USA Dance Ballroom National Championships Come to Pittsburgh

By Janice Lane Palko

Who doesn’t enjoy watching Dancing With the Star? In March, you can see those twirls, fancy foot work, and dips in person when Pittsburgh hosts the USA Dance National Ballroom DanceSport Championships March 28-30, 2025. They won’t be dancing in the streets of Pittsburgh but at the Wyndham Grand Hotel, and it will be an event that will enthrall and entertain spectators of all ages. 

“This will be the third time that Pittsburgh has hosted the national championships,” said Gloria Schohn, a member of USA Dance and an avid ballroom dancer. She and her husband, who are both seniors, have only been ballroom dancing for a few years, and are excited that the city will once again be hosting. 

The March 2025 competitions should prove to be more exciting than ever as collegiate groups as well as amateur and professional dance couples compete in dances such as Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha and Quick Step. Dancers will compete in nine or 10 dances in two divisions: International style, which means that the dancers are always in contact with each other, and American style, where the dancers can part for some steps. Social dancers can compete in West Coast Swing, Hustle, Argentine Tango, Merengue, Country 2-Step, Salsa and Bachata.

“At the 2022 competition, we had almost 900 dancers, 400 of whom were with collegiate groups,” said Jane Downing, President of the Pittsburgh chapter. “We have student competitors from four local college clubs - Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University and Penn State - and they will compete in team matches as well, which is sure to bring out school spirit.” 

The National Championships contains events everyone can enjoy as the three-day competition features dancers, some ages seven and under to over 70. In 2024, competitors came from 30 different states—even as far as Hawaii. 

“We believe this is a great event for those who are ballroom dancers and for those who maybe are thinking about dancing. It’s a wonderful family event as well; grandparents bring their grandchildren to watch the kids compete, and it’s a fun date night for adults,” said Jane. 

“The atmosphere in the ballroom is exciting with the audience clapping and rooting for their favorite dancers,” said Gloria, who commented that seeing the dancers in person is far better than watching on television.

Hosting the competition is a labor of love for USA Dance as it is an all-volunteer organization. Pittsburgh chapter members recruit dancers, volunteers, spectators and sponsors for the Nationals and do it for the love of dance. The Pittsburgh area has a vibrant dance scene with 17 ballroom dance studios, many dance groups that specialize in specific dances such as Salsa, Argentine Tango, West Coast and East Coast Swing, and social clubs that promote more familiar dances like Waltz and Cha Cha. 

Always an admirer of those who ballroom danced, a few years ago Gloria, who is from Lower Burrell, was sitting at a traffic light in Verona, and she looked over and noticed that she was outside the Ballroom Connection dance studio. She stopped the car and went in and signed up for lessons. Later, she convinced her husband to join her, and they’ve been dancing ever since.

Ballroom dancing is good for you mentally and physically, and a great way to meet new people. “Since my husband and I are older, we don’t pick up the steps as quickly as younger people do, but dancing gets you moving and is great socially. There are dances throughout the area; so many that you can be dancing at least three nights a week if you want,” said Gloria, who noted that you don’t need a partner to attend the dances. Singles often come and find partners with whom to dance. After all, everyone who attends is there to dance and enjoy the evening. 

The National Championships are the premiere event for ballroom dancers as well as spectators. Whether you are a couch potato or a “dancing queen,” don’t miss the chance to catch these special competitions in person. For more information about the schedule and spectator tickets, visit: https://usadancenationals.org/events.