By Michelle Blank

What a way to kick off preparation for the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships!

The March 3-4 camp hosted at Todos Dance and Fitness Center in Natick, Massachusetts, by Ronen Zinshtein and Mariam Izmaylova, undefeated three-time U.S. National Amateur Ballroom champions, was an experience sure to bring not only physical readiness but mental, emotional, and spiritual preparedness as well.

With four ballrooms, an in-studio gym, lounge, and dress atelier, Todos was the perfect location for dancers of all ages, styles, and levels to prepare their bodies and minds for the chance to achieve a result at nationals on March 31 to April 2 in Baltimore that could land them a spot to represent the United States at the World Championships.

With over 14 world-renowned adjudicators and coaches leading the all-inclusive two-day camp, the dancers had it all. A day began with fitness training followed by various seminars and lectures in International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth, and American Rhythm, hosted simultaneously in all four ballrooms. Afterward, private lessons were held.

Simulation mock competitions, known as rounds, were hosted later in the day as well, so dancers could prepare better for what to expect on the competitive floor. The days were also filled with such experiences as tai chi and yoga, and two personal fitness instructors were available to instruct dancers on various divisions of health.

Kristina Moshenskaya and Marius-Andrei Balan even made a surprise appearance to offer lessons to the attendees. Who wouldn't want to take lessons with the third-highest ranked WDSF couple in the world!

This was definitely the place to be. With such an environment of support, friendly competition, and self-determination, athletes attained skills that would better increase their chances of presenting an outstanding performance at the National DanceSport Championships. Soon, we shall see who will get the chance to represent the United States at the WDSF World Championships this coming November.