Larry Dean

Born: June 23
Hometown: Huntington, West Virginia
Current location: Sarasota, Florida
Current status:

NDCA Adjudicator
WDC Adjudicator
Instructor
Choreographer
Dance Studio Founder
Competition Organizer
Chairman of Judges
Invigilator
Emcee

Larry Dean is the organizer of The Triple Crown & Crown Jewel DanceSport Championships, a series of four fantasy DanceSport competitions synonymous with five star hotels, world class shows, superb ballrooms, and stunning gifts. Larry is a past president of the Florida Dance Teachers Association as well as the National Dance Teachers Association of America and a past vice-president of the National Dance Council of America.

Contents [hide]

1. Overview
2. Distinguished Competition Organizer
3. DanceSport Official
4. Accomplishments
5. Entrepreneurship
6. Photo Gallery
7. References

Overview

Larry Dean first ventured onto an Arthur Murray dance floor to please a woman, but he soon learned there was more to the Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot than meets the eye. The studio owner realized Larry's potential and offered him an opportunity to join the Arthur Murray team. He trained at night after working his full-time day job. He rode to the studio on his bicycle, his dance shoes safely under a poncho. Who would have thought that a paratrooper serving in Vietnam would become an icon of Ballroom Dance? Even that young six-foot-tall soldier had no idea he would go from engineering submarines to designing the world's most luxurious dance competitions!

After dance became his full time job, Larry had the knack for turning studio after studio into successful operations. Before long, he struck out on his own as an independent.

Ballroom event organizer, professional and Dancing with the Stars competitor Nick Kosovich refers to Larry as an all-around first class operator. He looks after everyone as family and sets the highest of standards for his events. "Larry," he said "takes pride in our industry."

Distinguished Competition Organizer

With his wife Dianne, Larry created four fantasy DanceSport competitions all part of The Triple Crown & Crown Jewel DanceSport Championships. Their names are synonymous with five star hotels, world class shows, superb ballrooms, stunning gifts, and a warm welcome.

The Southeastern States DanceSport Championships are the "First Leg" of the Triple Crown DanceSport Events. The Southern States DanceSport Championships are the "Second Leg", the Crown Jewel of DanceSport, the "Third Leg" and the Florida State DanceSport Championships are the "Grand Finale".

For many years, Open to the World at the Breakers was Larry and Diane's signature competition. It attracted dancers and professionals from all over the world. According to competitor and seasoned professional Alan Williams, "Larry sets the gold standard for elegance and prestige in the industry. His presence is felt in every detail of his competitions. Each event unfolds in splendor and perfection."

DanceSport Official

Larry Dean is a past president of the Florida Dance Teachers Association as well as the National Dance Teachers Association of America. He is also a past vice-president of the National Dance Council of America.

Larry has lobbied for the state of Florida dance industry for many years. For over 35 years, he has owned and operated Ballroom Dance studios and competed as a Professional and Pro-Am competitor for many years.

Currently, he is an adjudicator for the National Dance Council of America certified in International Style Standard, International Style Latin, American Smooth, American Rhythm and the Theatrical Style. He is also a World Dance Council (WDC) Adjudicator, an Invigilator, and an emcee.