Twin Cities Open…
Amateur dancer Zoe Kaplan at TCO in 2019.
Happy Fourth of July!
It’s a fitting celebration to mark the beginning of a week that ends in the annual Twin Cities Open ballroom dance competition at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Minneapolis. This competition has been run continuously by Amy and Scott Anderson for more than 30 years. It draws some of the nation’s top ballroom dancers.
I will be among those competing this year. Instructor Grace Peterson and I plan to perform a solo dance to the Ahn Trio’s rendition of Prince’s song, “Purple Rain.” (Our choreography was crafted by Tony Meredith.) We also will be competing in the silver divisions of American Ballroom and International Standard styles.
Dan Browning performing a solo titled “Purple Reign” with instructor Grace Peterson.
When I’m not dancing, I will be offering two types of portraits this year. I will have a backdrop set up outside the competition floor for dancers who want a studio-style portrait, either alone or with their instructor. And I will offer location portraits, either in the hotel or nearby in the community, for those seeking something more elaborate. Both types of portraits will come with up to five edited jpgs. The studio-style shot will come with an 8x10 or 8x12 print. And the location portraits will come with a 16x20 or 16x24 fine art print on styrene backing. Other sizes and media are available as well, of course. Note: I won’t be shooting on the dance floor at this competition, due to contractual conflicts.
Whether you’re interested in a portrait or not, please drop by and say hello. And if you’ve never been to a ballroom dance competition, consider attending either Friday or Saturday night for the professional categories. They are something akin to a combination of ballet and hockey.
Meantime, here are a couple of shots I took at a recent dance recital, called a “showcase”, at Cinema Ballroom in St. Paul. Enjoy!
Cinema Ballroom pros Eric Hudson with Grace Peterson.
Instructor Grace Peterson dancing jive with Keith Vasilakes.
