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About Gary & Diana McDonald
Gary & Diana both started dancing at a very early age (Gary at 7 years old, and Diana at 6 years old) and both come from dancing families. They are co-owners of the Rogers DanceSport Center in Fairfield, New Jersey, where they spend most of their time when they are not on the road. They are also co-organizers of the Manhattan DanceSport Championships, to be held July 20th-22nd 2000 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York city.

Gary and Diana have represented the United States at over 20 World Championships, both as Amateurs and Professionals. They have hosted and performed at dance competitions televised on NBC, ESPN, A&E and PBS. They have been joined by such celebrities as Debbie Allen and Suzanne Sommers. Their many DanceSport achievements include:

9 times United States Professional Latin Finalists 1991-1999
1992 United States Open Rising Star Latin Champions
1992 United States National Rising Star Standard Champions
3 times United States Standard Finalists 1995 1998 2000
Runner up British Open Rising Stars Latin Competition 1994
8 times Undefeated United States 10 dance Champions 1993-2000
1997 United States Professional Latin Champions
1997 World Professional 10 dance Champions (becoming the first ever couple from North America to ever win a world title)

As for their non-dancing hobbies? Gary plays golf & soccer while Diana enjoys cooking and working out! Together, they enjoy relaxing at home with their dog Buddy (a cocker Spaniel), and their 2 cats, Romeo and Alice.

1. Tell us a little bit more about yourselves.
I was born in Glasgow, Scotland and moved to the United States when I was 11 yrs old. I am now 31 and have one younger brother who is 27. Diana was born right here in New Jersey and has always lived here. She is 28 years old with no brothers or sisters. We have one dog, a cocker spaniel named Buddy and 2 cats- Romeo and Alice. I love playing golf and Diana loves to cook.

2. When did you start dancing?
I started dancing when I was yrs old. My parents had a dance school in Scotland so I took classes there and competed in Juvenile competitions. Diana's parents also ran a dance studio here in New Jersey so she started when she was 6 years old.

3. Did you dance together from the start?
No we have had several different partners. We started dancing together in April 1991 so we have been together for 9 years.

4. You are 8 times undefeated US Professional champions. How did you achieve this amazing result?
We have worked extremely hard for most of our lives and have been fortunate enough to be able to keep improving and stay ahead of the couples behind us.

5. Was there ever a thread?
No, fortunately all of our victories have been very convincing.

6. Are you afraid that Louis van Amstel and Karyna Smirnoff will take the title this year?
I would congratulate Louis Van Amstel and Karina Smirnoff if they won the title this year, they are very good dancers.

7. Do you think you have a change against this couple?
You should always feel like you have a chance against any couple. Just last week we competed against each other and they won 4 dances and we won the samba, but we won't go into any competition trying to compete with anyone. That will just distract you from focusing on your partner and your dancing.

8. By winning the world professional 10 dance title you were the first couple from the USA to ever win a world title. What was it like to win the title?
Winning the world title was by far the biggest honor of our lives. Especially as no other couple from North America had ever won it before us. To this day, it is still hard to believe that we actually did it!!
9. Why are so few Americans to reach the top in the amateur and professional field?
I wouldn't say that Americans are not rising to the top. The rising star latin at Blackpool has been won by an American couple for the last 2 years, and America also took 1st place in last years Rising Star Standard. We also had a couple in the final of the youth Latin!!

10. What is dancing in the USA like? Totally different from us in Europe, I believe?
The only thing different about dancing in the USA is that we have the opportunity to dance a competition every weekend. Because our country is so large there are normally 2 or 3 competitions to choose from on any given weekend.

11. In the USA they talk about the International Style of Dancing. What is the American Style?
The American Rythym consists of 5 dances - Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero and Mambo. The technique requires a more delayed straightening of the leg when dancing basic actions. The American Smooth division is Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz. The couples do not have to stay in closed hold......more like the classic showdance division without lifts.

12. What are your goals for the near future?
Our next goal is to win the Worlds 10 dance OUTSIDE of America. We lost it by one point in Holland last year so we are hoping to win it this December in Paris.

13. Are you present on the Internet? What's your URL?
Official Gary & Diana McDonald Fan Club Rogers DanceSport Center Home Manhattan DanceSport Championships