student Cindi Parker competing with her professional instructor, Keith Michael in the Bronze level of ballroom dance (American Smooth and American Rhythm styles).
Dances taught at Danceville, U.S.A. include Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Merengue, Swing, Salsa, Cha Cha and more. Current and former ballroom champions visit the studio once a month to guest instruct and/or perform.
Danceville, U.S.A. is located in the Short North at 47 E. Lincoln St., Columbus, OH 43215.
For more information, visit dancevilleusa.com.