UNITED STATES TOURNAMENT OF DANCE, INC.
ISLANDIA, NY

The United States Tournament of Dance was founded in 1976 by Verona D’Amato (Ellis) and George Connelly. Verona and George successfully ran the George Connelly Dance Studios in New York for thirty years encompassing the studies of Performing Arts, Ballroom, and Drama. Together they held memberships in Dance Educators of America, Dance Masters of America, Society of Teachers of Dancing, Dance Teachers Club of Boston/American Society, Competition Teachers Council and the Professional Dancers Federation. In addition Verona served for thirteen years as the executive Secretary of the National Dance Council of America as well as an accredited adjudicator in both Ballroom Dancing and Performing Arts. During this time the duo ran several successful Ballroom Championships across the United States as well as directing world events on the international level. Their experience in producing and directing Ballroom competitions, and vast knowledge in the field of Performing Arts, prompted them to start the United States Tournament of Dance, Inc. ( a nationally recognized performing arts event) in 1976. Verona and George took all that they knew from running Ballroom Championships and applied it to Performing Arts. They were able to maintain the elegance and prominence of a Ballroom competition, while being organized and punctual in a ‘family friendly environment.’ Sean Flanagan, current President and CEO of the USTD, and nephew of Verona, joined Verona and George at the age of seven and began to travel with them serving as the “Official USTD Runner.” Together with the USTD staff, they helped to create the structure and framework for modern day performing arts competitions. In January of 2002, after having run a studio for thirty years, and the USTD for twenty-six years, Verona retired. Michael Flanagan was regrettably forced to leave his position as Merchandising Director due to an ongoing battle with Multiple Sclerosis. It was at this time that Sean Flanagan became President, CEO, and sole owner of the United States Tournament of Dance. Sean’s 20+ years with the USTD coupled with his business background and degree respectfully earned him this title. Sean’s wife Natasha Flanagan was appointed Championship Director, Deanna assumed the role of Scruiteneer, and Lou Cordileone became the Event Coordinator. Sean and Natasha, who are often affectionately referred to as the modern day George and Verona, have begun an expansion process that will take the USTD far into the future. It is their hope that their two children will one day continue to provide talented young competitors the opportunity to compete in a professional setting where fairness and fun come first. “USTD is by far our favorite competition. Nice venues, fair judging, and you can count on the events to be organized and on-time. They also provide a professional family-friendly atmosphere that my students love.” "Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance has been attending USTD for many years and we love it!! The competition is super organized and the entire staff is friendly and helpful!! My students and families love being apart of their (USTD) competition family!!” “USTD is by far our favorite competition. Nice venues, fair judging, and you can count on the events to be organized and on-time. They also provide a professional family-friendly atmosphere that my students love.” "Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance has been attending USTD for many years and we love it!! The competition is super organized and the entire staff is friendly and helpful!! My students and families love being apart of their (USTD) competition family!!”