Between February 15 and 17, ballroom dance competitor Alina Blakesley took a sweeping victory in the beginner level competition with first place in 10 dances in the International Standard style, featuring the Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz and Quickstep, and six first place and two second place in the Latin Rhythm style, featuring Rumba, Bolero, Cha Cha, and East Coast Swing.

This annual event is held at The Eastern United States Dancesport Championships at the Renaissance Waterfront Hotel in Boston. Dance teacher Christian Clayton, owner of the Swing and Sway Dance School in Rockland, prepares students for the ProAm event. Each student can improve their technique and work towards more advanced levels.

Blakesley, 65, started taking dance lessons five years ago. “Each year I look forward to the competition which allows me to work towards a goal,” she said. “It is my health program where I can combine fitness, stamina, and artistic expression. I plan to continue well into my seventies.”