Two young dancers from Bucks County are proving ballroom dancing is more than performance \u2014 it’s an elite sport.<\/p>\n
At Brilliant Dancesport Studio in Feasterville, 11-year-old August Komkov and 9-year-old Mia Mogilevsky train like elite competitors.<\/p>\n
“You have to be strong \u2014 lower body and upper body,” August said.<\/p>\n
Mia remembers feeling nervous when she first started.<\/p>\n
“My first lesson, I was a little shy,” she said.<\/p>\n
You wouldn’t know it now.<\/p>\n
Though August and Mia have only been dancing together for about a year, their chemistry on the dance floor is clear \u2014 even if their partnership sometimes comes with a little playful honesty.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes she’s moody, and sometimes she’s in a really good mood, and sometimes she wants to sleep,” August joked.<\/p>\n
“It is true,” Mia laughed.<\/p>\n
Individually, both dancers have already spent years developing their craft.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been dancing for four years,” Mia said.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been dancing for six years,” August added.<\/p>\n
Their commitment is serious. They practice six days a week and compete around the world.<\/p>\n
The pair has represented Team USA in international dancesport competitions, including events in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, where they brought home gold.<\/p>\n
“It feels great,” they said together. “It feels really good to be a world champion.”<\/p>\n
When many kids their age are focused on screens, these two are focused on rhythm, discipline and results.<\/p>\n
For August, ballroom dancing has also helped shape his confidence.<\/p>\n
“I used to think it was really weird that I danced \u2014 like it was more feminine,” he said. “But I realized someone who does wrestling is hugging sweaty guys and pinning them to the floor. I’m just dancing with beautiful girls.”<\/p>\n
Their energy, dedication and teamwork show why ballroom dancing demands the same level of training and focus as any other competitive sport.<\/p>\n
These young champions are proving ballroom dancing deserves a place in the same conversation as other elite athletics.<\/p>\n
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