Competing in the United States Dance Championships (USDC), America’s National Championships for Professional and Pro/Am competitors, is no small feat. It requires dedication, rigorous training, and an immense amount of perseverance. One of our studio’s students, Bobbie Childers, recently achieved incredible success at USDC, but her journey was far from easy. From intense practice sessions and strategic planning to the emotional highs and lows of competition day, her experience showcases what it truly means to commit to your passion. You may remember a previous Student Spotlight article where we featured Bobbie. If you’d like to go back and read that article, you can do so right here. In this article, we’re going to delve into her training routine, the support system that kept her going, and the lessons she learned along the way.
The Preparation: Building a Strong Team and Training Like an Athlete
When asked how she prepared for Nationals, Bobbie’s response was simple but powerful: “You don’t do it alone.” This is especially true for ballroom dancers, who must approach the sport like athletes. Having the right team in place makes all the difference.
For Bobbie, this team included her coach and Pro/Am partner, our very own Lukas Spisak, who constantly pushed and guided her toward improvement. “I work with Lukas twice a week (or three times a week during the final two weeks), with a minimum goal of five hours of practice outside of lessons,” she explains. These practice sessions weren’t just about rehearsing routines—they focused on the basics, such as foot raises and shifting weight from foot to foot. “I’m still working to improve those oh-so-important basic techniques,” she admits, recognizing that mastering fundamentals is the key to success in ballroom dancing.
Beyond her lessons with Lukas, she sought out additional coaching to work on specific areas, emphasizing the value of having multiple expert perspectives. But dance training alone wasn’t enough. “I needed to get stronger and lose some weight this past year,” she adds. To achieve this, she enlisted the help of trainer Tony Starr, who guided her through weight and strength training twice a week. Tony also helped her adopt a high-protein, balanced diet and taught her to stay hydrated, aiming for a gallon of water a day. With her nutrition on track and her physical strength improving, she was ready to face the challenges of competition season.
Her support system also extended beyond her coaches and trainers. “Completing my team is of course [my husband] Jim—my rock—who supports my dancing endeavor 100 percent,” she says, highlighting the importance of having a strong emotional foundation. With a solid team backing her, she set her sights on National Championships.
Overcoming First-Time Nerves: Her Debut at USDC
Her first experience at USDC in 2023 was filled with excitement, nerves, and a steep learning curve. Walking into the massive practice area, surrounded by signs that read “United States Dance Championships,” she recalls feeling overwhelmed. “Everywhere I looked, I saw dancers I recognized—the very best in the US, pros and amateurs,” she says. The intimidation was palpable, but with some deep breaths and focus, she found her rhythm.
Once she stepped on the floor, the initial nerves melted away. “I disappeared into my own world and forgot about those around me,” she reflects. After competing in the quarter and semi-finals, she had resigned herself to sitting back and watching the finals from the sidelines—until Lukas came running over with surprising news. “Get your shoes on! You’re in the finals!” he told her. “I was stunned and thrilled,” she recalls, describing the final as a “glorious” moment, despite her concerns about walking down the stairs to be announced on stage.
Strangely enough, walking down those stairs during finals introductions is a fear-inducing proposition for all dancers, students and professionals alike. There is not one competitor who has never felt the anxiety and dread of walking down the stairs during a stage introduction, despite walking up and down stairs on a daily basis! It’s just one of those things that every competitor can commiserate with.
Finishing 7th in an eight-couple final, Bobbie left USDC 2023 more inspired than ever, ready to return home, analyze videos of her performance, and get back to work. “The time and work is paying off,” she notes, confident in the progress she’s made.
The 2024 USDC Experience: Preparation and Pacing
This year’s USDC was a different experience altogether. Armed with the confidence gained from last year, Bobbie approached the event with a more structured plan. “We had made specific goals, and I had a strong plan in place for how to pace myself and what to eat,” she explains.
Arriving at the venue, she immediately ate, rested, and headed to the practice room to put in a few hours of work. Unlike last year, where the sheer size of the event felt overwhelming, this year everything felt familiar. “Stepping onto the practice floor was different; I wasn’t overwhelmed. This time, it was a friendly greeting or wave to those I had met over the past year, then I immediately got to work.”
