Officials
VBDC 2026
Dan Calloway
Adjudicator
Dan Calloway, Judge
Dan has been competing professionally, coaching, and adjudicating for over 30 years. He is an Asian-Pacific and United States professional 10-Dance Grand Finalist. Dan was the youngest dual fellow in the world with highly commended fellowships in the ballroom and Latin branches of The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing earned over twenty years ago. Dan serves as Chairman of Judges at the USA Dance Nationals and most of the national qualifying events. Among the many professional competitions he has won and titles he has earned are numerous “Professional of the Year” and “Top Teacher” awards.
Rick Zilonka
Adjudicator
Rick is a former ballroom dance instructor studio owner and area licensee and franchiser of Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Virginia. He is a licensed adjudicator and member of the Fred Astaire National Council of Dance. Rick is a championship qualified ballroom judge recognized and registered with the National Dance Council of American. Now retired after 40 years in the Ballroom dance industry, Rick Zilonka is a much sought after adjudicator and scrutineer for ballroom dance competitions across the United States.
Emily Drinkall
Adjudicator
Emily is the owner of ED Dance and teaches social and competitive students. Emily is a 12-time United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC) World Champion in a combination of Line Dance and Couples divisions. She is also a Journeyman Level Dual Judge in the UCWDC and has been adjudicating Country & Western Dance for 15 years. With a background in Latin, Ballroom and Country dance Emily is still an active competitor and professional on the Country & Western dance circuit traveling around the world judging and competing. Emily is honored to be a judge for the VBDC for 2026.
Jeff Miller
Master of Ceremonies
Bio coming soon.
Sara Austin & John Riffle
Competition Organizers
As of March 2025, Sara and John are the owners of the Virginia Beach Dance Challenge and are delighted to organize the event again this year!
Sara and John are also the owners of DanceSportVA and the Virginia Beach Dance Club. They actively compete in the UCWDC circuit throughout the year, and love finding ways to bring the dance community together, including adding Salsa, Bachata, and West Coast Swing Jack & Jill competitions throughout the year!
