Ballroom Dance Competition with a Country-Western Twist
Last weekend Fred Astaire of Appleton was pleased to take part in the annual Oktoberfest Ballroom Dance Competition. This is one of four competitions that Dance Works of Wisconsin produces each year and one of the biggest held in the Midwest. As this was our first official competition since opening our doors a few weeks ago, we were unable to take part in some of the festivities. Rest assured that next year we will give the Pewaukee dance studio a run for their money in the line dance competition!
Here is a brief montage of the weekend’s highlights:
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVOb9FMCsQw[/embedyt]
The competition ran Thursday afternoon to Saturday evening and mostly consisted of Pro-Am (students dancing with their teachers) competitors. The dancers were of all levels and from all over Wisconsin. They competed in Show Dances, International Latin & Ballroom, American Rhythm & Smooth and the ever-popular Country Western divisions. Each night had an exciting professional competition that featured some of the best professional competitors in the United States.
Saturday Evening Gala and Social Dancing
This year’s gala event had a country-western theme. All attendees came in full cowboy/cowgirl regalia and jumped into the night’s activities with both boot-clad feet. The evening started with never ending draft beer served from a covered wagon. Followed by buffet of “Texas” style Bar-B-que complete with succulent smoked meats and corn on the cob. A country band performed subdued music during the meal but cranked up a little for some good ol’ fashioned social dancing.
No hoe-down would be complete without a visit from the square dance caller, Charles Muecke…a crowd favorite! A bunch of ballroom dancers attempting to square dance was a sight to be seen. The professionals and the judges always have the hardest time, and it is hilarious to watch! The night was fun. The food was great. The beer was plentiful. And we are excited for Holiday Trophy Ball in December.