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City of Roses Ballroom Classic
- Author:
- Tim Bennett
- Date Published:
- March 28, 2008
Friday March 14, 2008 saw the start of the City of Roses Ballroom Classic with the American Smooth and the International Latin categories. Representing Ballroom Parkrose were Sonja Milam with her instructor Peter Mant, Don Fechner with his instructor Beth Knoll and Don Fechner dancing with Mari Schwartz in the Amatuer Division. All dancing in the International Latin categories.
Sonja got things started when she danced in the Full Bronze group events 5entries and took 1st in all 5 latin dances. Later Sonja returned to dance in the Closed Bronze Latin Scholarship and again took 1st place. Very well done!
Don Fechner was next dancing in the Silver group events and he too took 1st place across the board. Then dancing in a different age group Don came back and danced in the Closed Bronze Latin Scholarship and took the 2nd place prize. But later Don danced with Mari Schwartz in the Amatuer Novice Division and placed 2nd. Way to go!
Both Beth and Peter were proud of their student's peformances.
Clearly, Ballroom Parkrose was well represented in the International Latin categories.
On Saturday March 15, 2008, Dianna Brown, Candy Nicholson, Terry Nicholson, and Amy Wing represented Ballroom Parkrose at The City of Roses . All dancing in the International Standard categories.
First up was Dianna Brown. . .This talented little dancer (standing at all of 5' 2") performed quite well placing 1st in 7 out of 10 entries. Dianna's official skill level is Intermediate Bronze. It was at this level that she placed 1st in all 5 Standard dances. Then, to challenge herself, she danced the same 5 Standard dances in Full Bronze placing 1st in Waltz and Tango and 2nd in Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep.
Although this was a higher skill level and the standards of quality dancing were higher, I believe fatigue played a role in the 2nd place placements. Still, having danced for just under a year and half and being only her second competition, I couldn't have been more proud!
Next it was Candy Nicholson's turn to rock and roll. . .and rock and roll she did. Candy's official skill level is Full Bronze and is currently passing into Silver. She danced 10 entries in International Standard and placed 1st in all 10. Full Bronze and Pre-Silver, Candy was simply untouchable! Then, to top it all off, Candy entered the International Standard Closed Scholarship Division and again took 1st Place.
This strong dancer's technical proficiency is very impressive, and truth be told, I was beginning to feel alot like a proud Daddy. But I wasn't the only gentleman competitor representing Ballroom Parkrose.
Terry Nicholson took a shot at it as well. Terry danced with his beautiful wife Candy as Amateurs in the International Standard Full Bronze group events. All 5 Standard dances. . .1st place across the board, and they didn't stop there! Terry and Candy came back to dance in the Amateur Novice category taking 2nd place! Now, Terry has been dancing for awhile but is relatively new to competition. So standing on the sidelines (pom poms in hand), I was beginning to get a little nervous about being struck by lightening just feeling that much pride. Watch for this dancer and his partner to start making their mark in the world of Ballroom dancing!
Finally, Amy Wing got her chance to show her skills. In the group events, Amy danced International Standard Open Silver and walked away with all 1st places. Amy also danced with Dave Watson doing an International Latin Solo routine and did a fabulous job!
But later that evening, Amy came back with her instructor and fiance Tim Bennett to wow the crowd in the One Dance Championships and Open Scholarship Divisions, and wow the crowd she did. Amy won the 1st place Scholarship prize HANDS DOWN!!!
Then, in the Championship rounds, she was uncontested. . . . . . .literally! There were no other couples on the floor!!
It was the Amy Wing show. . .and she did not disappoint. Beautiful picture lines, near perfect throwaway oversways and contra checks, good technique and form. Amy performed with grace and elegance. Just as a champion should! She was clearly on cloud 9 and I was absolutely glowing with pride (and just a little bit of sweat).
Congratulations to all of these dancers who worked so hard as students, athletes, and representatives of Ballroom Parkrose.
It paid off!
Additional photos from this event can be found on this web-site by going to the Main Menu, selecting 'Media Center', then clicking on 'Photo Gallery'.