What made this year even more special, she says, was her partnership with Lukas. “We have danced and coached together for two years now, and it just keeps getting better and better,” she shares. Their strong communication, mutual respect, and common goals have made their partnership a perfect match. “It’s just plain so much fun to dance with him,” she adds. Their growth as a team was evident in her performance this year, where she felt more relaxed, and experienced “a new freedom in movement.”
Competition Day: Moments of Camaraderie and Triumph
The day of the competition was filled with unforgettable moments, but two stand out to her. First, the sheer endurance required to dance through multiple call backs and heats close together tested her physical and mental stamina. “It was very well scheduled, but I was still pretty excited once we had finished that I made it through all the heats and rounds,” she says. Secondly, she points to the improvement in her floor craft—a skill Lukas had been coaching her on for months.
Floor craft refers to the art of navigating a crowded dance floor with grace and confidence, maintaining fluidity in movement while seamlessly adapting to the shifting dynamics around you. It’s the ability to move through the space without hesitation, always aware of your surroundings, yet never losing the essence of your performance or breaking the connection with your partner. Mastering floor craft allows dancers to respond to obstacles or crowded conditions effortlessly, ensuring that their performance remains polished and captivating, no matter how busy the floor becomes.
“Lukas is an absolute master at floor craft,” Bobbie says. However, her tendency to “drive the car” when she knows someone was about to cross their path has been a challenge. “He’s been working with me to keep moving even if we can’t go anywhere, and this year I was able to sit back, let him drive, and move seamlessly.” This improvement, she says, was a huge win.
Standing in the Final Lineup: The Thrill of Success
When the moment came to find out if they had made it to the finals, she waited anxiously for Lukas to confirm. “This year, I didn’t take off my shoes,” she laughs, referencing last year’s mistake. As they were lined up to be announced, the excitement began to build. “There’s something special about going down the stairs and taking your spot on the floor while the other finalists are clapping for you and each other,” she says, “even if those stairs are a little scary.” The thrill of having room to move freely during the final round made the moment even more magical. “There’s nothing like it,” she reflects.
Standing in the lineup, waiting for her award on that huge floor after the completion of the event, was equally surreal. As they announced the placements, she realized she was still standing there as each name was called. “I just looked at Lukas,” she says, recalling the anticipation of being in the top two. The win was just within reach! At last they announce Bobbie and Lukas as 2nd place silver medalists. While the moment felt surreal, it was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that had brought her to that point.
Celebrating the Win: Reflection and Rest
Unlike last year, where she had to return home early, this year she stayed the entire week to soak in the experience. After the excitement of competition day, she celebrated in a quiet yet meaningful way. “I went up to my room, sat on my balcony with my feet up, overlooking the water, and enjoyed a cup of hot tea,” she says. It was a moment of contentment, reflecting on the achievements of the morning and savoring the peace that followed. She spent the rest of the week taking American Smooth workshops, reconnecting with friends, and watching Lukas and his partner Eva compete in the U.S. Professional Smooth Championships, where they finished 8th in the country. “It was a perfect week,” she adds, grateful for the opportunity to rest and recharge after a long and fulfilling journey.
Looking Ahead: New Goals and Continued Growth
Now back home, she’s already thinking about what’s next. “This year has been a big one, between Blackpool Dance Festival [in England] and USDC,” she says. While she’s thrilled with her progress, she’s eager to continue improving. After reviewing the tapes from USDC, she and Lukas have made a list of areas to work on and ways to take her technique and expression to the next level. With Summit Dancesport Championships just around the corner and plans to return to Nationals next year, “It’s back to work,” she says, with determination and excitement for the future.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Dreams and Dedication
As she reflects on her journey, one thing remains clear: It takes a team, and it takes dedication. “I am so thankful for my team and so proud to be a part of the Aria Dance Family,” she says. From the dream of simply watching the Blackpool Dance Festival to dancing on that famous floor and placing at Nationals, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. “It is still all surreal,” she admits. Her advice to others is simple but profound: “Keep your dreams in front of you. Put in the work, trust your team, and never give up.”
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