“We could not be more excited to welcome Para Dancers from around the world to Dearborn and the surrounding Detroit area. More importantly, we look forward to showcasing the talents and skills of these amazing athletes, who truly embody what it means to defy limitations. We hope this event will be a springboard to show others what is possible and grow the sport of Para Dance in the United States,” says Katie Spillane, Vice President, RIM Foundation.
Become A Sponsor
Your sponsorship will help us fund a first-class competition and create a warm, welcoming and inclusive experience for attendees, many of whom will be visiting the U.S. for the first time. We look forward to the potential partnership opportunity to share your brand and mission with our global community of persons with disabilities. For information, contact Katie Spillane at 313-418-5908.
Links
Sponsorship Package
Photo Gallery (Coming Soon)
USA Para Dancers (Coming Soon)
For Athletes
Click here to download our competition package
Tickets:
Tickets for spectators only can be purchased online beginning July 1, 2024.
Plan your Trip:
Visit Detroit
Wheelchair Accessible Restaurants and Activities
From Dusk Til Dawn
March 8TH, 2025
Hilton Double Tree.
Prepare for an unforgettable black-tie ballroom gala as the Carmel Mountain Ranch Fred Astaire Dance Studio proudly presents the SoCal Dance Classic: A Night Under the Stars!
This inaugural celebration will be a mesmerizing evening of dance, live music, and show-stopping performances, all set against the breathtaking San Diego skyline. The event theme, “From Dusk Til Dawn,” will be woven throughout the night’s entertainment, featuring a dazzling professional show by Fred Astaire American Rhythm Champions, Ryan & Danelle Lockhart!
💃 Spectacular Professional Show – Witness the electrifying talent of world-class performers, including Ryan & Danelle Lockhart, as they take the stage in an unforgettable showcase of passion and artistry.
🎷 Live Jazz Band – Set the mood with sultry and sophisticated sounds throughout the evening.
🏆 Awards & Special Performances – Honoring excellence in dance and recognizing standout moments of the night.
👗 Exclusive Vendors – Elevate your look with top-tier ballroom fashion, hair, and makeup services from:
An exhilarating, high-energy competition, where professionals go head-to-head in a thrilling partner-switching challenge! Expect unexpected chemistry, dynamic performances, and jaw-dropping moments as dancers adapt on the fly in this exciting showcase of skill and artistry.
🌟 Who will rise to the top? Who will steal the show? There’s only one way to find out!
Ever dreamed of dancing with world-class instructors, event team members, and renowned adjudicators? Now’s your chance!
During the Mix & Match Fundraiser, participants will have the unique opportunity to be paired with top professional instructors for a one-of-a-kind social dance experience! Whether you’re stepping onto the floor for fun or to test your skills, this event is all about connection, creativity, and community—all while supporting an incredible cause!
This fundraiser is in partnership with Fred Astaire Enriching Lives Foundation (FADS ELF), a nonprofit dedicated to spreading the joy of dance to those in need. Your contributions will help:
✔️ Fund the professional show and support our staff performers
✔️ Provide a staff appreciation BBQ to celebrate our hardworking team
✔️ Enhance training opportunities for instructors to grow and refine their craft
✔️ Upgrade studio resources including new furniture and technology
All proceeds from the fundraiser will be directed through FADS ELF, ensuring your generosity creates lasting impact in the dance community.
Step onto the dance floor in elegant, show-stopping attire and prepare for an evening of glamour, sophistication, and celebration!
This is more than just an event—it’s an immersive experience celebrating the art of dance, the joy of community, and the magic of a night under the stars. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a passionate supporter, this is a night you won’t want to miss!
🎟️ Secure your spot now and be part of history as we launch the first-ever SoCal Dance Classic!
📅 Event Date: March 8, 2025
📍 Location: Hilton DoubleTree – 4875 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA
📞 For tickets, donations & mix and match entries, click the buttons on this screem. For more details & reservations, contact: [email protected]
Looks like @ilyaifraimov is expanding TEAM Babaghanoush with some wonderful peeps from FADS Saratoga @fads_saratoga_springs!!! Who will take home that traveling trophy?
