Keswick dancer captures title at national event

By Jane Norris

Published: September 14, 2008

The Charlottesville area is home to yet another dance championship winner.

Darla Davies of Keswick recently won the U.S. Pro-Am Gold American Smooth Championship in the 35-to-50 age group at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando. Fla.

Ballroom dancers from across the country competed Sept. 2 through 6 at the United States Dance Championships.

Davies danced with her husband, Jim Maranto, as her partner. They competed against other pro-am couples in the American smooth category, which includes waltz, foxtrot, tango and Viennese waltz.

In pro-am events, the overall look of the couple is important, but the amateur’s technique and presentation are what actually are being judged. Davies said that she received first-place marks from all of the judges on all four dances.

It’s not the first dance title in the family, as Maranto is a two-time professional U.S. champion.

“He knew I wanted to win so badly,’’ Davies said. “He was as thrilled as I am.’’

Davies also has received coaching from another former U.S. champion, Lee Santos, who teaches weekly in Charlottesville.

Davies said that she had hoped for third place in the highly competitive category.

“For me to have won this is like a miracle,’’ she said. “All the girls I danced against were really, really good.’’

Davies said working with her partner gives her an edge. “He gives me confidence,’’ she said of Maranto.