04/07/2026
Dear Gateway Dancesport Championships family, thank you.
For a fleeting moment, my garage feels like Wonderland after the guests have gone. A little whimsical, a little haunted, with faint echoes of music and laughter. Everyone at Gateway brought that magic to life.
To my competitors, amateur, pro-am, and pro, I am truly beyond happy with your incredible support this year. You showed up fully, generously, and with heart. That kind of presence doesn’t go unnoticed. It builds something bigger than just a competition. It builds a community.
A BIG thank you to the competitors who weathered the challenge of 2 days on the original floor. Your patience and professionalism means more than you know. In my 37 years of competitions, I don’t believe an organizer has ever swapped out a floor mid-competition. Not exactly written in the how-to-book… but then again, this year we were both Gateway AND Wonderland. We made history together, even if slightly mad.
To everyone heading toward the Dancers Cup Tour Finale in Wisconsin State Dancesport Championships in just a few short weeks, I’m wishing you moments that remind you why you started in the first place. I will see you there!
A heartfelt thank you to the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) for trusting me with the production of the Season Three Premier Gala and Awards Ceremony. It was an honor to help celebrate and recognize all of the National Title Winners who were able to attend. That evening carried its own kind of magic.
Never ending gratitude to my staff. This event exists because of you and your trust, your resilience, ability to pivot and adapt, and willingness to keep going even when things get unpredictable. But most of all your commitment to drive 2 hours back home for a funeral of our dance sister Gwen, mid competition and return to Gateway that same day to support me. Selflessness like that speaks volumes about your heart. And that is why I love you.
With a full heart… and just enough madness to make it all worthwhile,
Thank you for being part of Gateway 2026.
Larinda
(and Campbell… and Bennet, who believes he was the real star of the weekend)
