The Boston Open DanceSport Championship
Kalin, the organizer of this event, generously took the time to answer a few questions for us. Here are his responses.
What inspired you to create your event?
Some time ago, when I was competing, we were traveling to Philadelphia, Oakland, and Sacramento. Those were the few same-sex competitions in the States. I wonted more events and competitions. I hoped that will make our dance community bigger and also the competitors will have more stages to perform so to speak. As a competitor since childhood, I though putting up a competition would not be such a big deal. But this is not an easy task. And it takes a village!
What moments or experiences helped you see the need for a space like this in the dance world?
It was an advertisement on the web for Eurogames that grabbed my attention. I was like: "There is something like gay sports events? No way! I don't think they even know there is a DanceSport! Let me check!" - and for my surprise they were offering ballroom dance competitions as well. Reached out to the local organizer, got in touch with a potential partner and in very short 3 months we were at the Munich Eurogames... All my previous dance experience was from the mainstream. Same-sex dancing was so cool and exciting, different and challenging. Bringing something from the daily life into the dancefloor was breaking barriers and walls. I wanted to be part of it and I wanted to help making it popular.
What styles of dance are at the heart of your event?
I've started Boston Open DanceSport as a strictly ballroom dance competition. International and American Styles of ballroom. The first few years were very popular as it was, but more people were reaching out with questions and suggestions. Boston also has a big Country Westerner Dance LGBTQ group, so I opened up our event to more - I have Country-Western Division. Now we offer all styles of partner dance in the single dance division. Traditional DanceSport, Country western, Argentine Tango and Latin-American. It is good to offer pretty much all stiles of partner dancing so more members of the community can join and express themselves. The LGBTQ DanceSport didn't actually grow, and it is not only the post Covid. It is just Life.
Who's involved in running things or helping bring your events to life?
We have a team that has worked well through the years. I am using the same Master of the Ceremony, Music director, Chairman and of course the Boston Open DanceSport Board - three friends that do from little tasks to just keeping me in line. We would be happy if we have more volunteers to organize the couples On Deck, follow the schedule and get the participants ready. Specially when you have competitors at 5 years old. I've opened up the competition not only to other styles, but now we have all age categories: kids, pre-teens, junior, youth, college age, and adults. With the participation of only fewer LGBTQ couples, now we are welcoming and inviting mainstream, teachers, professionals as a one big family. We have division for everybody.
Have you or your event received any recent recognition, milestones, or moments that made you pause and think, “Yes, this is why I/we do this”?
With covid and skipping for two years, 2026 is our Tenth event. Surviving and hopeful that we will keep doing this.
If you or your event had a theme song that captures its spirit, what would it be, and why?
Ha! We don't have one song - we have them all! Colorful and reach of dances just how our life is.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Please, come and dance with us; spread the word out to all your dance friends or come to spectate or volunteer. Lets keep the Equality Dance World going on.
Links for more information:
https://www.facebook.com/share/17xFSmUufx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
http://www.bostonopendancesport.com/competition.html
What inspired you to create your event?
Some time ago, when I was competing, we were traveling to Philadelphia, Oakland, and Sacramento. Those were the few same-sex competitions in the States. I wonted more events and competitions. I hoped that will make our dance community bigger and also the competitors will have more stages to perform so to speak. As a competitor since childhood, I though putting up a competition would not be such a big deal. But this is not an easy task. And it takes a village!
What moments or experiences helped you see the need for a space like this in the dance world?
It was an advertisement on the web for Eurogames that grabbed my attention. I was like: "There is something like gay sports events? No way! I don't think they even know there is a DanceSport! Let me check!" - and for my surprise they were offering ballroom dance competitions as well. Reached out to the local organizer, got in touch with a potential partner and in very short 3 months we were at the Munich Eurogames... All my previous dance experience was from the mainstream. Same-sex dancing was so cool and exciting, different and challenging. Bringing something from the daily life into the dancefloor was breaking barriers and walls. I wanted to be part of it and I wanted to help making it popular.
What styles of dance are at the heart of your event?
I've started Boston Open DanceSport as a strictly ballroom dance competition. International and American Styles of ballroom. The first few years were very popular as it was, but more people were reaching out with questions and suggestions. Boston also has a big Country Westerner Dance LGBTQ group, so I opened up our event to more - I have Country-Western Division. Now we offer all styles of partner dance in the single dance division. Traditional DanceSport, Country western, Argentine Tango and Latin-American. It is good to offer pretty much all stiles of partner dancing so more members of the community can join and express themselves. The LGBTQ DanceSport didn't actually grow, and it is not only the post Covid. It is just Life.
Who's involved in running things or helping bring your events to life?
We have a team that has worked well through the years. I am using the same Master of the Ceremony, Music director, Chairman and of course the Boston Open DanceSport Board - three friends that do from little tasks to just keeping me in line. We would be happy if we have more volunteers to organize the couples On Deck, follow the schedule and get the participants ready. Specially when you have competitors at 5 years old. I've opened up the competition not only to other styles, but now we have all age categories: kids, pre-teens, junior, youth, college age, and adults. With the participation of only fewer LGBTQ couples, now we are welcoming and inviting mainstream, teachers, professionals as a one big family. We have division for everybody.
Have you or your event received any recent recognition, milestones, or moments that made you pause and think, “Yes, this is why I/we do this”?
With covid and skipping for two years, 2026 is our Tenth event. Surviving and hopeful that we will keep doing this.
If you or your event had a theme song that captures its spirit, what would it be, and why?
Ha! We don't have one song - we have them all! Colorful and reach of dances just how our life is.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Please, come and dance with us; spread the word out to all your dance friends or come to spectate or volunteer. Lets keep the Equality Dance World going on.
Links for more information:
https://www.facebook.com/share/17xFSmUufx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
http://www.bostonopendancesport.com/competition.html
