Sit Down and Look!

Spectating–Not Competing–at Snow Ball

By Alexzandra Enger

For a competitive ballroom dancer like myself, competition time is always exciting. I wouldn’t necessarily say that a competition is a stressful event, but they’re definitely fast-paced, and high-energy.

As a competitor, I can usually be found in the dressing room or on the dance floor. Spectating is saved for after my partner and I have danced all of our rounds, and is usually done while wearing a delightfully comfortable pair of shoes, and with hair and makeup still in place. It’s rare that I have the opportunity to be resigned exclusively to the stands, so when I was most graciously given the opportunity to attend Donna Edelstein’s 2016 Snow Ball in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I jumped on the chance to become immersed in a different part of the world of ballroom. With my experience only from the competitors view being fast-paced and high-energy, I was curious to see if the same would hold true when I didn’t have suede soles on my shoes.

My first impressions were exceptionally high; abundant free parking surrounded the Hilton (which, if you’re used to driving in the city, is incredibly exciting to come across) and the event was shockingly simple to find after I’d strode through the front entrance. So many times I’ve wandered halls and eventually resigned to asking event center staff where I might find the competition rooms. Bright rows of designer ballroom gowns for sale dotted the staircase and balcony like a welcome beacon guiding competitors and spectators alike to the competition.

I had arrived earlier than I’d expected, so after I’d collected my tickets from the will-call desk I decided to peruse the countless racks of ballroom and Latin dresses while I waited for the ballroom doors to open wide. Tonight, it’s the fringe-coated pieces that are catching my eyes as I gaze through each rack. Swarovski jewelry glistens in the light on a far-off table, and the part of me that loves sparkly things convinces the rest of me to make my way over to glance through the new matching sets of earrings, necklaces, and hair pieces. After a too-short hour of drooling over countless gorgeous gowns, it’s time for the evening show to begin.

When I first walk into the ballroom, it’s an impeccable vision of blue and white. Each table is perfectly laid, and soft lighting illuminates the room from every corner. I’m struck by the highly apparent level of care that was put into planning the ambiance of the room, and I find choosing a seat to be easy because every single one has an equally exceptional view of the dance floor. As the evening began to proceed, I was happy to see that I knew several of the competitors, and I eagerly watched as they danced their way into the finals in each of their events. Witnessing firsthand the success of those whom you call friends, and seeing the joy spread across their faces as they stride proudly forward to claim their medals, can be placed into the same class of gratification that one’s own winning brings forth.

The culminating event of the night was the Rising Star competition. I immensely love watching champion-level pros perform, but there’s something about the vitality and fresh determination that flows through each of the Rising Star competitors that is captivating. Within each dancer, there’s a deep hunger and a powerful drive to reach the peak that shines through in every dance and makes it impossible to tear your eyes away from the dance floor.

The evening ended far too early, and it most definitely didn’t feel as though it was nearing midnight. The energy that flows through competitors is infectious and can become part of the spectator experience as well!