Did you know that January is typically the coldest and snowiest month in New York City and its surrounding areas? This year, it might have been cold outside, but it was “toasty” at the MAC from January 12-14!
The 2024 MAC, a USA Dance Regional Competition, once again took place at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott in Newark, New Jersey, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of dancers, coaches, and spectators. Dancers competed at all levels and age groups, from Pre-Teen to Senior IV. When they weren’t dancing, they were practicing; when they weren’t practicing, they were cheering; and when they weren’t cheering, they were catching up with friends. There was something for everyone, with more than 200 events spread out over three exciting days.
“It was tremendously successful,” said Co-Organizer Lisa Spencer, who worked diligently with her fellow organizers, Daphna Locker and Renata Shvarts, to ensure the comfort, safety, and happiness of all dancers. These smiling and tireless ladies could be seen throughout the day, working the desk, answering questions, and having a great time with everyone.
This was the MAC’s 36th year, and the competition continues to grow, with dancers from across the country and some from Europe. Of significant note were the numbers in the younger age categories. “We saw incredible growth in certain segments that we had sadly lost last year,” said Lisa. “For example, Under-21 last year, we had only two competitors. This year, we had a semifinal! We were able to significantly grow our children and youth attendance as well. So, we are very excited about that.”
The youngsters were not the only ones filling the semifinal ranks. In addition to the Amateur Youth Championship Latin semifinals, there were semifinals in Senior III and Senior IV Championship Standard, and Adult Novice and Pre-Championship Standard.
The MAC also introduced a new type of competition to the dancers this year, and those who ventured into the great unknown experienced “Grading Rounds.” Grading Rounds competitions are events open to all couples, where there are no pre-determined proficiency levels. Couples are first judged against every other couple dancing their style. Rounds are therefore required before the competition placement rounds of multi-dance graded categories. During the initial rounds, couples dance two dances in a style and are assigned a level — A, B, or C. The couples in each level then compete against each other for placement. In the end, the Amateur Combined Adult Ages Standard category drew the largest crowd in the Graded Round Division, with nine couples testing their skills, and the win going to Matthew Boguslawski and Amy Li, or Georgia.
Like in previous years, the MAC also hosted several World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) events. This year’s events included Youth Latin, Adult Rising Star Standard and Latin, Senior II Championship Standard and Latin, Senior III Standard and Latin, and Senior IV Standard. Again, three events were held as semifinals, with the Senior III Championship Standard leading the pack with 11 couples and a win by Yusuf Mihaylov & Elena Siminova.
This MAC’s Professional American Smooth event brought back a familiar couple who had risen through the USA Dance Amateur ranks: Stephen Torres and Nicole Barron from New York. Although uncontested, the former two-time USA Dance Amateur National Smooth Champions danced beautifully and were greatly appreciated by all who watched.
For those without Amateur partners, the 2025 MAC offered Solo No Partner, Teacher Student Lead and Follow, Mixed Proficiency Lead and Follow, and Pro/Am Lead and Follow. Certainly, there was something for everyone. And if that wasn’t enough, or if there were spectators who wanted to get in on the action, there were Jack & Jill Adult Championships in all four styles – Standard, Smooth, Latin, and Rhythm.
From early in the morning to almost midnight each night, the music played, and the dancers danced to the music of WDSF DJ Albert de Leonardo, accompanied by Emcee Ricky Semlitz. Meanwhile, an outstanding panel of judges, under the watchful eyes of USA Dance Chair of Judges Daniel Calloway and WDSF Chair of Judges from Ukraine Andriy Polyvka, made their marks and crowned their champions.
Along with the USA Dance Competition, the MAC hosted a WDSF Congress for officials and a camp on Monday for athletes hoping to hone their skills! It was a full four days of fun and work.
“It’s the happiest exhaustion ever felt,” laughed Lisa. “The pain and exhaustion are off the charts.”
The MAC was the second-to-last Regional competition before the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships scheduled for March 28-30 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Couples hoping to still qualify for Nationals should look to attend the USA Dance Southeastern DanceSport Championships, February 14-16 in Dunwoody, Georgia. Registration for this competition, including its WDSF events, is still open but will be closing soon. Similarly, registration for USA Dance Nationals is currently open. To find out if you are qualified or to learn how to qualify for this event, check out the Nationals webpage. It’s not too late, but time is definitely running out.
MAC 2026 will once again take place in Newark, New Jersey, and although it is not yet sanctioned, it is scheduled for the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, January 17-19, 2026. You heard it here first. Mark your calendars and plan to attend.
“We look forward to hosting everyone again!” said Lisa.
After all, the cold doesn’t bother you while you’re dancing.
American Dancer thanks Organizer Lisa Spencer for her assistance with this article and Eamonn Knights for his beautiful photographs.
