UCSD DanceSport culminated the spring quarter with a spectacular showcase: Dance By The Shores. Months of dedicated practice were poured into perfecting every step, ensuring that each performance demonstrated the hard work each dancer put in. Beyond the dance floor, our team spared no effort in coordinating every detail of the competition, striving to create an unforgettable experience for all involved. Dance By The Shores exemplified our commitment to excellence and passion for the art of ballroom dance.

In the American Smooth events, Brian Chang and Ning Kuo secured a triumphant first place in the newcomer V Waltz. Alexander Tahan & Persephone Ballatore claimed the top spot in Bronze Tango, Foxtrot, and V Waltz.. Their artistry continued to shine as they secured a commendable second place in Silver Waltz. Thunder Bird & Aparajita Pranjal brought their own magic to the stage, earning a well-deserved second place in Silver Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and V Waltz. Additionally, Apru and Thunder secured a respectable third place in Gold Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot, and fourth place in V Waltz.

In the International Standard events, Brian Chang and Ning Kuo showcased their dedication and talent, securing first place in Newcomer Waltz, while also placing third place in Newcomer Tango, and fifth place in Newcomer Quickstep. Roger Nguyen & Caitlin Roeske delivered a captivating performance, achieving third place in Newcomer V Waltz, and fourth place in Newcomer Foxtrot. Cole Spencer & Cadie Sparks took the stage with confidence, claiming second place in Newcomer Foxtrot, while Chloe Care & Naomika Nadkarni impressed by securing a well-deserved third place. Alexander Tahan & Persephone Ballatore mesmerized earned third place in Bronze Waltz, and an impressive second place in Bronze Tango. Their performance continued to shine with a third place in Bronze Foxtrot and Quickstep, and fourth place in Bronze V Waltz. David Mazzotti & Catalina Larsen secured second place in Bronze Foxtrot, and a commendable fourth place in Bronze Quickstep. Willard Ford & Aparajita Pranjal commanded the Gold level with their captivating presence, clinching first place in Gold Tango, V Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep, while also earning a respectable third place in Gold Waltz. In the Rookie Follower category, Ning Kuo secured third place in Waltz, while Karsten West took third place in Tango. Naomika Nadkarni displayed her versatility with a fourth place in Tango and a commendable third place in V Waltz. Chloe Kurihara impressed by securing second place in V Waltz and Quickstep. 

In American Rhythm, Mars Phan & Alex Palache brought their flair to the floor, securing fourth place in the Newcomer Rumba. Roger Nguyen & Cadie Sparks showcased their versatility, earning fourth place in Newcomer Swing and a commendable second place in Newcomer Bolero. Brian Chang & Chloe Kurihara claimed first place in Bronze Mambo, while also securing second place in Bronze Rumba and fourth place in Bronze Cha Cha. In the Rookie Follow category, Cadie Sparks danced with grace and precision, earning second place in Cha Cha, Mambo, and Bolero, while also securing a third place in Rumba and Swing. Mars Phan took the lead in the Rookie Lead category, delivering a stellar performance with first-place finishes in Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing.

In the International Latin category, Brian Chang & Valeria Corona dazzled the audience with their sheer talent, claiming the top spot in Newcomer Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Brandon Torres & Roya Rejaly made their mark, securing fourth place in Newcomer Rumba, while Brian Chang & Chloe Kurihara demonstrated their finesse by clinching first place in Bronze Paso Doble and Jive, and second place in Bronze Cha Cha, Samba, and Rumba. Brandon Torres & Valeria Corona continued to shine, claiming first place in Bronze Samba, while Alexander Tahan & Persephone Ballatore earned first in Bronze Rumba, second place in Bronze Paso Doble, and third place in Silver Paso Doble. David Mazzotti & Catalina Larsen left a lasting impression with their dominance, securing first place in Silver Samba, Rumba, and Jive, and second place in Silver Paso Doble, along with a stellar performance in Gold Cha Cha, Samba, earning second place, and a third-place finish in Gold Paso Doble. In the Rookie Follow category, Valeria Corona showcased her exceptional talent, claiming first place in Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Chloe Kurihara impressed with her skill, earning second place in Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive, while Karsten showcased her prowess with a third-place finish in Jive and a commendable fourth place in Paso Doble. In the Rookie Lead category, Brian Chang displayed his expertise, securing first place in Cha Cha and Jive, and second place in Samba and Rumba. Brandon Torres showcased his talent with a third-place finish in Jive and fourth place in Samba and Rumba, while Rodrigo Tortoledo impressed with his performance, securing fourth place in Cha Cha.

The Night Club category saw some dazzling performances. Brandon Torres & Valeria Corona wowed by claiming the top spot in Beginner Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. Brian Chang & Chloe Kurihara's mastery shone through as they dominated and earned first in Beginner Night Club 2-Step, Blues, and Hustle. Their versatility was evident as they also secured second in Beginner Salsa and third in Bachata. Brian Chang & Leana Cortez brought their own style to the floor, securing second in Beginner Merengue and third in Beginner Argentine Tango. David Mazzotti & Catalina Larsen showcased their passion, earning third in Beginner Salsa and second in Beginner Bachata. Sela Peters & Erin Krakowiak's dynamic energy earned them second place in Beginner Hustle, while Roger Nguyen & Cadie Sparks impressed with their fourth-place finish in Beginner Blues. In the intermediate/advanced level, Willard Ford & Aparajita Pranjal displayed their finesse, securing second in West Coast Swing, Hustle, Lindy Hop, Blues, Merengue, and Night Club 2-Step, while also earning a respectable fourth place in Salsa and Bachata.

In the Open division, the Novice Level was electrifying, with standout performances from various couples. Willard Ford & Blanca Martin stole the show, claiming first place in Smooth Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and also securing the top spot in Novice Latin, including Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, and Jive. Their prowess extended to the Pre-Champ level, where they continued their winning streak, clinching first place in Smooth and second place in Latin. Richard Le & Julie Ngan showcased their talent, earning second place in Novice Latin, while alumni Matthew Panelo & Kokila Shankar impressed with their second-place finishes in both Novice and Pre-Champ Standard categories, covering Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz. Denise Machin & Greta Davis rounded out the competition with a commendable third-place finish in Pre-Champ Latin, adding to the excitement and intensity of the event.

It took a lot of effort, but we are incredibly proud of our dancers for their teamwork, consideration, and unwavering drive to put on such a large and successful competition. Their dedication and camaraderie were truly inspiring, reflecting the spirit of unity and determination that defines UCSD Dance Sport.