In the softly lit elegance of the Kent State University Student Center ballroom, the glide of suede-soled shoes whispered across the polished floor as dancers settled into their opening Foxtrot. The USA Dance Ohio Chapter hosted its 2025 Harvest Ball on Sunday, October 26, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 1075 Risman Drive, Kent, Ohio. There, the charm and skill of ballroom dancing took center stage, with about 160 dancers attending primarily from four USA Dance chapters.
The Harvest Ball proved to be a landmark event, elevated by a special appearance from Alexander Chernositov and Arina Grishanina. Alexander began dancing at age six in Saratov, Russia, after a girl in kindergarten invited him to join her class. Arina, born in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, took her first steps at age five with the Afontovo Dance Club. Now reigning World Latin Champions and Blackpool Amateur Latin Champions, they captivated the audience, offering Ohio dancers a rare opportunity to witness brilliance up close. To grasp the significance of Chernositov and Grishanina’s titles, consider Blackpool, England. Known as the “Mecca of Ballroom Dance,” Blackpool has hosted the Blackpool Dance Festival since 1920 at the historic Empress Ballroom of the Winter Gardens.
- The festival is the world’s oldest and one of the most prestigious ballroom competitions, drawing thousands of dancers from more than 60 countries each May.
- Winning at Blackpool is considered the pinnacle of achievement in ballroom and Latin dance—comparable to Wimbledon in tennis or the PGA Masters in golf.
- The Amateur Latin Championship is intensely competitive, featuring the five International Latin dances: Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.
- Champions at Blackpool join a lineage of legends whose names are etched into the history of dance.
The fact that Chernositov and Grishanina held this title highlighted the remarkable talent displayed at the Chapter’s Harvest Ball. The evening’s dancing began with the advertised ballroom music of Rick Popp, who said he plays for the crowd. His music set the tone for both social dancing and the featured performances. He knew a lot about the backgrounds and stories of past music groups, and I could have talked with him for hours about them.
Guests enjoyed dinner at 4:00 p.m., which provided an opportunity to relax, connect, and savor the festive atmosphere before returning to the dance floor. The Harvest Ball was more than just a night of dancing; it became a celebration of tradition, art, and community. Featuring world-class performers, social dancing, and the warmth of shared fellowship, the event embodied the heart of USA Dance — promoting ballroom dancing as both a cultural heritage and a living art form.
During the evening, Susan Ryan from the Youngstown Chapter stood out—not through words, but through movement. Despite wearing a colorful cast on her broken wrist from weeks earlier, she attended the Harvest Ball not as a spectator but as a ballroom dancer. Her movements, while cautious, retained the grace that had characterized her many years in the ballroom. As she danced among friends and fellow dancers, her presence became a quiet testament to resilience. In a night filled with champions and artistry, Susan reminded everyone that the essence of ballroom dancing lies not in perfection, but in persistence—and in the courage to show up, cast and all.
While the evening celebrated artistry and partnership, it also reminded us that ballroom is a shared language — not a solo act. Let’s honor the music, the space, and the partnered dancers who came to move together. A dance floor is not a free-for-all; it’s a place of mutual respect, where each step is part of a conversation. To those tempted to rewrite the rhythm mid-song — consider the harmony you’re interrupting.
While Amy Lee served as the lead organizer, the success of the USA Dance Ohio Chapter’s Harvest Ball was truly a team effort. Every member of their chapter board played a vital role in bringing the event to life.
- Amy Lee – Coordinated the venue, developed their Ticketor system, managed registration and seating, guided decorations, organized volunteers, and advised on DJ selections.
- Terry Jennrich – Oversaw performer transportation and contributed to publicity efforts.
- Randi Green – Acted as the primary contact for performers, coordinated Pro-Am performances, communicated with the DJ, and assisted with publicity.
- Paul Haggerty – Managed finances and contributed to publicity outreach.
- Jacquelyn Platek – Assisted with decorations and publicity.
- Angela Ryan – Supported the decoration committee and publicity efforts.
- Angie Jalics – Focused on publicity and community engagement.
Together, this dedicated team ensured every detail—from logistics and décor to performer support and promotion—was carefully managed, making the Harvest Ball a celebration of both artistry and community.
