Philadelphia Dancesport Championships

04/17/2026

The Energy of the New Venue: Insights from David Elkin
“Whether you’re in the ballroom enjoying the dancing or exploring the venue, it’s a great place to have a dance competition.” 💃🕺✨
We recently caught up with David Elkin at the 2026 Philadelphia Dancesport Championships to get his professional take on this year’s event. As a recurring adjudicator for this competition, David shared his excitement about the move to a brand-new hotel venue, highlighting how the attached casino and bustling atmosphere add an extra layer of energy to the entire weekend.
David noted that the level of preparation this year has been truly impressive across the board. From Pro-Am to Professional heats, the dedication and hours of training are evident the moment couples hit the floor. He emphasizes that seeing that hard work pay off in real-time is one of the most exciting parts of being on the judging panel.
Check out the full interview to hear more about David’s impressions of the new Philly venue and his perspective on the power and passion the competitors are bringing to the floor this season! 🏙️🎰

Interview by: Slow Motion Dance Videos & Ricci-Lee Hotz

04/17/2026

Texas Spirit in the City of Brotherly Love: Eddie Stutts, Amy Law, and Kate Robbins
“I don’t know if it’s the Philly brotherly love or what, but the energy here is amazing.” 💃🕺🤠
We recently caught up with Eddie Stutts, Amy Law, and Kate Robbins from Memorial Ballroom, who made the trek all the way to the 2026 Philadelphia Dance Sport Championships. From seasoned competitors to those newer to the floor, this team brought incredible energy and southern charm to the Northeast!
The trio shared their highlights from the weekend, specifically noting the welcoming atmosphere and the unique, high-energy production of the ballroom. For Kate, being newer to the competitive floor meant navigating some nerves, but she shared how having Eddie as her guide made the experience exciting and rewarding. Amy highlighted the supportive interaction with the audience, noting how the cheers from the sidelines pushed her to bring her best to the floor.
Of course, a trip to Philly isn’t complete without exploring the city! The group made sure to balance their competition schedule with local sightseeing and a very important mission: finding the perfect cheesesteak. 🥪✨
With Top 20 Student Awards in hand and a Top Teacher placement for the books, it was a wildly successful weekend for the Memorial Ballroom crew. Check out the full interview to hear more about their favorite Philly moments and their advice for dancers traveling cross-country!

Check out the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WHt9hukZbxs

Interview by: Slow Motion Dance Videos & Ricci-Lee Hotz

04/17/2026

Glitz, Glam, and a Spectacular Night in Philly with Lisa
“The dancing is just spectacular. I’ve seen the smiles, the joy on people’s faces, and the pros just showing off their partners.” ✨👗
We caught up with Lisa at the 2026 Philadelphia Dance Sport Championships to get a spectator’s perspective on the magic of the ballroom. Visiting from nearby New Jersey, Lisa shared her excitement for the high-energy atmosphere and the incredible progress she’s witnessed from the dancers throughout the weekend.
For Lisa, the “glitz and glam” of the costumes are a highlight, but it’s the hospitality and the setup of the event that truly stand out. From the impressive size of the ballroom floor to the curated music and the vibrant energy of Philadelphia, she explains why this event is a favorite in her own “backyard.”
Whether you’re on the floor competing or in the stands soaking up the inspiration, the joy of the dance is contagious! Check out the full interview to hear more about why Lisa loves the Philly dance scene and what keeps her coming back to support the ballroom community. 🥂🌆

Interview by: Slow Motion Dance Videos & Ricci-Lee Hotz

04/17/2026

Finding the Flow: Work-Life Balance and Foxtrot Goals with Sara Jess
“Ballroom is my fun time. The energy here is really good, and I had some of my best dancing to date today.” 💃✨
We caught up with the lovely Sara Jess at the 2026 Philadelphia Dance Sport Championships to talk about her successful day on the floor. After coming straight from a high-stress work trip, Sara shared how the ballroom serves as her ultimate reset, allowing her to trade the stress of the office for the elegance of American Smooth.
Dancing with partner Gene Bersten, Sara came into the event with a very specific goal: making the Foxtrot their strongest performance of the day. She dives into the satisfaction of seeing that hard work reflected in both her feeling on the floor and the judges’ scores.
From matching the event’s vibrant red theme with her own stunning gown to enjoying the hospitality of the new Philadelphia venue, Sara’s experience is a perfect example of why the Pro-Am community keeps growing. Whether you’re balancing a busy career or looking for that perfect Foxtrot flow, Sara’s journey is truly inspiring! 🥂🌆

Interview by: Slow Motion Dance Videos & Ricci-Lee Hotz

04/16/2026

04/16/2026

Packed Floors and Authentic Rhythm with Jayson Flores & Krystal Bradley
“Staying true to the style and bringing American Rhythm to the dance floor is our top priority.” 💃🕺✨
We caught up with Jayson Flores & Krystal Bradley at the 2026 Philadelphia Dance Sport Championships immediately after their performance in a high-energy Rhythm semifinal. The duo shared their excitement about the packed floors and the electric atmosphere at the brand-new venue, highlighting how the hospitable environment makes this event a must-attend year after year.
Over the past year, Jayson and Krystal have been dedicated to defining their unique look on the floor. They dive into the importance of balancing technical authenticity with genuine enjoyment, ensuring they stay true to the roots of American Rhythm while never losing the fun that brought them to the sport in the first place.
As one of the event’s top teachers, Jayson also shared how much his students value the sense of community in Philly—from the camaraderie on the floor to the legendary after-parties featuring live salsa bands. It’s about more than just the marks; it’s about the progress, the friendships, and the unforgettable experience of the dance.
Check out the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pOqi7ibZFtw
Interview by: Slow Motion Dance Videos & Ricci-Lee Hotz

04/16/2026

Creative Freedom and Audience Energy with Tracy Hannon| PDC 2026
“Everything is a little bit different every single time—that’s my goal.” 💃✨
We caught up with the wonderful Tracy Hannon at the 2026 Philadelphia Dance Sport Championships to discuss her evolving journey on the dance floor. After competing in both Rhythm and Smooth, Tracy shared how her partnership has opened up a whole new world of creative expression and artistic freedom.
For Tracy, dancing is no longer just about executing a set routine; it’s about responding to the music and the mood of the moment. She dives into how the electric energy of the Philadelphia audience pushed her to have more fun during her Rhythm sets, creating a beautiful feedback loop between the performer and the crowd.
Tracy won one of our top twenty student awards at the 2026 Philadelphia Dancesport Challenge this weekend, and her partnership with teacher David Nyemchek Jr. has her more inspired than ever. Check out the full interview to hear more about her experience with new choreography, her favorite moments from the weekend, and why the right music makes all the difference! 🎶🏆

Interview by: Slow Motion Dance Videos & Ricci-Lee Hotz