Exhibition Dancers of Note

Tony Dovolani and Elena Grinenko were American Rhythm champions last year. They did a traditional cha-cha and later did a modern/contemporary cha-cha that exhibited why they were last year’s champs.

Max Kozhevnikov and Yulia Zagoruychenko from New Jersey gave a beautiful farewell performance in Native American costumes last week. Tonight they danced two difficult, well-choreographed routines with a futuristic cha-cha. They will no longer be performing together after tonight.

The show was hosted by Jasmine Guy, an actress and dancer, and Ron Montez, a seven-time U.S. National Latin Dance Champion.

I hope that next season they replace Jasmine Guy. Her stilted comments throughout this process have demonstrated her ignorance of ballroom dance. Ballroom dance has always been associated with class, something Jasmine does not understand. Even the audience members were wearing ball gowns and tuxedos. Tonight she said, “ooooh, there’s funk in da house,” “this couple is hot,” and “she has pretty feet.” Ron Montez has learned to talk over her or say nothing at all in response to Jasmine Guy. Their last scene tonight was Ron trying to lead her in a waltz. After five weeks of beautiful dancing, I wish it had not ended on that sour note.

As always, the youth dancers made the audience smile. I look forward to seeing Paul and Jocelyn (ages 10 and 7) in eight years take the title of "America's Best Ballroom Couple."