Ciao Amore 2015: An Incredible Dance Week in Roma

There are destinations that hardly ever register in your mind. Like one hour business trips, or layovers on the way to a longer business trip. Then there are those trips, those rare experiences, that are full-blown, incredible vacations.

For over a decade, the Ciao-Amore Dance-O-Rama® has been just that: A true dance vacation.

In locations like Venice, Monte Carlo, and, most recently, Rome - this event offers students, and teachers, a chance to visit some of the most beautiful cities on Earth.

Ciao Amore 2015: An Incredible Dance Week in Roma

Held at Hotel Cavalieri in Rome, part of the Waldorf Astoria hotel chain, there was no letdown whatsoever with the location. Voted as the top Hotel Spa in Italy, as well as the Best Italian Business Hotel by Travel and Leisure, this location had plenty to offer.

The festivities began Tuesday night with a reception that lifted the spirits of many a jet-lagged traveler. The first glimpse of the view, however, took care of everything.

With a crystal clear view of the city of Rome, and the Vatican, it was hard to resist the balcony view. Needless to say, the dance floor inside stayed relatively empty... and for good reason.

Hosted by organizers, Augusto Schiavo, and his wife, Brigita - they made everyone feel welcome.

A Toga Party Ceasar Would Be Proud Of

Have you ever eaten a dish that was executed so well, it almost made you want to stop cooking forever? If you were in attendance at the Early Activity Dinner/Toga Party, you may never go to a party wearing a sheet ever again in your life.

This Toga party was that good.

The ballroom, the decor, and the fact that the hotel had a Toga rental department suggested that this venue was no stranger to people dressing like the cast of Ben Hur. Arthur Murray professionals from all over the world mingled with their students in authentic Roman attire.

Once everyone was seated, in close-to-the-ground Roman fashion, the tables were outfitted with fresh fruit, delicious food, and then it happened. It may go down as the greatest entrance to a Dance-O-Rama® theme party. Strike that... it may go down as the greatest entrance to any party, ever.

John Kimmins, as Julius Ceasar, entered on a chariot, with two real-live horses, through the ballroom.

Yes, real animals, in a real ballroom, and the real President of Arthur Murray. Unbelieveable.

Making The Transition

Being on a dance vacation in Rome makes it easy to say, "I totally forgot I came here to dance!" That's part of the magic of an event like this. Fortunately, this event starts early in the week (Tuesday), which lets the Arthur Murray students, and teachers, make the gradual transition out of Tourist mode into Dance mode - on Thursday.

No Matter Where You Go

As soon as the dancing began on Thursday with the Closed Category freestyles, one thing was absolutely evident: The Arthur Murray curriculum is worldwide. Nothing will make you appreciate your dance program more than to see students from 10 different countries performing that material. Every shadow rock from Bronze 1 Tango, to passing twinkles in Bronze 3 Foxtrot were on display from students and teachers as far away as Lebanon, Taipei, and Australia, to name a few. With different customs, currencies, and cultures...

... Arthur Murray was the language everyone had in common.

Professional Competitions

Professional American Smooth

What happens when you combine the "American Smooth Style" with an Italian accent? You get the Professional Smooth championships at the Ciao Amore Dance-O-Rama® on Saturday night. 

"I thought the Ciao Amore Professional Smooth Final was fantastic, and reminiscent of any good American Style Final in that all the couples were so different! You can't beat the amazing reach and use of legs, frame, shape and head position of those that have grown up doing International Ballroom..."

This final round included professional Arthur Murray competitors from Italy, America, Australia, and Ukraine. Mark and Melanie Perkovich had a wonderful night on the floor and really showed why they are a part of the American Smooth elite in Arthur Murray. It was a tough competition, but the stars of the night were from Italy, Daniele Scalise and Alla Andryushchenko were magnificent in their lines, movement, and artistic interpretation. 

American Smooth: this form of ballroom dancing uses open frames, turns, spins, and separations - it has roots in the International Ballroom style, but with more freedom.

International Ballroom: Ballroom dancing while staying in dance position. With less freedom with dance positions, there is greater emphasis on fundamentals, shaping, and topline.

Professional American Rhythm

This final round competition featured couples from America, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Italy. In the end, it was the exciting young couple from Arthur Murray Kiev, Volodya and Polina, winning for the American Rhythm event. This versatile couple continues to impress in both the rhythm and smooth categories.

Overall, it was an incredible display of musicality, picture lines, and body rhythm - regardless of country. "Judging this competition several years in a row, it is a pleasure to see such improvement, and I look forward to more!" Coming from such an accomplished American style dancer as Jill DeMarlo, that's high praise for these up and coming competitors.

Final Thought

The first time you attend a Dance-O-Rama®, no matter where you go, it is like a convention. Similar to any professional industry, it is the "total immersion" approach to improving your dancing. There is a change that occurs in everyone that attends.

Your confidence grows, smaller events are less intimidating, and the next time you attend, it's no longer a convention...

... it's a family reunion.