Autumn Dance Classic

For dance enthusiasts and competitors across California, the Autumn Dance Classic stands as a beacon of elegance, skill, and community in the world of ballroom and dancesport. Held at a central location in Burlingame, this annual event offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness breathtaking performances, participate in diverse competitions, and immerse oneself in the vibrant culture of dance. This article is designed specifically for local users in the California region, providing a detailed overview of what makes the Autumn Dance Classic a must-attend event.

The Autumn Dance Classic is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of dance in all its forms. With an impressive history spanning over 71 years, this event has become synonymous with "elegance and artistic expression," solidifying its legacy within the California dance scene. As it enters its 72nd year, it continues to be "a testament to the enduring legacy and steadfast passion for dance." This long-standing tradition speaks volumes about the quality and reputation it has cultivated over decades.

Under the skillful organization, the Autumn Dance Classic is a highly anticipated event on the dance calendar, particularly for those involved in Pro/Am (Professional-Amateur), Mixed Amateur, and Amateur competitions. The event features an extensive schedule spanning several days, encompassing a wide array of dance styles and categories, ensuring there's something for every participant and spectator.

The vision for the Autumn Dance Classic is rooted in a deep understanding of dancers' needs. Olga Foraponova, the organizer, expressed her gratitude to be taking on the event and her excitement "to create this event through the looking glass of our competitors. The attention we have placed on the real needs of dancers is something I am deeply proud of. Diving into the process of finding the true value of a Ballroom Dance competition, we went added events that recognize and dignify all." This commitment to providing a valuable and respectful experience for all participants underscores the event's inclusive and supportive nature. It's a place where dancers can bring their "zeal for dance" to the floor and enjoy a "unique and distinguished weekend."

The Autumn Dance Classic is held at 1333 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA. This location in Burlingame, nestled in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, offers exceptional accessibility for attendees from across California and beyond. Burlingame is strategically positioned on the San Francisco Peninsula, making it a highly convenient hub for regional events.

Old Bayshore Highway runs parallel to the San Francisco Bay, providing direct access from major transportation arteries such as U.S. Route 101, which connects the Bay Area's various cities. This ensures straightforward driving routes for participants and spectators arriving from Northern, Central, and Southern California. The presence of ample parking facilities at or near the venue is typically a hallmark of events of this scale, accommodating the large number of attendees.

Furthermore, the location in Burlingame benefits from its proximity to significant public transportation infrastructure. The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is just a short drive away, offering convenience for out-of-state and international participants. Caltrain, a commuter rail line serving the San Francisco Peninsula, has a station in Burlingame, making it accessible for those who prefer public transit from San Francisco, San Jose, and intermediate points. Local bus services also operate in the area, providing additional options for getting to the venue. The combination of excellent road access, proximity to a major international airport, and public transport links makes the Autumn Dance Classic's location highly advantageous for all who wish to attend.

The Autumn Dance Classic offers an extensive and meticulously organized schedule of events catering to a wide spectrum of dancers, from emerging talents to seasoned professionals. The competition is designed to provide comprehensive opportunities for various age groups and skill levels within the ballroom and dancesport world.

• Pro/Am Events: A core component of the competition, allowing amateur dancers to compete with their professional instructors. These include both Closed and Open single-dance events across all levels (Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc.) in various styles.

• Mixed Amateur Events: Opportunities for two amateur dancers to compete together, fostering partnership and individual growth.

• Amateur Events: Dedicated categories for amateur couples to showcase their skills, including multi-dance challenges and championships.

• International Ballroom Events: Featuring traditional styles such as Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep, with competitions in single dances, challenges, and multi-dance events.

• American Rhythm Events: Showcasing dynamic and expressive dances like Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, and Mambo, with categories for single dances, challenges, and championships.

• International Latin Events: Energetic and vibrant dances including Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive, with various competition formats.

• American Smooth Events: Incorporating open movements and variations, these include Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz, with similar single dance and multi-dance opportunities.

• Argentine Tango Events: Dedicated categories for the unique and improvisational style of Argentine Tango, for both Closed and Open single-dance events across all levels.

• Country Western Events: A specific category for Country Western dance styles, offering Closed and Open single-dance events across all levels, catering to a diverse range of dance interests.

• Solo Showcases: Opportunities for individuals or couples to perform choreographed routines, including American Rhythm and International Ballroom/Latin Solos, as well as Open Professional ShowDance/Theater Arts.

• Scholarship Events: Prestigious scholarship competitions for various styles and age categories (e.g., A, B, C divisions, Under 21) offering significant awards to top performers.

• Youth and Senior Categories: Comprehensive events tailored for younger dancers (Teddy Bear, Pre-teen, Junior, Youth, Under 21) and senior amateur multi-dance events, ensuring inclusivity across age demographics.

• Professional Competitions: Featuring Professional Rising Star and Open Professional events in various styles (American Smooth, International Latin, American Rhythm, International Ballroom), attracting top-tier talent.

