The Manhattan Amateur Classic ("MAC") celebrated its twenty-second season on January 13-15, 2012. For over two decades, competitive ballroom dancers have flocked to New York City to participate in MAC, which not only serves as a qualifying event for the USA Dance Nationals, but is also a noteworthy, glittering event in its own right. The Manhattan Amateur Classic took place in the Grand Ballroom of the Manhattan Center, located in the heart of the city - next to the Empire State Building. Over one thousand ballroom competitors from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts - even states as far as Kentucky and Texas - took part in the Manhattan Amateur Classic. Organized by the Greater New York Chapter of USA Dance, the MAC featured many world-renowned judges. The panel included Stephan Krauel, Eugene Katsevman, Bill Davies, Wayne Crowder, Rita Gekhman, Maria Manusova, Stanley McCalla, Jennifer Ford McCalla, and Oksana Zolotarevskaya.

This year, Dance Fever's competitive couples took part in a wide variety of events, from the bronze to championship level. Whether Standard or Latin, Dance Fever's students displayed talent, determination, skill and passion for dancesport. Many of our wonderful teachers were present, including Yulia Bobovik, Natasha Odikadze, Giacomo Lucchese, Masha Turlupova, Ruben Rodriguez, Tomas Vasicek, Nastya Banderovskaya and Vasily Golovin, along with Emil and Ruta Ioukhnikov. The coaches supported and encouraged Dance Fever's ballroom students at each step, from preparation and warm-up to their time on the dance floor. Many Dance Fever students also stayed on after their events to cheer on their friends; even Dance Fever's Youth teachers returned after their own competitive events to support their young students.

Not only did our dancers have a chance to compete, but to socialize and bond with each as well; the atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement was felt by all, and truly made for a valuable, fulfilling experience for everyone involved. The MAC, with its intense pace, further strengthened the Dance Fever team's spirit and empowered our Latin and Ballroom dancers to continue to strive for their very best in the events to come.

See more photos from the 2012 Manhattan Amateur Classic here!