by Caroline Crosson Gilpin

The explosive growth in competitive Ballroom and Latin Dance for all ages over the last decade has been attributed to popular dance shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” “World of Dance,” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” and the related realization that dance of all kinds leads to healthy minds and bodies.

Consequently, students from elementary level to college age have seen increased opportunities to learn Ballroom and Latin dance technique, and to practice and compete. There are now plenty of afterschool programs, physical education offerings, new community dance studios, and increased awareness through social media promotion in both the United States and internationally. 

The big news: competitive dance is fun, fast, and more familiar than ever before.

In an exciting move, Dwight Global Online School has joined with The World Dance Council and the WDC Amateur League to provide competitive student dancers with a worldclass online education that provides the scheduling flexibility dancers need to train, travel, and compete. As part of the partnership, WDC dancers enrolled at Dwight Global receive a sizable tuition discount.

What a partnership! 

“We are excited to partner with Dwight Global and provide our members with valuable educational resources,” said Donnie Burns, President of the WDC. “This collaboration aligns with our ongoing commitment to supporting the growth and development of dance professionals, while simultaneously resulting in savings for all our members.”

In addition to being President of the WDC, Burns is also father to Grade 8 student Domenico Burns, whose dance partner Juliana Gekker '30 is a Dwight Global Grade 7 student. 

Representing the United States, this dynamic duo won the Under 12 Latin World Championship in 2023, and in October, 2024 were the first-ever Under 14 year old performers to compete in the Kremlin, Moscow. In March, 2024, after moving up to a new and more difficult age category, Juliana and Domenico made it to the finals of the United States National Championships and placed sixth. They became World Champions again in the Under 14 age group in November, 2024, and won the Bronze medal in the Under 16 category, at the ages of 12 and 13.

Another dancing pair established in the world of competitive dance are Dwight Global students Alexa “Lexi”  Sosna '26 and Ervinas Valskys '26. This dancing couple started working together in October of 2020.  Ervinas, originally from Lithuania, and Lexi, from New Jersey, represent the USA in the most recognized international competitions, as well as multiple national competitions. Their 2024 titles include Latin Champions U19 and U21 in California, New York, New Jersey, and at the The International Dance Festival in England and the WDC Amateur World Championship 2024 in the Netherlands, where they achieved U19 Champion and U21 Vice Champion titles. 

Both Lexi and Ervinas praise Dwight Global for providing them with the flexibility to pursue their dance careers and their academic paths. 

“Joining Dwight Global was the best decision ever made,” said Ervinas. “Dwight has taken a lot of stress off of my shoulders, especially when I compete. We leave for weeks at a time, and I know that all the teachers are very understanding and flexible with us, which we never had in an in-person school. This makes me less worried about my grades and my education.”

Lexi agreed: “Dwight has most definitely helped me in my dance life. I have much more time to complete assignments. I would recommend this school because Dwight makes flexible schedules that accommodates to each individual's needs. It really makes life a lot easier when you have time to do other things you do in your life, while still making school a priority.”

Like all committed dancers, Lexi and Ervinas are disciplined in their daily routine. They chose to take their academic classes in the morning, after which they practice their dances together, sometimes taking a group class. Then, they workout at the gym and return home to complete schoolwork before getting a good night’s rest.

During competitions, their days begin before sunrise. Lexi has her hair and makeup done by a professional team, which helps her relax. Both dancers listen to music, which has the added benefit of reducing distractions before performing.  

“When we are ready, we dress up and warm up together to make sure the bodies are awake and ready, and that's when the long day of rounds start. We usually start from 8 in the morning until 12 at night,” said Ervinas.

Dwight Global is proud to call another star competitive dancer, Leo Kolmykov '27, one of the school’s own. Leo has been dancing competitively for nine years, excelling in both Latin American and International Ballroom (Standard). He is considered one of the most accomplished Junior 10-dancers in US history. 

Standard Ballroom dance includes the Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, and Viennese Waltz. Latin Dance includes the Rumba, Samba, Pasodoble, Cha-cha-cha, and Jive. The complicated and difficult category of 10-Dance requires knowledge and skills to perform dances in both Ballroom and Latin categories. 

Over the course of nine years, Leo has won every major competition in the United States. He has won the U.S.National Championships seven times in Ballroom and Latin. He became the Junior Blackpool Ballroom Champion, is a two-time Junior World Champion in Ballroom and Latin, and an International Vice Champion.  In November, 2024, Leo and his new partner Veronika Rozenberg became the World Junior U-16 Ballroom Champions, at the competition held in Assen, Netherlands.

"We are inspired by our Dwight Global competitive dancers, and thrilled to partner with the WDC and WDC Amateur League to offer top-notch academics tailored to meet the needs of student dancers and their dreams,” said Dwight Global Head of School Louisa Childs. 

About Dwight Global Online School 

Dwight Global Online School is a popular choice for student dancers, musicians, actors, and athletes seeking flexibility to rehearse, perform, train, and travel without sacrificing academic rigor. Dwight Global combines real-time online video conferencing seminars, Oxford-style tutorials, and a college-style schedule to provide students in Grades 6-12 with a private school experience and the flexibility to pursue their passions. 

Student athletes and performers live in more than 35 countries around the world and can choose an IB, AP or a customized course of study. Students can attend classes from anywhere as well as participate in programs on Dwight Schools campuses around the world, and in cross-campus collaborations. Dwight Global graduates have been admitted to top universities and colleges in the United States and internationally. For more information, visit Dwight Global Admissions.

About the World Dance Council

The World Dance Council (WDC) is the global federation for all professional and amateur dance, dedicated to promoting ballroom and Latin dance through its extensive international membership. The WDC Amateur League (WDC AL) hosts prestigious championship title events worldwide for categories  including U21, U19, U16, and younger, inspiring and nurturing the next generation of talent by fostering the development of dancers under the age of 21.