Rockin' Country Dance Challenge

Why this event? Because the Rockin' Country Dance Challenge will be bringing together all varieties of partner dancing in a great location to enjoy a fantastic weekend of dancing!

We are excited to be bringing together dancers of all levels and styles to compete, take workshops, and even show off our skills at the Hard Rock nightclubs.

Great dancers, great teachers, great resort--who needs more?

Event Director--Kate Linkous

Kate began dancing at the age of 11, studying many dance styles but specializing in jazz as she moved thorough a dance company program in her teens.

When she arrived at The American University in Washington, DC, she had an opportunity to train as a teaching profesional in ballroom dancing. She spent her first several years under the instruction of a British champion in a top competitive studio, simultaneously learning the American and International styles of Smooth, Rhythm, Latin, and Ballroom [Standard].

As Washington, DC, had a wide and varied dance community, she also was able to train with top competitors and coaches in the styles of Country, West Coast Swing, and Salsa.

In addition to taking many students to competition in both the American and International styles, she began her personal competitive career on the Country floor. She followed that with Professional competition in the Ballroom world, dancing American Rhythm and American Smooth, including 9-dancing, in both the Rising Star and Open Professional Division, making the top 6 in several competitive events. She was also invited to work for a Latin World Champion in Las Vegas, NV, where she continued her competitive and teaching career.

In addition to dancing in a new professional partnership with Nicolas Rael, she owns a competitive studio in Norman, OK, and works as a teacher, coach, and judge.

Kate Linkous and Nicolas Rael invite you to join us for the debut of the

Rockin' Country Dance Challenge.

Co-Event Director--Nicolas Rael

In 2000, at 18 in Albuquerque, Nicolas discovered his passion for partner dancing, mastering Ballroom and Latin before becoming a certified instructor and collegiate judge.

After competing for years with professional partners, as well as many students in the styles of American Smooth and Rhythm, and International Ballroom and Latin, he found his home in the inclusive world of Country Dance. This inspired him to create the groundbreaking Rio Grande Dance Classic in 2016--a fully open role event that later joined the ACDA family.

Now, Nicolas and his Superstars dance partner Kate Linkous are launching this exciting adventure: the Rockin' Country Dance Challenge.