• Special Showdowns and Fashion Presentations: Unique events like the "New Experience Professional Friday/Saturday Night Showdown" and "World of Touch - Fashion Presentation" add excitement and flair to the competition schedule.

• Vendor Services: The event typically hosts a variety of vendors offering essential services for dancers, including dance costumes ("Totally Addicted to Dance"), professional hair and makeup ("Mariya Usan Studio," "Lashes and Brushes"), and other related products, ensuring convenience for participants.

The Autumn Dance Classic stands out as a premier dance event in California due to several distinguishing features and highlights that enhance the experience for both participants and spectators.

• Prestigious and Long-Standing Legacy: With over 71 years of history, the Autumn Dance Classic is one of the most established and respected ballroom dance competitions in California and the United States. Its longevity speaks to its consistent quality and enduring appeal within the dance community.

• Extensive and Diverse Competition Schedule: The event offers an incredibly comprehensive schedule across multiple days, featuring a vast array of dance styles including International Ballroom, American Rhythm, International Latin, American Smooth, Argentine Tango, and even Country Western. This diversity caters to all tastes and levels of dancers, from beginner Pro/Am to Open Professional events.

• Inclusive Participation Opportunities: The Autumn Dance Classic prides itself on inclusivity, providing numerous categories for all ages (Youth, Under 21, Adult, Senior) and skill levels (Pre-Novice, Closed Novice, Pre-Championship, Open). This ensures that every dancer, regardless of experience, has a chance to compete and shine.

• High-Caliber Professional and Amateur Talent: The competition attracts top-tier professional dancers in the Rising Star and Open Professional categories, as well as highly skilled amateur and Pro/Am partnerships. This guarantees a high level of performance and exciting competition for spectators.

• Focus on Dancers' Needs: The organizer, Olga Foraponova, emphasizes creating an event "through the looking glass of our competitors," prioritizing "the real needs of dancers." This focus ensures a well-run, fair, and dignifying competition experience for all participants.

• Scholarship Opportunities: The inclusion of various "Scholarship" events provides significant incentives and recognition for talented dancers, supporting their continued training and development in the dancesport world.

• Vibrant Event Atmosphere: Beyond the competition floor, the Autumn Dance Classic typically offers a full experience, including a welcome reception, evening sessions with professional showcases, and possibly fashion presentations, creating a distinguished and engaging weekend for all attendees.

• Convenient Access to Specialized Vendors: The presence of on-site vendors offering dance costumes, professional hair and makeup services, and other dance-related products adds immense convenience for competitors, ensuring they have access to everything they need for their performances.

• Central Bay Area Location: Being held in Burlingame, CA, provides excellent accessibility from across California via major highways, public transportation (Caltrain), and proximity to a major international airport (SFO), making it easy for participants and spectators to attend.

For inquiries regarding participation, tickets, vendor opportunities, or general information about the Autumn Dance Classic, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1333 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA

Phone: (512) 750-9315

Mobile Phone: +1 512-750-9315

The Autumn Dance Classic is an exceptionally suitable and highly anticipated event for California locals, particularly those with a passion for dance, whether as participants or spectators. Its unique blend of competitive rigor, inclusive participation, and a vibrant community atmosphere makes it a cornerstone of the state's dancesport scene.

Firstly, its remarkable longevity, now entering its 72nd year, speaks volumes about its sustained quality and importance. For Californians, attending an event with such a deep-rooted history provides a sense of tradition and continuity within their local dance culture. This long-standing presence reassures attendees of a well-organized and reputable experience.

Secondly, the extensive and diverse range of competition categories caters to every level of dancer. Whether you're a beginner Pro/Am participant taking your first steps onto the competitive floor, an amateur couple honing your craft, or simply a fan eager to witness world-class professional showcases, the Autumn Dance Classic offers a place for everyone. This inclusivity fosters a strong sense of community, allowing local dancers of all ages and abilities to engage with the sport. The specific inclusion of styles like Argentine Tango and Country Western further diversifies its appeal beyond traditional ballroom, attracting a broader spectrum of local dance enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the commitment of the organizer, Olga Foraponova, to understanding and addressing "the real needs of dancers" ensures a participant-centric event. This focus on creating a dignified and valuable experience sets the Autumn Dance Classic apart, making it a supportive environment where local talent can truly flourish. The availability of on-site vendors for costumes, hair, and makeup also adds immense convenience, simplifying the competition experience for busy Californian dancers.

Finally, the prime location in Burlingame, CA, offers unparalleled accessibility for residents across the state. Easy access via major highways, public transportation, and proximity to San Francisco International Airport makes attending the Autumn Dance Classic a convenient endeavor for anyone in California. For those passionate about dance, this event provides an invaluable opportunity to celebrate the art form, compete, learn, and connect with a dedicated community right in their home state.

Autumn Dance Classic

1333 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA