The following review is submitted by our very own, Mary Kealey...

"For the non-competitor, the Freddy Ball on 3-14 was a great experience.  I purchased the all day package, and was there from a bit after 8:00AM on Sunday (including the change to the clocks) until after 9:30 that night.  But was the price worth it?  Emphatically – YES!"

"The dancing began with formations – multiple couples doing the same or similar dancing.  Then it was onto the actual competition.  This included the “heats” or individuals competing in the specific dances in time slots.  The dances themselves were only between 1.25 and 1.5 minutes long - enough for everyone to look good but not long enough to get tired.  Morning was dedicated to smooth, and the competition kept pretty much to schedule.  Everyone looked good on the dance floor, and the instructors showed off the students really well. Lots of “bling” as everyone showed off their finery, and the dance floor sparkled as students whirled and twirled around the floor. Lots of first places were awarded to Westerville’s students that morning.  Lunch was a buffet with salad and sandwiches with brownies and cookies.

"For those of you that want to know if you should bring your dancing shoes even if you aren’t competing, the answer is yes!  There are enough breaks (costume changes, score crunching) that students and instructors are encouraged to seek out people from other studios and try out the steps together.  And there are always those you know from the studio that will take pity on the non-competitors.

"The afternoon started with Solos.  Zach LaRue did hip-hop with Andrea and made an impression on the judges and master of ceremonies (MC).  Then the rhythm competition started.  Again – lots of flashy outfits, even if they were a bit more revealing than the “smooth” outfits (including the males!).  Zach showed his stuff by adding hand springs and other assorted non-standard moves to the rhythm section, and he had the MC commenting on his agility.    Again, Westerville got lots of first places.

"The competition ended, and then it was the instructors turn to shine.  There were multiple competitions, and everyone looked good.  Brian danced with Ashley, Angel danced with Andrea, Amy danced with Roman in the category for the “old hands” and the “newbies”.  Angel and Andrea came in 4^th place. Brian and Ashley came in 3^rd (and those of us who watched thought they got gypped).

"The Studio also had multiple student awards – best beginning female (Jennifer Gordon), best beginning male (Zach LaRue), and best couple (Bill and Linda McLaughlin).  Jim Hall won a sales award, and Amy was awarded a plaque for the Studio.   Unfortunately, the big trophy went to another studio, but we’ll get ‘em next time!

"Then it was time for the professional show.  Gabby and David (Gabriella Jileva & Greg Fidurski) did 4 numbers with costume changes.  They were wonderful.  As big as the dance floor was, they went from edge to edge in perfect step with such panache that the MC’s word of description was “WOW!”.  And the 4 dances just got better and better.  The finale was done to Queen’s “We are the Champions” and for those of us who are a “tad” bit older, both the music and the choreography were stupendous.

"Going as a spectator was definitely a good experience, and a great way to spend a Sunday."

Thanks Mary!!