Carol Braunhardt of Cary, competing in the recent Raleigh Summer Showcase and Dance Challenge, won first place in nine of 10 competitions, second place in the 10th, and first place in the Three Dance Challenge.

The event was hosted on Aug. 9 by A Step To Gold International, a widely acclaimed ballroom dance studio in Raleigh and a member of the U.S. Showcase and Dance Challenge organization. Nine other dance studios from throughout the Southeast competed along with nearly 100 competitors. Braunhardt has been dancing for less than two years and prepared for this competition in only five weeks under the direction of Dennis Porch, also of ASTGI, as her instructor and coach.

Carol and her husband, Dr. Charles Braunhardt, have attended classes with the entire staff at ASTGI and will enter the Bronze IV level class this Fall. ASTGI offers private and group classes at all levels.

Dancers were judged by Ilona Tiscenko and Kiril Arsov, both of whom are professional dancers, teachers and coaches who have been dancing and competing internationally for more than 20 years.

Festivities began at 10:30 a.m., included a fabulous buffet lunch and dinner and awards ceremony, and ended at 11 p.m. with a professional performance by the judges.

ASTGI also sponsors many open houses and other functions each year, as well as weekly dance parties. Call 781-6868 for information.