- Louise Del Carlo | 1993
- Laureen Baldovi | 2014
- Dawn Blorstadt Garrish | 2018
LAUREEN BALDOVI
Laureen Baldovi began her professional career on the competitive couples dance circuit in both country dance and WCS, with multiple UCWDC and US Open Champion wins. She has represented swing and country to the public in theatre, music videos, television and film, and remains active in the swing community as a teacher, competitor and judge.
Public Recognition:
Dance Biography:
Laureen Baldovi first learned WCS and two step with her sister’s friends in 1989. She competed in WCSDC competitions before partnering with Robert Royston in 1992. From 1995-1998, they won 4 consecutive UCWDC Masters (professional) titles and 4 titles at the US Open Swing Dance Championships, an unprecedented achievement. Until they announced their retirement as a competitive partnership in 1999, they competed, coached, choreographed, and danced Pro/Ams on both the country and swing circuits in the US and Europe.
Laureen was honored to dance in the Broadway show Swing! from 1999-2001. Representing their country roots, Robert and Laureen performed an East Coast Swing routine in cowboy hat and western boots.
Returning to the Swing competition circuit, Laureen started a new partnership with Ronnie DeBenedetta. They won Showcase at the US Open in 2003 and continued to place in the top 5 in many competitions. Laureen also returned to the UCWDC circuit in Pro/Am and was 2013 UCWDC Showtime Division Champion. Laureen was Co-Event Director of Coastal Country from 1999-2003.
Laureen continues to teach all forms of swing and country western, hustle and some Latin. She competes, coaches, teaches and judges nationally. An active member of the swing dance community, she shares her love of the dance and educating the “next generation.”