Vote for Team “Team Babaghanoush ” starring:
Ilya Ifraimov: @ilyaifraimov
Hayk Balasanyan: @fredastairewinterpark
Christina Penatello: @christinapenatello
Vote for “Team Knight Riders” starring:
Stephen Knight: @knight1959
Anastasia Abrashin: @anastasiaabrashin
Dan Rutherford: @rutherford3230
Vote for Team “Team Babaghanoush ” starring:
Ilya Ifraimov: @ilyaifraimov
Hayk Balasanyan: @fredastairewinterpark
Christina Penatello: @christinapenatello
Vote for “Team Eagles” starring:
Tony Dovolani
Martin Lamb
Jan Mattingly: @janmattingly_fadspro
Vote for “Team Virtuous Virtuals” starring
Bruno Collins: @brunocollinstrillieci
Nicole Carrol: @carrollrutherford
Yuri Simakov: @simakovy
And, if you have no idea what we are talking about, no worries, keep reading!:
We’re starting the fun BEFORE the event with
The FADS Greatest Race
We’ve split 12 FADS International Dance Council
Members into 4 teams of 3 to see which team
can enroll the most participants in VIC.
They’ll report from the field each week
on their progress, and the winning team
gets a cash prize, a traveling trophy
and (of course) bragging rights!
Follow along to see all the shenanigans,
ribbing, and fun that’s sure to ensue...
which team are you rooting for?
And of course, join the fun at VIC - there’s still plenty
of time before the January 8 deadline...
it’s virtually that easy!
#vic2025 #road2vic #virtual #international #championships #fredastaire #bestinballroom #itsvirtuallythateasy
Just when you thought Tony and his Eagles were running the race, @ilyaifraimov find some fabulous peeps from @fadsahwatukee to join his TEAM Babaghanoush!!! This is gonna be fun!!!
Vote for Team “Team Babaghanoush ” starring:
Ilya Ifraimov: @ilyaifraimov
Hayk Balasanyan: @fredastairewinterpark
Christina Penatello: @christinapenatello
Vote for “Team Knight Riders” starring:
Stephen Knight: @knight1959
Anastasia Abrashin: @anastasiaabrashin
Dan Rutherford: @rutherford3230
Vote for Team “Team Babaghanoush ” starring:
Ilya Ifraimov: @ilyaifraimov
Hayk Balasanyan: @fredastairewinterpark
Christina Penatello: @christinapenatello
Vote for “Team Eagles” starring:
Tony Dovolani
Martin Lamb
Jan Mattingly: @janmattingly_fadspro
Vote for “Team Virtuous Virtuals” starring
Bruno Collins: @brunocollinstrillieci
Nicole Carrol: @carrollrutherford
Yuri Simakov: @simakovy
And, if you have no idea what we are talking about, no worries, keep reading!:
We’re starting the fun BEFORE the event with
The FADS Greatest Race
We’ve split 12 FADS International Dance Council
Members into 4 teams of 3 to see which team
can enroll the most participants in VIC.
They’ll report from the field each week
on their progress, and the winning team
gets a cash prize, a traveling trophy
and (of course) bragging rights!
Follow along to see all the shenanigans,
ribbing, and fun that’s sure to ensue...
which team are you rooting for?
And of course, join the fun at VIC - there’s still plenty
of time before the January 8 deadline...
it’s virtually that easy!
#vic2025 #road2vic #virtual #international #championships #fredastaire #bestinballroom #itsvirtuallythateasy
Just found out about the FADS Greatest Race and want to vote for/join your favorite team?, Here’s the cool cat himself, Martin Lamb with his take on the madness!!!
Vote for “Team Knight Riders” starring:
Stephen Knight: @knight1959
Anastasia Abrashin: @anastasiaabrashin
Dan Rutherford: @rutherford3230
Vote for Team “Team Babaghanoush ” starring:
Ilya Ifraimov: @ilyaifraimov
Hayk Balasanyan: @fredastairewinterpark
Christina Penatello: @christinapenatello
Vote for “Team Eagles” starring:
Tony Dovolani
Martin Lamb
Jan Mattingly: @janmattingly_fadspro
Vote for “Team Virtuous Virtuals” starring
Bruno Collins: @brunocollinstrillieci
Nicole Carrol: @carrollrutherford
Yuri Simakov: @simakovy
And, if you have no idea what we are talking about, no worries, keep reading!:
We’re starting the fun BEFORE the event with
The FADS Greatest Race
We’ve split 12 FADS International Dance Council
Members into 4 teams of 3 to see which team
can enroll the most participants in VIC.
They’ll report from the field each week
on their progress, and the winning team
gets a cash prize, a traveling trophy
and (of course) bragging rights!
Follow along to see all the shenanigans,
ribbing, and fun that’s sure to ensue...
which team are you rooting for?
And of course, join the fun at VIC - there’s still plenty
of time before the January 8 deadline...
it’s virtually that easy!
#vic2025 #road2vic #virtual #international #championships #fredastaire #bestinballroom #itsvirtuallythateasy
There is still time to play to win!!! For those of you who missed it, just click the link in our bio, and follow the rest of the steps in our MEGA 3x GIVEAWAY!!! It’s that easy!!!
