A Week to Remember: 2025 Regionals Dancesport in Nashville, Tennessee
Sep 2
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From July 23–27, our Celebrity Ballroom family had the privilege of traveling to Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2025 Regionals Dancesport. It was a week filled with unforgettable moments—both on and off the dance floor. From the sights and sounds of Music City to the thrill of competition, our time together was a perfect blend of celebration, growth, and community.
Exploring Nashville
We arrived on Wednesday, July 23rd, and settled into the beautiful Westin Hotel in downtown Nashville. That evening, we ventured to the Grand Ole Opry after enjoying a hearty dinner at Saltgrass Steakhouse. The Opry show was spectacular, featuring an incredible lineup including Mandy Barnett, Frankie Ballard, Rhett Akins, Jason Crabb, Ashlyn Craft, the Del McCoury Band, Charlie McCoy, and the debut of Mike “the Drifter” Flannigan—joined by the legendary Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top.
The night grew even more special with a backstage tour. We admired the stars’ dressing rooms, saw the historic hall of fame plaques, and even stood in the famous “Great Circle” on stage where countless country legends have performed.
A Day of Music and Culture
Thursday was packed with Nashville highlights. We visited the Country Music Hall of Fame, where we experienced special exhibits honoring Dolly Parton and Lainey Wilson. From there, we hopped on a tour bus to the iconic RCA Studio B, home to the grand piano Elvis Presley used on many of his tracks.
Lunch was at The Diner, a unique six-story restaurant in downtown Nashville, followed by a trip to the Johnny Cash Museum. The day ended with an extraordinary dinner at Bourbon Steak atop the JW Marriott—a dining experience we’ll never forget.
Dancing Into the Weekend
Friday marked the start of the competition, beginning with American Smooth. That evening, we enjoyed our Nightclub division, complete with a fun tropical theme. Saturday brought the excitement of American Rhythm dances in the morning and afternoon. A special highlight was Dave Moore’s emotional showcase performance of Two Hearts, first performed at our 2024 Showcase as a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Kathy, who continues to bravely battle Alzheimer’s.
Celebrating Achievements
Saturday evening was full of inspiring and joyful moments. Januel and Zoe made their professional debut in the Novice and Pre-Champ divisions, earning 2nd in Novice and 3rd in Pre-Champ—an outstanding start to their partnership. Due to an unexpected partner shift, Josh Crenshaw stepped in to dance with Kyra in Open American Smooth. With no practice and no pre-set routines, they placed 4th—an incredible achievement that proved the power of strong technique and teamwork.
The night was also a celebration of many well-earned awards:
Bill and Holly Welsh: Top Amateur Couple
Ashley Fowler: Top Bronze Amateur Female
Dave Moore: Top Newcomer Male
Josh Crenshaw: Top Teacher of the Entire Event
Celebrity Ballroom Dance Studios: Top Studio Award
In addition, Wendell & Yvette Hill, Ashley Fowler, Bill & Holly Welsh, and Dave Moore all earned numerous 1st and 2nd place finishes, including in their multi-dance divisions and scholarships.
A Tribute to Remember
The most powerful moment of the entire weekend came when our owner, Milly Elkin-Crenshaw, was given the honor of delivering a heartfelt tribute to her father, Daniel Elkin. She was joined on stage by her sister Lilly Elkin-Vickers, her brother Gabriel Elkin, and her uncle David Elkin—each continuing Daniel’s legacy of sharing the joy of dance.
The tribute ended in true Daniel fashion—with a celebration. To the beat of "My Roommate" by the Village People, dancers and spectators alike filled the floor, joining hands with strangers, forming a massive conga line that lasted more than two and a half minutes. It was joyful, spontaneous, and full of love—just the way Daniel would have wanted it.
Looking Ahead
Regionals 2025 was so much more than a competition. It was a celebration of dance, friendship, legacy, and the incredible community we’ve built together at Celebrity Ballroom. We left Nashville with full hearts, cherished memories, and even greater excitement for what lies ahead.
Here’s to carrying this momentum into our next adventures, both on the dance floor and beyond!
