Dance classic offers variety

FOUNTAIN HILLS – The annual Arizona Dance Classic will take place Aug. 2‑5 at the Radisson Ft. McDowell Resort and Casino in Fountain Hills.  

It’s a four‑day event featuring dance competitions, workshops, exhibitions and social dancing.  Accomplished ballroom, country and swing dancers will be performing at the event.

Whether you are an experienced dancer, a social dancer, or someone who enjoys watching the  dance shows on TV, here is your chance to mix and mingle with champion dancers from many different dance disciplines.

Producers Sam and Mona Arvidson will be hosting top names in dance, including 12‑time undefeated U.S. Rhythm champion Julia Gorchakova and her new partner Emmanuel Pierre‑Antoine, and Country Dance World Champions Ronnie DeBenedetta and Brandi Tobias.

 The event is a blend of a variety of dance forms, with something for everyone.

 There will even be a “Club Challenge” dance‑off, which will determine a winner from contestants who have won qualifying competitions at their local dance clubs.  These dancers will be competing in a dance called the “Arizona Two‑Step,” which is a popular local dance.

“Our vision is to expose people to many different types of dance at the Arizona Dance Classic,” says Sam Arvidson.  “The great thing about this event is that the ‘Stars’ will be around all weekend, judging, teaching workshops and mingling with the participants.”

One of the highlights of the event is the Saturday dinner show, featuring the top dancers.

A pool party follows the dinner.

The event provides participants with a chance to get to meet people from many different locations.

ADC attendees come from all over Arizona and the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan.

The classic is part of an international circuit of dance competitions sanctioned by the United Country Western Dance Council.

The circuit culminates with a World Championship of Country Dance in January, 2008 in Nashville.

The public is welcome and spectators or participants may buy a weekend pass which includes all activities, an individual pass for a day or an evening, or a ticket for the Aug. 4. 

For more information call (281) 830‑9929, email monaarvidson@shallwedancehouston.com, or visit the website at arizonadanceclassic.com.