The dancers of Columbus unite

Local dance company hosts V-day party at BOMA

By Dwayne Steward

Metromix

Much like the theater scene in Columbus, the city's dance industry features a vast and talented collection of artists, but the genre often suffers from a lack of exposure, sadly making it another of the city's best-kept secrets.

Companies like BalletMet and the Columbus Dance Theatre have made their way into the city's mainstream consciousness, but there are many genres that have become overlooked. Case in point: national champion ballroom dancers Izabella Jundzill and Alexander Thomas, who run the Premier Ballroom Dance Company, located at 8494 Cotter Street, Lewis Center. (They also have a second location in Wilmington, Del.)

In order to bring together the dancers of Columbus, they're putting on a series of massive parties that will be open to the public, in order to show off what the city's dance community has to offer.

Six major dance events will take place over the next six months, leading up to the Buckeye Ball, the city's first major dance competition featuring all genres of dance. Premier Ballroom kicks off the first party, titled "The Rose Party," on Valentines Day (Sunday, Feb. 14) at the Bar of Modern Art.

"I'd say the dance community in Columbus is just as big as that of Chicago, but I feel like everyone is so segregated," said Jundzill, who's been dancing professionally for 17 years, five in Columbus. Jundzill and Thomas started Premier Ballroom two years ago after a successful three-year partnership on the competition circuit. 

"We just thought, ‘We all have the same passion, why don't we unite and do something together.' "

Each of the monthly events will feature quickie dance lessons for those among us who only dance (drunkenly) at weddings, while the experts will also have their chance to shine as the evenings will be host to preliminary qualifying competitions for the Buckeye Ball, set to be held in August. The first preliminary competition at the party in February will be for dancers who specialize in swing and Argentine tango.

"Each event is going to have a different type of dance for the preliminary rounds," Jundzilll said. "But the main focus of the party is about opening up the dance floor for all the dancers in town and trying to bring everyone under one roof."

Jundzill, whose company specializes in social and competitive ballroom and Latin dance, is professionally partnered with world ballroom champion Nazen Hamza. The pair will also be making an appearance to perform at The Rose Party. This will kick off a theme of featured performances by famous local dancers at each of the parties. Jundzill and Thomas are hoping to land a few national celebrities for the Buckeye Ball.

Along with the amateur dance lessons, the night will include prizes and free samples from Yor Health (the event's main sponsor), a buffet of appetizers that's included with admission, and a VIP section.

"There are going to be some great performances by professionals, but don't be mistaken, this party is for everyone. It's not limited to only dancers," Jundzill said. "We'll make sure you at least learn the box step before [you] leave."

"The Rose Party" runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb.14, at the Bar of Modern Art. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $35 for VIP. To purchase tickets or for more information about the dance company or the Buckeye Ball, visit the Premier Ballroom Dance Company Web site.