Dance Fire co-owners and Dance Masters Florin Vlad and Natalia O’Connor reached the semifinal of the 2026 World Professional Ballroom Championship in Gatineau, Quebec, placing 11th in that championship.

We are delighted to celebrate this result with our studio community. Thank you to organizer Meryem Pearson and the National Dance Council of Canada for hosting the event.

From Gatineau to Capital DanceSport

The following day, Florin and Natalia traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete at the Capital DanceSport Championships. They finished fourth in the Open Professional Ballroom Championship. Congratulations to organizers John and Marianne DePalma on the competition’s 30th anniversary.

Recognizing our supporters

The weekend’s update also welcomed Natalia’s new dress sponsor, TID International Design of London, and thanked Freed of London for its longstanding support as Florin and Natalia’s dance shoe sponsor.

Ballroom dance for your own goals

Professional competition is one part of Dance Fire’s story. You can also explore dancing for social enjoyment, a wedding, or a performance of your own. Visit our new-student lesson offer or learn about our Pro-Am experience if competition interests you.

Contact the studio to discuss a starting point suited to your experience and goals.

Photo credit: Tomasz Reindl Photography for the professional World Championship photographs.