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America's Ballroom Challenge!
Author - Karla Montez
Feb 25, 2009
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Fourth season premieres on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 9pm
The breathtaking elegance, fiery passion, sumptuous glamour, and awe-inspiring athleticism of competitive ballroom dancing returns to the small screen when the fourth season of America's Ballroom Challenge premieres on PBS. Shot in High Definition at the world's grandest ballroom dancing competition in Columbus, Ohio, the critically acclaimed show will air this year as a two-hour primetime broadcast event. America's Ballroom Challenge once again features 24 world-class couples competing across dance styles in pursuit of the title "America's Best."
All four major dance styles are featured during the broadcast American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, and International Latin with the focal point being the "show dances," in which each couple has the dance floor to themselves. After competing in front of a live audience and an international panel of judges, one couple will walk away with the crown.
Actress, singer, and dancer Jean Lousia Kelly (Yes, Dear; Mr. Holland's Opus) joins America's Ballroom Challenge as host this season. Ms. Kelly's career has included leading roles on television and in feature films. She also has an extensive musical theatre background and has appeared in numerous on and off-Broadway productions. Seven-time U.S. National Latin Dance Champion Ron Montez returns to join Ms. Kelly as co-host.
America's Ballroom Challenge executive producer Aida Moreno first brought competitive ballroom dancing to PBS with Championship Ballroom Dancing in 1980. "I'm thrilled to once again put the spotlight on this extraordinary, world-class competition and bring it before the PBS audience," says Ms. Moreno. "For years our viewers have been telling us that they look forward most to the 'show dance' portion of the competition. So, this year, we're focusing on those solos and dipping selectively into the earlier rounds in each dance style. This format packs an unprecedented punch sure to exhilarate viewers!"
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Ron Montez
Former Latin dance champion Ron Montez will be sharing his insider's perspective on the new season of America's Ballroom Challenge.
Mr. Montez was the long-time co-host of public television's Championship Ballroom Dancing, which featured top competitive ballroom dancers from all over the country. He shared the stage and his expertise with legendary hosts Juliet Prowse, Rita Moreno, and Sandy Duncan. He is thrilled to be returning to television in 2009, this time paired with host Jean Louisa Kelly. "I'm very excited to work with PBS and help to continue its tradition and commitment to presenting the finest competitive ballroom dancing on television," Mr. Montez says.
Ron Montez began dancing as a teenager at the suggestion of his sister, who was a dance instructor. He fell in love with the sport and soon began competing. Searching for ways to improve his craft, he entered Brigham Young University, where he studied and attended BYU's famous ballroom program. After leaving the program, he headed to the west coast, where he met his partner, Liz Curtis. They went on to capture many awards together. They won their first International Latin crown in 1979and defended it successfully every year through 1985.
Mr. Montez says he feels lucky to have had a competitive career that allowed him to compete and perform all over the world. "It has been an enriching and rewarding experience," he says.
Since retiring from competition, Mr. Montez has remained an active and integral part of the ballroom community as a teacher, coach, choreographer, and adjudicator in both American and International styles. Among his many projects:
As an examiner, he evaluates both professional and amateur dancers for certification.
He organizes a dance workshop in San Diego, which exposes dancers of all levels to world class coaches.
And, with his wife, Karla, he runs an annual dance competition in Chicago.
The Montez family lives in Arizona.
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