Trophy for Chance to Dance ballroom team

by Dani Wilkins
Contributing writer
Four students of Chance to Dance Ballroom recently set out on an adventure across the country, flying from Cortez, CO to Huntsville, AL for the 2026 Southern States Showdown Ballroom Competition.
Students were able to see beautiful Waltzes, sharp Tangos, energetic Swing dances as well as many others including Bolero, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Foxtrot and Rumba.
One local student, who would rather not be named, placed first in every round he danced, earning him medals and a trophy for Top Male Newcomer dancer.
Chance to Dance studio went on to win the largest trophy of the competition, the Top Traveling Studio award. Of the studios which traveled to the competition, Chance to Dances’ combined students’ score beat all the others.
If you see Sharon Wangelin, Mike Piper, Mike Carter or Dani Wilkins, be sure to say congrats and ask them all about it.