The Ohio Star Ball began as a one day showcase 36 years ago, under the direction of Sam Sodano. With equal amounts of creativity, courage and perseverance, Sam has developed this Championship into the largest Pro/Am competition, not only in North America, but in the world today.

When you arrive in Columbus, look up and down the main street. Flags posted by the Columbus Convention Bureau announce this Championship as a major city convention. From its inception, the philosophy of the Ohio Star Ball has not changed. Competition is limited to one age and two consecutive levels, the venue is comfortable, the atmosphere familiar and friendly, and the event offers something for everyone, from the earliest beginner to the most advanced dancer of any age or level. The Ohio Star Ball of today is now a 6 day event with 70 Judges, 3 Chairmen, 3 Emcees, 7 Scrutineers, 2 Deejays, 9 Deck Captains and a 300+ page program!

With a minimum of 24 competitors in some single age categories with first rounds and quarter finals, the OSB Team runs this event like a well oiled machine with an on time schedule you can set your watch by.

Scholarship divisions are the best attended in the nation, with prize money provided in all Pro/Am, Amateur and Junior Divisions by both visible and anonymous patrons. And if you're dancing for points or national ranking, the Ohio Star Ball is not only the grand finale of the DanceSport Series, but is also a member of Dancers Cup Tour and the Global Spectrum event.

Move out of the Regency Ballroom and visit the lower level of the Hyatt Convention Center and you will discover the United States National Collegiate Championships, hosting collegiate ballroom competitors from 47 different colleges and universities. Step into the Battelle Hall Arena to watch the Amateur and Junior competitors dancing by day, and the Open Professional Competitors dancing on Friday and Saturday night. If you are in the mood for a more sport oriented event, then grab some thunder sticks and cheer on your Regional Team for the World Pro/Am Team Match on Thursday night.

Tired of being on the sidelines? Want to learn some of the great dance techniques you've seen? No problem! Attend the Ohio Star Ball Dance Camp and learn the latest from an outstanding teaching faculty of Top Coaches and Professionals in the industry today.

Need some new shoes, dance wear or other paraphernalia? Go to Level 2 and shop 'til you drop! With over 40 vendors present, you had better bring an empty suitcase with you! And while you're spending, your earning chances to win 2 double packages at the official OSB Raffle.

How do you keep track of all this activity? The OSB Team keeps you informed with the Ohio Star Ball Newsletter, which you will find under your door every morning. The Newsletter will recap the results of the previous day's events, let you know what's coming up on the schedule, and even give you the dinner menu selected for that night! And while you're in your room, tune in to Channel 12 and watch "Championship Ballroom Dancing"! With shows dating all the way back to 1984, you'll get to watch many of today's Judges and Officials in their competitive days. Its non-stop dancing 24/7!

The Ohio Star Ball will once again host the World American Style Championships. With the rising interest of Pro/Am dancing worldwide, the Ohio Star Ball has been selected by the National Dance Council of America to host these prestigious categories for 2013, now giving dancers from the four corners of the globe the opportunity to win a World title right here in the United States! And finally, the Grand Finale of the Best of the Best Challenge. The qualified Pro/Am winners from many compitetions will battle it out for Top Honors! The Ohio Star Ball invites dancers, judges, teachers and friends to join us for our 36th Annual celebration with plenty of dance action!!

For registration for the College event, please go to: http://www.usadancencc.org/ Note: The Collegiate Championships are organized by USA Dance.