The Baton Rouge Ballroom outdid itself with its first annual showcase event on August 26, at Lake House Reception Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
What an incredible night of spotlight performances and social dancing! Lake House was filled to capacity — a trend Baton Rouge Ballroom hopes to continue with each event.
Everything ran with smooth precision. The spectators were nothing less than perfect as they clapped and cheered for the performances by their friends and families. Even more wonderful was the ovation given to the dancers that they didn’t know. Their enthusiasm and applause helped all performers reach for their personal best.
The Fleur De Dancers Formation Team opened the show with a West Coast Swing formation choreographed by Byron Bellew and Tammy Duke of New Orleans.
Professional Luis Rivera from Hammond danced a variety of dances from Salsa to Foxtrot with his two ladies, Pauline Richard and Dera Beckmeyer. This was followed by Linda Crumm showing us how beautiful she was in Bolero with her instructor, Levi Collet from Holden.
Professional Stephan Howard and his New Orleans ladies — Margel Brooks, Jordan Curet, Sheila Curry, Jaiden De George, and Karina Fatova — showed us how to Samba, ChaCha, Tango, Waltz, and Foxtrot.
Also performing was the only Amateur couple of the night. Deb Alexander took to the floor a second time with her better half, Tim Alexander, in a Tennessee Whiskey Nightclub Two Step.
The Latin Sensation Formation Team graced us with a Salsa mix choreographed by Luis Rivera and Dilandia, and it was truly colorful as well as spectacular entertainment.
Finally, this wonderful night came to a close with a finale of a beautifully choreographed romantic West Coast Swing exhibition by Professionals Byron Bellew and Tammy Duke, dancing to “What A Wonderful World”!
It was James’ goal to bring an event to Baton Rouge that spotlighted Louisiana’s Ballroom Dance community, not just Baton Rouge, and his message was heard loud and clear. He could not have been prouder of the support from the other studios and the dancing performances that made this event a rousing success. Some participating dancers and their friends and families came from New Orleans, Hammond, Holden, and Kenner, Louisiana. Others crossed state lines to join in the fun from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Over 100 people attended the Summer Affair Showcase, and it was sold out. “We felt a bit terrible at times,” said James, “because people were calling for tickets and had to be told there were no more available seats.”
He added, “We will keep improving and learning from each event. We ask all dancers and teachers to share their love of the art form…We will strive to do it right the first time. Make it great. Learn from it… Make it Spectacular!”
James advises anyone interested in dance functions, big or small, not to wait to get your tickets or you might miss something great. Keep watching for an update as to what could be next, events are already tentatively scheduled (December 2023 /January 2024). We’ll keep you posted! Look for more information on our Website at BatonRougeBallroom.com and like us on Facebook.
