MI Fiesta Dance at the Commonwealth Classic 2025: Sparkle, Style, and Silver Wins
Did you know the Commonwealth Classic is one of New England’s most spirited ballroom competitions—especially when it lands right before Halloween? 👻
Once again, MI Fiesta Dance Studio brought the magic to the Crown Plaza Boston–Woburn from October 30 to November 2, 2025, proudly stepping onto the floor at the Commonwealth Classic Dance Competition.
This event has become a beloved tradition for our studio—an exciting mix of artistry, challenge, and community that we look forward to every year.
A Local Classic with a Big Heart
The Commonwealth Classic is beautifully organized and always buzzing with energy. Local studios from across Massachusetts fill the ballroom, ready to test their skills and showcase their progress.
The competition kicked off on Thursday with the Night Club division, and because it’s right before Halloween, there’s only one rule—come in costume!
This year, our MI Fiesta team—Lauren Paul, Irina Shapeton, and Eleanor Paglia— transported everyone straight into the roaring 1920s with Great Gatsby–inspired outfits. Feathers, pearls, suspenders—everything sparkled!
Although the “Best Costume” prize went to the pirates of Sabor Dance Studio, our Gatsby crew created such a glamorous atmosphere that the ballroom felt like a scene straight out of a 1920s movie. We had an absolute blast on the floor!
If you want to see how much fun was the last two years, just click on the link.
Wonderful Atmosphere On The Commonwealth Classic 2023
Join Us for a Free Intro Lesson!
Rhythm Friday: Irina Shapeton Shines
Friday was all about Rhythm style, and this year, Irina Shapeton took the spotlight for MI Fiesta.
Dancing with elegance and precision, Irina earned an impressive 2nd place in the Pro-Am Silver Scholarships Closed Silver C American Rhythm category—out of nine strong competitors!
Irina has been dancing with me for over ten years, and her progress is truly inspiring. I still remember her first lesson—she came in saying she wanted to learn Tango, and I smiled to myself thinking, “This will take some time.”
Well, she proved me completely wrong.
Smooth Saturday: Eleanor and Irina on the Podium
Saturday brought the Smooth division, and Irina continued her strong performance, taking another 2nd place in the Pro-Am Silver Scholarships Closed Silver C American Smooth event—this time in a field of six talented couples.
Her grace, control, and maturity on the floor showed how far she’s come.
Meanwhile, Eleanor Paglia stepped onto the competition floor for only the second time—her first being at the Yankee Classic 2025.
Back in June, she was still getting used to the competitive atmosphere. But at this event? She truly came into her own!
Eleanor danced with confidence and style, taking 1st place in both:
- Pro-Am 3-Dance Events Closed Bronze C American Smooth
- Pro-Am Bronze Scholarships Closed Bronze C American Smooth
Her radiant smile said it all—it was a well-deserved victory!
What Makes the Commonwealth Classic 2025 So Special
When people talk about MI Fiesta Dance at the Commonwealth Classic 2025, they often mention the results, the costumes, and the dancing—but we sometimes forget one of the most important ingredients: the vibe.
A great competition isn’t just about technique or trophies—it’s about the energy in the room. The laughter backstage, the applause between rounds, the shared excitement that connects dancers from every studio.
That electric atmosphere wouldn’t exist without two things: fantastic music and flawless organization.
Our heartfelt thanks go to DJ T-Bone from TK Dance Studio, who kept the dance floor alive all weekend long with perfectly timed tracks that matched every beat, mood, and moment.
And, of course, none of this would have been possible without Andrew Phillips and Helle Rusholt Yi, whose commitment and creativity make the Commonwealth Classic one of the most well-run and memorable competitions in the country.
Their passion ensures every dancer—whether beginner or seasoned pro—feels like part of something special. That’s what makes this event shine year after year.
What’s Next for MI Fiesta Dance Studio?
Our dancers will next perform at the TK Dance Showcase at Dance Studio Supershag West, where they’ll express the artistry and storytelling side of ballroom dance.
We’re also thrilled to announce that MI Fiesta Dance Studio will soon be teaching too at Sabor Dance Studio Natick!
If you’d like to get updates about our new classes, showcases, and upcoming competitions, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for all the latest announcements and behind-the-scenes fun.
