2017 Manhattan Dance Championships

History Of Manhattan Dance Championships

History Of Manhattan Dance Championships

Since 2001, the Manhattan Dance Championships has fostered a reputation for being one of the premier ballroom competitions in the country.

Jun 30, 2017
History Of Manhattan Dance Championships
Since 2001, the Manhattan Dance Championships has fostered a reputation for being one of the premier ballroom competitions in the country.

The dancer-designed event annually attracts some of the best competitors in the world to New York City and only continues to grow in scale. This year's edition is no different, featuring more than 1,100 dancers and $120,000 in prize money -- the largest amount in the history of the Manhattan Dance Championships.

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The competition, which began on Wednesday and continues to Sunday, features Pro-Am and Professional events in multiple categories, including American Smooth, International Ballroom, and Latin. It has also expanded in 2017 by adding two new events: a Junior Showdance for children and Senior 65 and Over division for the young at heart.

Co-founded by renowned couple Diana and Gary McDonald, the Manhattan Dance Championships' roots go back to the McDonalds' lauded professional career. Before retiring in 2002, the duo won 10 straight titles at the United States 10-Dance Championships. However, the McDonalds really made a name for themselves when they became the first North American couple to win a world championship. Their passion to compete helped inspire them to create an event that dancers would flock to compete at each year.

Over the years at the Manhattan Dance Championships, everything from the stage to the music selection to the lighting adjustments for aesthetically benefiting photo and video may have changed, but the pure heart behind every decision is what has helped the event become a top five competition in the USA.

Along with more competitors than ever, the Manhattan Dance Championship's audience has grown as well, from hundreds of the McDonalds' companions and competitors to a viewership of 10,000 either tuning in on FloDance or attending in-person.

This year's event is being held at the Marriott Hotel at 333 Adams Street, just three minutes from downtown Manhattan. The tickets prices range from $25-70 per day or $320 for the entire event.

How To Watch

ON TV: Now available on Roku and Apple TV 4
STREAMING: Available only on FloDance. A yearly FloPRO subscription provides access to ALL FloSports sites. SIGN UP HERE