"Swing Into Summer" Dance Competition 2021

Congratulations to our Daza Dance Instructors Mario Recoba, Maximiliano Panesi and Students Teresa Dushner, Kamaria George and Julie Jacobson for an impressive showing at the Swing into Summer Competition in Naples, Florida. 

 

The setting was the captivating Naples Grand Resort with pristine marble surfaces, elegant waterfalls, and floor to ceiling mirrors with golden frames that seemed to reflect the dreams from within each person.

As usual the entire World Promotions staff went above and beyond making everyone feel welcome. Upon arriving The Daza Dance team went to meet Anna and Andrew Smart and introduce the newcomers. It was surprising that Anna knew the names of everyone in our party and greeted them by name, including first time students she had never met. Her kindness and excitement for everyone was invigorating and helped instill a sense of joy for the weekend ahead.

 

Throughout the competition, there were signs of starting to turn the corner from the pandemic and return to some sense of normalcy even though there was a limit on the number of participants. Of course, some precautions were still in effect to ensure everyone’s safety. However, as vaccinations become more prevalent and with the CDC’s announcement about relaxing the mask-wearing in most public places, many people were comfortable being without masks at the competition. A few students and instructors still wore masks voluntarily. 

 

The Daza Dance team caring of their students’ every detail was, once again superb, which helped create a feeling of calm and focus among everyone in the group. It was time for Teresa, Kamaria and Julie to relax, take in every moment of the event, and enjoy the fruits of their hard work.

 

All of the ladies looked phenomenally beautiful; their hair, their makeup, their gowns… and of course their fabulous dance instructors, put each student in the best possible light. 

 

Teresa’s debut on the ballroom dance competition circuit was nothing short spectacular dancing with Maxi Panesi. She has been working very hard for the past few months on her intricate Open routines choreographed by Chantal Leclerc and Tamsyn Devilliers. In addition, she not only had intense, focused sessions with Maxi, but also, she has been practicing for long stretches of time by herself in perfecting her technique. 

 

Teresa describes that participating in the studio mini matches gave her an added boost of confidence as she had an idea of what to expect when she stepped on the big competition ballroom. She didn’t develop nerves and forgot she was being judged, which enable her to have the time of her life. She loved meeting new people and cheering them on. She cannot wait to participate at future competitions.

 

Teresa and Maxi won:

·      1^st Place World Challenge American Smooth Closed 

·      1^st Place World Challenge American Smooth Open

·      1^st Place World Challenge American Rhythm Closed

·      2^nd Place World Challenge American Rhythm Open

 

For her fourth competition, but very first one in the United States, Kamaria danced with her instructor Mario Recoba, and for the “Swing Into Summer Competition”, Mario challenged Kamaria beyond her comfort zone by having her compete in 13 different dance styles. In the past, she had competed in Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Salsa East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing and Merengue; and this time, Mario added Samba, Mambo, Bolero and the Viennese Waltz. She is now officially the first Daza Dance Student to compete in Samba at a national competition.

 

Kamaria describes how wonderful it felt to be back in the ballroom. In addition, her vibrant green dress with crystal accents for the smooth dances, and her purple rhinestone romper with a cape for the rhythm dances, plus her vibrant personality sparkled on the dance floor and caught the eye of all who saw her. 

 

Mario and Kamaria won:

 

1^st Place World Challenge American Smooth Closed

2^nd Place World Challenge American Smooth Open

2^nd Place  Bronze World Challenge American Rhythm Closed

3^rd place World Challenge American Rhythm Open

 

Julie has been a student at Daza Dance for a little over three years and has also participated in the studio mini matches as well as performed in Showcases. However, this was the first time competing at a national event.

 

Julie explains that preparing for this competition has been both exciting and nerve-wracking!  For her, what was so exciting about being a newbie/"newcomer" was the unknown factor – the not-knowing what to expect, as she loves surprises; and of course, what was so nerve-wracking about being a newbie/"newcomer" was also, the not-knowing what to expect at the same time.

 

Julie’s tenacity and joy for dance helped her press through her anxieties and perform very well. During the competition she danced with both Mario and Maxi looking regal in her Peacock blue rhythm gown and elegant in her silver-grey smooth gown that sparkled under the lights.

 

Julie captures the experience with the following comment:

 

“…We hear it over and over again, and it's true - going to a World Promotions event couldn't have felt more supportive and welcoming; and I know I couldn't have been in more caring and capable hands and hearts ushering me into this experience - Antonio, Maxi, and Mario are the best...”.

 

The whole Daza Dance Team shared the excitement of Julie winning the Top Newcomer Award and now she is filled with inspiration to keep improving, reaching, and daring. 

 

The World Promotions “Swing Into Summer 2021” was a beautiful and unforgettable experience, filled with tremendous encouragement from everyone, including judges and professional dancers. In addition, the Daza Dance professional team of instructors went above and beyond to make sure the students could enjoy every moment of the competition. Teresa, Kamaria and Julie’s arrows are ready to soar into the unknown, while continuing to uncover new possibilities and frontiers. Daza Dance will continue to soar to new heights!