New Jersey State Open 2013

The studio made it's 2nd trip to the New Jersey State Open this year, departing from the Greyhound Bus Station  in DC on October 24.

It's rare for us to travel by bus, but this time out studio family had an entire bus to ourselves, departing from the new bus station in DC, which was a throwback to earlier times

It was fun to have the whole gang on board, as a group of 16 traveling up this year.

Attending the event:

Judith Albarelli

Michael Albarelli

Luca Madi

Anna Boyd

Sophia Boyd

Anna Kabul

Dana Coppola

Sophia D'Angelo

Lauren Garrett

Miss Alice Williams

Nick Gentry

Dave Russell

Rebecca Gentry

Lauren Atkins

Mike Baris

........ And Mr. Bill

We arrived early on Thursday at Atlantic City, at the Golden Nuggett Hotel & Casion ( Formerly the Trump Marina). The hotel has been extensively renovated since it changed ownership.

After checking in, we went for an ealry dinner at Angelo's, which is our new annual tradition in Atlantic City.

 This year the staff showed us all the Angelo's family pictures on the walls, and many of the people in the pictures were working on shift in the restaurant!

Later in the evening, we attended a welcome reception hosted by Roxanne Adaray and Susan Adary, along with new co-organizer Tom Rzepniki. It was an elegant reception for package holders, featuring all the Atlantic City boardwalk foods, including salt water taffy and ice cream. 

The Thursday night reception was an opportunity for the dancers to do some celebrity sighting, as many members of the world famous judging panel made appearances, including Edward Simon and Esther Don.

The following morning our team danced a packed rhythm day with dancers from all across the country. Every member of of team placed in their rhythm freestyles and multi dance championships. For Judith Albarelli, it was her first time getting called back in contested semi- finals. She placed first in several of he freestyles and 3rd in her rhythm multi dance championship round.

The ever so lovely Miss Garrett placed in all of her freestyles and multi dance divisions, donning her new custom dresses and dazzling fur wrap.

Here we see Miss Alice, who placed 1st  both of the Silver Rhythm Multi dances in the Ladies C Division.

Our smooth day was equally successful. This was the first pairing of the DC Ballroom team with the newest  member of our  family, Rebecca Gentry, who partnered all the gentlemen in the Pro/Am divisions. Rebecca is the owner and founder of City Ballroom in Lancaster Pennsylvania, and has very lovingly filled the role of leading lady professional at our studio helm. 

Here we see Rebecca and Dave in the Silver Smooth Division.

And with Mr. Bill in the Bronze Smooth Division

Adding to the fun, we got to share the dance floor with Illya Resin and his team of beautiful ladies. Sophia had a great time catching up with her friends Rene Kuwahara and Holly Squires.

Dana Coppola placed first in the Bronze Smooth Scholarship.

Sophia D'Angelo placed first in nearly all her closed silver rhythm and smooth freestyles, and then went on to place in the Rhythm & Smooth Dancesport Series and Open to All Scholarships.

Luca Madi placed first in the Closed bronze rhythm and smooth 3 dance championship rounds.

After two fun filled days of dancing, we all dressed in our finest for the Saturday Night Formal Banquet and evening gala. The New Jersey State Open offers some of the finest dining and entertainment options within our industry, with live music, entertainment, and a packed general dance floor. 

Michael and Judith Albarelli.

Following dinner we attended the evening session, which featured several live Atlantic City Entertainment Acts and packed professional dance events.

The evening concluded with the awards ceremony.

Michael Albarelli received 

Top Newcommer Award

Sophia D'Angelo received 

Top Silver Award 

Judith Albarelli placed in the Top 20 Dancesport Series Line up

Sophia D'Angelo placed in the Top 20 

Dancesport Series lineup

Lauren Garrett placed in the Top 20

Dancesportseries Lineup

Before departing Altantic City, Luca Madi and I discovered THE WORLD'S LARGEST GOLDEN NUGGETT!!!! It is on display in the casino lobby. It is the largest of its kind in display in the WORLD, which adds to the kitch of the hotel.

Looking forward to returning next year.