#giveaway #fredastaire #goodmorningamerica #dwts #lifeisbetterwhenyoudance
Uh oh!!! Looks like Team Eagle is growing!!!! @fadshoustonheights will be attending VIC 2025- WILL YOU?
Vote for “Team Eagles” starring:
Tony Dovolani
Martin Lamb
Jan Mattingly: @janmattingly_fadspro
Vote for “Team Knight Riders” starring:
Stephen Knight: @knight1959
Anastasia Abrashin: @anastasiaabrashin
Dan Rutherford: @rutherford3230
Vote for Team “Team Babaghanoush ” starring:
Ilya Ifraimov: @ilyaifraimov
Hayk Balasanyan: @fredastairewinterpark
Christina Penatello: @christinapenatello
Vote for “Team Virtuous Virtuals” starring
Bruno Collins: @brunocollinstrillieci
Nicole Carrol: @carrollrutherford
Yuri Simakov: @simakovy
And, if you have no idea what we are talking about, no worries, keep reading!:
We’re starting the fun BEFORE the event with
The FADS Greatest Race
We’ve split 12 FADS International Dance Council
Members into 4 teams of 3 to see which team
can enroll the most participants in VIC.
They’ll report from the field each week
on their progress, and the winning team
gets a cash prize, a traveling trophy
and (of course) bragging rights!
Follow along to see all the shenanigans,
ribbing, and fun that’s sure to ensue...
which team are you rooting for?
And of course, join the fun at VIC - there’s still plenty
of time before the January 8 deadline...
it’s virtually that easy!
#vic2025 #road2vic #virtual #international #championships #fredastaire #bestinballroom #itsvirtuallythateasy
Did you watch Tony Dovolani on @goodmorningamerica this morning? Here’s a quick recap, mixed with a little funny! #lifeisbetterwhenyoudance #fredastaire #bestinballroom
The Holiday season is taking over, and we can’t help but feel overwhelmed with joy, gratitude and gratefulness! That is precisely why we have decided to GO BIG!!!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios presents: A Super Mega 3x Giveaway!!!
That’s right, we are giving away 3X the prizes, and all you have to do is WATCH/PLAY TO WIN!!!!
First, let’s talk prizes, shall we?:
Current Students: You could WIN 3X the points for our upcoming Virtual Competition (#VIC2025)
Current Instructors: You could WIN $3X 100 dollar bills ($300!!!)
Anyone and Everyone else: You could WIN 3X Ballroom Dance Lessons!!!
Next—- HERE’S HOW TO WIN:
1) Record and upload a video of yourself watching Tony Dovolani on @goodmorningamerica, tomorrow, November 26th, starting at 8am Eastern Time.
2) Mention and/or ADD @Fred_Astaire_Dance_Studios as collaborator
3) Add the Super Secret phrase that Tony Mentions as a hashtag in the description of your video (IE, if the super secret phrase is “Best In Ballroom”, add the hashtag #bestinballroom- Rumor has it he might just wink at the screen after he says it!
That’s it!… Unless of course, you would like SUPER MEGA BONUS ENTRIES:
1) follow us on Instagram
2) leave a comment about a benefit you get from dancing in this post and TAG 3X friends that need ballroom dancing in their life
3) Share this post to your STORY
Now that’s it!!!!
Winners will be announced at our upcoming virtual competition #vic2025
And, Rumor has it there might just be an additional TOP SECRET PRIZE waiting to be announced!
Thanks for playing, and may the SUPER MEGA LUCK be with you!!!
#holidays #giveaways #thankful #grateful #giving #playtowin #fredastaire #bestinballroom #learnhowtodance
You have a great opportunity with VIC 2025 in January!
Competitors will love to compete in their familiar studio with their fun professionals and FADS family and friends cheering them on!
And invite your newer amateurs to see what a competition is all about…..all on a weekend where you can plan your own nightclub session theme, cheer on your professionals in the pro divisions and really bring your studio together in a way you never have.
© Copyright Fred Astaire Dance Studios Enriching Lives Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
The United States is set to stage the first sanctioned Para Dance Sport (wheelchair ballroom dancing) competition in North America. The Dearborn 2024 Para Dance Sport USA Open presented by the RIM Foundation will take place August 10-11, 2024, at the Dearborn Community & Performing Arts Center. This historic event will welcome some of the world’s best wheelchair ballroom dancers from over 20 countries to Dearborn, MI.
Para Dance Sport is an extremely elegant, graceful and stylish sport which involves athletes who use a manual or power wheelchair due to a physical disability. Para Dance competitions are regularly held throughout Europe and Asia, but never in North America, until now.