The time has come. We, UCSD Dancesport Team, finally hosted our dance competition. While the idea of hosting one of the largest collegiate competitions in the area may sound as exhausting, frustrating, and stressful to you, the reality is quite the opposite. It was a great bonding experience for the team, as we had an opportunity to witness that not only we are a strong dancing team, but a team in general.

On the day of the competition, everything worked as planned. The schedule was on time, performers were ready to perform, and our lovely coaches were there to support us. Our UCSD Dancesport team stood out among the crowd. Matthew Panelo and Emily Liu got 1st in Newcomer Standard Waltz and Quickstep, and 2nd in Newcomer Standard Tango and Newcomer Latin Rumba, and 3rd in Newcomer Latin Cha Cha. He also got 2nd in Bronze Latin Samba and 3rd Bronze Latin Rumba with Carla Chehadeh. Kelly Chow and Emily Zhang got 3rd in Newcomer Standard Waltz and Quickstep. Sara Richey and Samaya Elder placed 3rd in Bronze Paso Doble. Amanda Ridgeway and Joan Valls placed 1st in Gold Cha Cha and Rumba, and in Silver Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, and Samba, as well as advanced Salsa and beginner West Coast Swing. Nicole Wells and Simon Huang amazed everyone with their dancing by getting 2nd in Novice and Pre-championship Latin. She also got 2nd with Alan Wright in Advanced Nightclub Two-step. We were finally able to see Anna Blyum and Kevin Ray perform, getting 1st in Pre-Novice and Novice Smooth, 2nd in Gold Smooth Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz, and 3rd in Gold Standard Viennese Waltz.

In the evening, we watched the mesmerizing performances by Kyle and Allie Spinder and Victor Shumylo and Alina Golubchik.

This competition has certainly brought our team closer than before and once again demonstrated our strong passion and determination for dancing.