

Recap of the 2024 Smoky Mountain Invitational
Oct 10, 2024
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Recap of the 2024 Smoky Mountain Invitational
From September 19th through the 21st, Celebrity Ballroom Dance Studio took part in the 2024 Smoky Mountain Invitational, held in the scenic town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This year, we were thrilled to have six of our outstanding students join us: Bill and Holly Welsh, Wendell and Yvette Hill, Lora Lee Stewart, and Ashley Fowler. Alongside their teachers—Josh Crenshaw, Milly Elkin-Crenshaw, and Reece Manterola—they showcased months of hard work and dedication on the dance floor.
A Magical Start in the Smoky Mountains
Our weekend began on Thursday evening, where we enjoyed the natural beauty of Anakeesta in Gatlinburg. The laser light show in the mountains was the perfect way to kick off the event and set the tone for a weekend filled with fun, elegance, and unforgettable performances.
Smooth and Nightclub Dances
Friday was an exciting day, beginning with smooth dances in the daytime, followed by our nightclub performances in the evening. The weekend’s theme, Elegant Egyptian, brought a special touch to our performances, with dancers donning Egyptian costumes for the nightclub dances and showing off their creative flair. Unfortunately, Holly Welsh sustained an injury on Friday, but Milly stepped in to partner with Bill Welsh for the rest of the weekend. Holly, ever the team player, cheered on the group with all her energy and spirit.
Rhythm and Professional Competitions
Saturday was dedicated to rhythm dances during the day, with students performing exceptionally well. Our professionals took the stage in the evening, making us incredibly proud. Reece Manterola and Kyra danced in both the Professional Pre-Champ and Professional Open Smooth divisions, securing second place in Pre-Champ and fifth place in Smooth. In a remarkable debut, Khalun Jones and BreAnna Smith competed in the Professional Novice and Pre-Champ divisions, earning third in Novice and fifth in Pre-Champ.
Top Awards for Celebrity Ballroom
Saturday night was filled with accolades and celebration as Celebrity Ballroom dancers took home top honors. Bill Welsh was awarded Top Newcomer Male, Wendell and Yvette Hill were recognized as the Top Amateur Couple in Bronze, and Ashley Fowler received the Top Bronze Female award as well as the prestigious Top Student Overall award. Josh Crenshaw was named Top Teacher Overall, and Celebrity Ballroom won the coveted title of Top Small Studio Overall. We are humbled, grateful and extremely proud of the Celebrity Ballroom Team.
The awards were some of the most beautiful we’ve ever received, with our Top Studio Award being a stunning textile directly from Egypt, adding an extra special touch to our weekend of success.
Thank You to Our Amazing Students
We are beyond proud of all our students who danced with grace, determination, and passion throughout the competition. Traveling with them is always a joy, and we love showing them off on the dance floor. A special thank you goes to the organizers, Sam Gordon and Kisa Abbott, for hosting such a wonderful event. The Smoky Mountain Invitational was elegant, beautiful, and memorable. We are already looking forward to next year!
Click here to see photos from the 2024 Smoky Mountain Invitational.