New Mexico Dance Challenge

- Crown Plaza, 1901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

For dance enthusiasts across the Land of Enchantment, the **New Mexico Dance Challenge** is a landmark event, though its name often refers to a multi-day spectacular known to locals as the New Mexico Dance Fiesta. This "dance hall," in the sense of a grand venue for organized social and competitive dancing, brings together the region’s best in a celebration of movement, music, and community spirit. It serves as New Mexico's premier showcase for competitive ballroom, Latin, Country-Western, and swing dance, attracting both top-tier competitors and passionate social dancers from Albuquerque and beyond.

The atmosphere is renowned for being both highly professional for the competition segments and delightfully relaxed for social dancing and workshops. Unlike a typical weekly local dance spot, the New Mexico Dance Challenge is an annual, large-scale event that transforms a major hotel venue into a dynamic hub of dance for several days. It offers a unique opportunity for New Mexicans to witness world-class talent and participate in lessons and open social dances all under one roof. The excitement of the competition floor contrasts beautifully with the warm, welcoming environment of the general dance sessions, providing a perfect balance for all attendees.

The event's status as a **Fully Sanctioned UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council) World's Qualifying Event** underscores its importance in the national dance circuit, giving New Mexico competitors a path to higher-level championships. However, you don't have to be a competitive dancer to enjoy the energy; spectators are highly encouraged to attend, with admission available for individual sessions to simply sit back, relax, and chill, as one customer review noted, while enjoying the spectacular performances. The opportunity to learn from international experts through workshops also makes this a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their steps in a variety of dance styles.

This Dance Challenge is more than just a sequence of dances; it’s a temporary, vibrant dance hall providing high-quality, continuous activity throughout the multi-day event. By offering everything from morning workshops to evening social dances and spectacular dinner shows, the organizers ensure that the energy of the New Mexico dance community is on full display. It is truly an unmissable event that contributes significantly to the cultural fabric of Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area.

The New Mexico Dance Challenge event, or Dance Fiesta, takes place at a central and easily accessible location in Albuquerque, designed to accommodate a large number of guests, competitors, and spectators.

The official event address is: **Crown Plaza, 1901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA**.

This location is especially convenient for both local New Mexico attendees and out-of-state visitors, being situated near major highways and the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). The choice of the Crowne Plaza—a large, newly renovated Intercontinental Hotels Group property—ensures that the "dance hall" atmosphere is hosted in a modern and comfortable setting with ample amenities.

Accessibility is a key feature of the venue, ensuring all members of the New Mexico community can attend without complication:

• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Dedicated spaces are available for easy access to the venue.
• Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensures a smooth entry and exit for all patrons.
• Proximity to local attractions: The event often strategically aligns itself to be the weekend before the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, encouraging attendees to make a full New Mexico vacation out of their trip.
• Hotel amenities: Attendees benefit from newly renovated rooms, restaurants, and facilities on-site.

As a major annual event, the New Mexico Dance Challenge offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to both competitive and social dancers:

• **Dance Competitions:** High-level competitive events in a vast array of styles, including Ballroom (Smooth and International Standard), Latin (Rhythm and International Latin), Swing, and Country-Western.
• **UCWDC World's Qualification:** The Country-Western segments are a Fully Sanctioned UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council) World's Qualifying Event, drawing serious competitors.
• **Workshops and Lessons:** Multiple days of instruction across various tracks, often including West Coast Swing, Ballroom/Latin, and Country-Western, led by internationally renowned guest dance leaders.
• **Social Dancing:** Dedicated time slots each evening for open social dancing, allowing all attendees—from beginners to competitors—to practice their moves and enjoy the music.
• **Dinner Shows and Special Events:** Features a spectacular Saturday evening show, which is a sold-out event every year, featuring professional shows, formation teams, and social dancing often accompanied by live music.
• **Jack & Jill Contests:** Casual, fun-focused competitions in styles like West Coast Swing, Salsa, and Bachata, where partners are chosen randomly, encouraging social interaction and spontaneity.
• **Vendor and Sportswear Shops:** On-site opportunities to browse and purchase dance-related apparel, shoes, and accessories.

The distinct features of the New Mexico Dance Challenge make it a standout cultural and athletic event in the Southwest:

• **Premier Dance Showcase:** It is the region's top annual event for the serious study and competitive display of partnership dancing, offering a true "Dance Fiesta" atmosphere.
• **Diverse Styles:** Unlike many local studios that focus on one or two styles, this event immerses attendees in a comprehensive range of dances, including all five International Standard and International Latin dances, four American Smooth and American Rhythm dances, and several Club and Country-Western styles.
• **Star-Quality Instruction:** Workshops are typically led by nationally and internationally recognized dance professionals and coaches, providing New Mexico dancers with unparalleled training opportunities.
• **Fully Sanctioned UCWDC Event:** A critical draw for the Country-Western dance community, confirming its high standards and competitive legitimacy.
• **Prime, Luxurious Venue:** Hosted at the renovated Crowne Plaza, ensuring a comfortable, modern, and spacious environment for all activities, from the ballroom floor to the restrooms and dining areas.
• **All-Inclusive Experience:** The structure allows attendees to choose their level of participation, from purchasing an all-access pass for workshops and competition to buying single-session tickets for just spectating or social dancing.
• **Annual Vacation Opportunity:** The regular timing near the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta allows attendees to combine their passion for dance with a world-famous New Mexico cultural experience.

For inquiries regarding the New Mexico Dance Challenge, including registration, competitor details, and spectator information, locals can use the following contact details, primarily associated with the event and the venue:

**Event Location Address:** Crown Plaza, 1901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA

**Primary Event Phone:** (877) 270-1393

**Mobile Phone:** +1 877-270-1393

Note: As the New Mexico Dance Challenge is a large-scale, multi-day annual competition and festival, it is best to check the official event website or Facebook page for the most current schedule and registration details.

The **New Mexico Dance Challenge** is worth choosing for any dance enthusiast in the New Mexico region because it represents the highest concentration of competitive and social dance activity in the state, packed into one exciting weekend. It is the definitive local "dance hall" for those seeking a professional, yet friendly, environment to either compete or simply celebrate the joy of movement.

For competitors, it is essential—a sanctioned qualifying event with the chance to showcase skills in front of top judges. For social dancers and spectators, it is equally invaluable, offering access to high-quality instruction through multiple workshops and the chance to enjoy large, energized social dances on a top-tier floor, often to live music, all within a comfortable, accessible venue in Albuquerque. The sheer variety—from the elegance of ballroom to the energy of Latin and the fun of Country-Western—ensures there is something for everyone. This is the weekend where New Mexico truly comes alive with dance.

New Mexico Dance Challenge

Crown Plaza, 1901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA