The New Year is right around the corner, which means that it’s almost time for the Yuletide Ball DanceSport Championships. This year's Yuletide Ball takes place in Rockville, MD, from Dec. 29-31 and is destined to be one for the books, with incredible performances, strong competition, a captivating ambiance, and a New Year’s Eve show like you wouldn’t believe. 

Watch the 2017 Yuletide Ball LIVE on FloDance

Over the decades the Yuletide Ball has grown into a unique event in the ballroom world, which left us wondering how such a competition got started in the first place. 

Turns out the Yuletide Ball is the brainchild of respected ballroom dancer, teacher, and organizer Ron Bennett. As the longtime owner of the Chevy Chase Ballroom — one of the oldest ballroom dance studios in Washington, D.C. — Bennett threw a New Year’s Eve extravaganza in 1987 to celebrate the studio's 20th anniversary. The event was such a success that he decided to do it again the following year, and thus the Yuletide Ball was born. 

With over 50 years in the industry, Bennett envisioned a competition that would enable those passionate about ballroom dancing to ring in the New Year immersed in something they love. 

Since its inception that vision has become reality, and the competition has evolved to bring on two new well-known organizers, world-renowned pro dancer Irina Sarukhanyan and "Dancing with the Stars" champion Karina Smirnoff. Now 30 years later, the Yuletide Ball is regarded as an exceptional event that gathers the best dancers in the U.S. together for a weekend of celebration and joy. 

You can be a part of this year's competition by joining us LIVE right here on FloDance.com on Dec. 29-31.