Dance competition draws thousands
An estimated 300 dancers a day will compete in the 23rd annual ballroom dancing competition at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville Feb. 25 through Feb. 28.
A professional-dancer show on the evening of Feb. 27 will have a Hollywood theme.
The so-called “DanceSport Competition” offers $60,000 in cash and awards and is expected to draw about 4,000 entries.
“I think it’s exercise; I think it’s something you can do socially,” said Sue Bourget, who organizes the annual Indiana Challenge with her husband, Tim.
She points out that unlike certain types of dance, such as ballet, tap and jazz, the couple-oriented choreography of ballroom dancing is conducive to weddings, class reunions and Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.
Part of the allure is the fashion sense of participants.
“The costumes are bright and colorful,” said Sue Bourget. The challenge also has a place for novices.
“You can be a brand-new dancer,” Tim Bourget said.
For the 10th year, the event will host “Dancing with the Local Stars,” which is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Radisson’s Celebrity Ballroom. Done in a vein similar to the ABC television series “Dancing with the Stars,” the casual competition will raise money for the American Cancer Society and feature a variety of dance styles.
Dance instructors will be paired with the amateurs they have taught.
“It’s amazing; just the costumes alone are incredible,” said Schererville’s Janet Wartman, a community manager for the American Cancer Society.
Tickets for “Dancing With the Local Stars” are $20 for adults, $10 for those younger than 18. The tickets are good for all activities at Indiana Challenge that evening.
Deborah Meade and James Nemeth of Schererville will be dancing as amateurs.
“We’re going to be doing the tango, foxtrot and Viennese waltz,” said the 65-year-old Meade, who was citing just some of the styles on display. Others include the cha-cha and rumba.
She and her 67-year-old partner have been dancing at Indiana Challenge for a few years.
“Everybody seems to know each other,” Meade said. “I like to watch the other dancers and see the outfits. I love to dance. I really enjoy learning the technique of the dances.”
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
DanceSport Competition
Where: Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, 800 E. 81st Ave., Merrillville
When: Feb. 25 to Feb. 28
Tickets: $10-$40
Information: 219-322-8381; www.indianachallenge.com
