Developing New Talents at NCCCR

The life of a graduate student is very busy, but even in the midst of studies, exams, and experiments, one can still find the time to pursue other passions.

Justin David, a University of Delaware graduate student in the lab of Dr. Ayyappan Rajasekaran, recently competed for the first time at the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships with his partner Lindsay Ross. The event was held from April 3-5th in Baltimore. Justin and Lindsay danced in the Amateur Championship American Smooth Division against seventeen other couples from across the country. Consisting of the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz dances, the American Smooth style features erect and elegant posture, fluid movement into and out of traditional ballroom “hold,” and elaborate theatricality including turns, dips, and drops.

Justin and Lindsay performed well for their first time at the national level and made it to the semi-final round, beating out ten other couples to place 8th overall.