Dance Benefits Group welcomes American Style Congress, presented by Sam Sodano and Edward Simon.
Best known currently as the organizer of the Ohio Star Ball, Sam Sodano is a former North American Latin Champion. The Ohio Star Ball began as a one day showcase 35 years ago, under the direction of Sam Sodano. With equal amounts of creativity, courage and perseverance, Sam has developed this Championship into the largest Pro/Am competition, not only in North America, but in the world today. Sam is an adjudicator and lecturer and a very active and dedicated coach at his own dance studio in Columbus, Ohio.
Edward Simon is a former US Smooth Champion who resides in New York City. Edward’s commitment to the world of Dancesport is reflected in his achievements and his current activities. As a competing professional, Edward has won a number of major dance events with his long-time partner Michelle Officer. Together they won titles of The US Professional American Ballroom Champion, World Classic Show dance Finalist and the US Theatrical Silver Medalist, to name a few. Edward Simon enjoys coaching the new generation of rising dancers and is currently designated as a World Class Judge. He has also appeared as a guest choreographer on the hit TV series “So You Think You Can Dance”.
The American Style Congress is hosted by New York Dance Festival and will be held on February 22nd, 2013 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. American Style Congress’ mission is to “continue to develop and define the techniques and artistry of American style dancing”. This event will be comprised of morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session includes lecturers such as Rufus Dustin, Linda Dean, Olga Forapanova, Tony Meredith and Rosendo Fumero. The afternoon session will include the following lecturers: Marianne Nicole, Jonathan Roberts, Dan Rutherford and Nicole Carroll, Edward Simon and Sam Sodano.
It is with great privilege that we congratulate Sam Sodano and Edward Simon for organizing the third annual American Style Congress! The American Style Congress is specifically designed to enhance the understanding and mechanics of American Style of dancing, greatly contributing to the improvement of the quality and mastery of the dance form.
We would also like to give a very special thank you to Sam Sodano for all his continued contributions to the Ballroom Dance Industry throughout the years, enriching the experiences and lives of many dancers.