It was a long day of teaching on for me back in Seattle, Washington. I was tired but, hey, very excited too. This was my first time going to Arizona, doing the Galaxy Ballroom Dance Competition and also very excited to see my best friend Rangel who is also a ballroom dance teacher in Texas, Dallas and doing the competition with his student. 1 am we were both exhausted, it was time for bed. Lucky Rangel is dancing around 5m, but I am a Smoothie ( a ballroom dancer who dances the American Style called Smooth), so I had an early 8 am start of the day. That means hair and makeup at 6 and… if hair turns alright and there is time, breakfast. Yeah, I know, not the healthiest but… sleep is of the most importance for me.
We were about to start with the first events- Single dances. In the Pro-am Ballroom dance industry, those events are usually first. You are judged by your merit in each dance individually, they are a great way for everyone to warm-up well before their Scholarship events, where you could even win money.
For this competition, I only had one pro-am student competing- Sue. She just started ballroom dancing in April- May with me but learned her routines for Latin and Smooth in a very short time and even did a competition in Palm Desert already. Galaxy was her second Ballroom Dance Competition with me.
We were about to start with the first events- Single dances. In the Pro-am Ballroom dance industry, those events are usually first. You are judged by your merit in each dance individually, they are a great way for everyone to warm-up well before their Scholarship events, where you could even win money.
Sue was excited to start at 8 am, she is a morning bird. I wish I had the same energy, but hers was contagious. After the first set of single dance, coffee and excitement started to kick in. But I think more so, the surprise of how good she was dancing. And before we knew, single dances were over and we were onto the scholarships.
Sue did a fabulous job, winning all of her single dances and placing 1st in the American Smooth Championship and Scholarship where she won some money for the 1st place. After about 30 dances at 8 am, it was time to change, grab breakfast and hang out with my friend Rangel and his student Kathryn.
Rangel lives in Texas. He is Bulgarian, like me, but moved to the US a few years before me. Hanging out with this guy is always such a pleasure. Endless jokes about each other and our friendship never gets boring with him. So glad we can share the same journeys of ballroom dance, teaching and watching our students grow and most importantly meet each other at Ballroom Dance Competitions
Then we took a stroll around the hotel. The Galaxy Ballroom Dance Competition is held at the historic Biltmore hotel built in 1929. The place was, to say the least- BEAUTIFUL. Walking around in the sunny Arizona weather we stack up on Vitamin D, plenty to take us through the day. Latin- American competition was next.
A 2-hour nap can do wonders for you. 5 pm- time for makeup and hair touch up, Latin costumes and out the door, heading to the ballroom. We were way too early, so after warm-up, Sue and I decided to take a look at the pictures from the morning. Well, we had a very good laugh.
Sue did great. She placed 3rd in the Latin Scholarship. It was a strong competition in the C category. Most importantly, she had a great time and that makes me happy. Sometimes when you go to a ballroom dance competition for the first time, you don’t always know what to expect. Well, Galaxy has delivered an excellent experience for us Professionals and our students.
The evening session started and the ballroom was full of energy, people, good music. The place was awesome to dance. In the first Latin single dances, Sue couldn't resist but hand me some surprises (changes in the routine) which we both laughed hard at. It is her special treat for me.
Tip: If you guys are ever in Dallas, make sure to check out my friends’ brand new beautiful studio Image Ballroom Dance Academy. Best quality instruction and friendly atmosphere are what you are in for.
Shortly after Sue and I finished, my friend Rangel and his student finished as well. Now quick shower and let's celebrate. We ordered some food and grabbed drinks in the hotel’s courtyard. It was such a nice and warm summer evening in Phoenix full of laughter and beautiful people. Those are the nights where you feel so fortunate and humble for what you have, rather than pursuing what you don't. What a great way to finish the trip.
We loved every single moment from the venue, the atmosphere, the organization, everything was top notch. Thank you, Galaxy Dance Festival, Sam, John, Marianne, and Linda, we are looking forward to the new place for next years competition.
