The Ohio Star Ball began as a one day showcase over 42 years ago, under the direction of Sam Sodano. With equal amounts of creativity, courage and perseverance, Sam has developed this Championship into the largest Pro/Am competition, not only in North America, but in the world today.
From its inception, the philosophy of the Ohio Star Ball has not changed. Competition is limited to one age and two consecutive levels, the venue is comfortable, the atmosphere familiar and friendly, and the event offers something for everyone, from the earliest beginner to the most advanced dancer of any age or level. The Ohio Star Ball of today is now a 6 day event with 70 Judges, 3 Chairmen, 3 Emcees, 7 Scrutineers, 2 Deejays, 9 Deck Captains and a 300+ page program!
With a minimum of 24 competitors in some single age categories with first rounds and quarter finals, the OSB Team runs this event like a well oiled machine with an on time schedule you can set your watch by.
Scholarship divisions are the best attended in the nation, with prize money provided in all Pro/Am, Amateur and Junior Divisions by both visible and anonymous patrons. And if you’re dancing for points or national ranking, the Ohio Star Ball is not only the grand finale of the World Pro-Am Dancesport Series, but is also a member of Dancers Cup Tour, Global Dancesport Series, DanceVision Circuit, and U.S. Dancesport Series.
Move out of the Regency Ballroom and visit the lower level of the Columbus Convention Center and you will discover the Ohio Star Ball Collegiate Dancesport Challenge, hosting collegiate ballroom competitors from over 40 different colleges and universities. Step into the Battelle Hall Arena to watch the Amateur and Junior competitors dancing by day, and the Open Professional Competitors dancing on Friday and Saturday night. If you are in the mood for a more sport oriented event, then grab some thunder sticks and cheer on your Regional Team for the World Pro/Am Team Match on Thursday night.
Tired of being on the sidelines? Want to learn some of the great dance techniques you’ve seen? No problem! Attend the Ohio Star Ball Dance Camp (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and learn the latest from an outstanding teaching faculty of Top Coaches and Professionals in the industry today.
Need some new shoes, dance wear or other paraphernalia? Go to Level 2 and shop ’til you drop! With over 40 vendors present, you had better bring an empty suitcase with you! And while you’re spending, your earning chances to win 2 double packages at the official OSB Raffle.
How do you keep track of all this activity? The OSB Team keeps you informed with the Ohio Star Ball Newsletter, which you will find available ONLINE every morning. The Newsletter will recap the results of the previous day’s events, let you know what’s coming up on the schedule, and even give you the dinner menu selected for that night! And while you’re in your room, tune in to Channel 12 and watch “Championship Ballroom Dancing”! With shows dating all the way back to 1984, you’ll get to watch many of today’s Judges and Officials in their competitive days. Its non-stop dancing 24/7!
Also the World Pro/Am Dancesport Series is pleased to announce a new category, in conjunction with the Fordney Foundation and the Ohio Star Ball, there will now be a Junior and Youth Dancesport series. As with the World Pro Am Dancesport Series, the Grand Finale will be held in Ohio 2019, with an overall Junior prize purse from the Fordney Foundation Totaling $25,000. The World Pro Am Dancesport Series is excited to continue this venture with the Fordney Foundation. For details about the new Junior and Youth Dancesport series, please go to www.fordneyfoundation.org and click on “Youthseries” at the top of the menu.
And finally, we have the Grand Finale of the Best of the Best Challenge. The qualified Pro/Am winners from many events throughout the year will battle it out for Top Honors!
Additional details are at our web site and on our Facebook page.
Web site: http://ohiostarball.com/
OSB Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ohiostarball