Dance, Dance Revolution: Killick Klassik Danceport

The world of dance will shine a spotlight on Boca Raton from August 13-17 for the inaugural Killick Klassik Dancesport. More than 4,000 professional and amateur dancers will descend upon the Boca Raton Resort and Club to compete in ballroom, international Latin, American rhythm and American smooth styles of dance in professional, amateur and pro/am divisions.

Named for famed British ballroom dancer Paul Killick, the international competition is the brainchild of both the namesake and six-time world Latin champion Shirley Ballas, aka the Queen of the Ballroom. Joining Killick and Ballas will be an international panel of adjudicators and judges, all dance professionals, dance instructors and masters of their craft—including Derek Hough (pictured, left), the five-time champion ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, and Mark Ballas, Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter and Dancing with the Stars two-time champ. Ballas and Hough will be on hand for VIP Champagne meet-and-greet sessions August 14 at 6 p.m. and August 15 at 1:30 p.m. (tickets cost $250 in advance, $300 the day of), as well as competing the evening of August 15, beginning at 8.

The Killick Klassik is a rare opportunity for fans of dance to watch professional and rising stars compete in a strictly regulated and judged event, all vying for more than $50,000 in prize money in various award categories, including Top Teacher Awards, Open Amateur Scholarships, Top Student Award, Adult Multi-Dance Pro-Am Scholarships, Top Solo Exhibitions Awards and Top Studio Awards.

• Broken into six sessions, dancing begins with amateur and pro/am matinee sessions from 8 a.m to -5 p.m., followed by professional sessions in the evening, beginning at 8 from August 14-16. Sessions are open to public; cost of attendance is as follows: $30 for matinees and the evening of August 14 ($10 for juniors), $60 for August 15 and the evening of August 16 ($30 for juniors).
• A welcome reception is scheduled for August 13 at 8 p.m. Admission is $95 per person.
• Banquet dinners are scheduled between dance sessions and cost $125 on August 14 and August 15, $135 per person August 16.
• For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit killickklassik.com.