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RICHARD & LAURIE COLLETT
Theatrical Ballroom Dance Champions, Performers, Adjudicators
Richard & Laurie Collett are ballroom dance champions, performers, and owners of Rhapsody Ballroom, Tampa, FL. They are undefeated US Amateur Open to the World Theatrical Champions from 1999-2003 & US Amateur National Cabaret Champions from 2002-2003. They are former Triple Crown Champions, Southeast Regional Champions in Cabaret & American Smooth, & finalists in American Smooth & Standard ballroom dancing at the Ohio Star Ball, US DanceSport Championships, & US National Amateur Championships.
Since turning professional in Sept. 2003, Richard & Laurie Collett have been US representatives and finalists at the 2003 Invitational World Professional Exhibition Championships held in the Netherlands, 2003 Southeastern States Theatrical Champions, Grand Finalists in the 2004 US Open Cabaret/Showdance Championships, & 2004/2006 Triple Crown Theatrical Champions (the only couple in 31 years to win that title both as amateurs & as professionals).
Richard & Laurie Collett specialize in Theatre Arts and Cabaret, but have also held championship titles in American Smooth, Rhythm, International Standard & Latin.
The Colletts' innovative choreography, showy & musical style, & dramatic portrayals of classical and popular themes have brought them many invitations to perform both nationwide & abroad. Notable roles include Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Marilyn Monroe, Miss Saigon, Fire & Ice, Carmen, Spartacus, Rhapsody in Blue, Whatever Lola Wants, The Woman at the Well, & Memoirs of a Geisha.
Richard & Laurie Collett have given live solo performances in Japan, Ireland, Hong Kong, & Italy; at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, St. Petersburg Coliseum, Ringling Performing Arts Center, & Goldcoast Ballroom. While dancing with the US Professional American Style Team tour of Russia, they were televised throughout Russia & danced to live audiences of 5000 in Moscow & 8000 in Leningrad.
Richard & Laurie Collett's TV appearances include interviews & competition dancing on the Learning Channel documentary, “The Secret World of Ballroom Dancing;” 2006 documentary “Swing has Sprung;” PBS special "Evening of Championship Dancing;" "Daytime;" & news & talk shows. In 2003 they were featured solo dancers with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra led by Erich Kunzel. The past two years, Richard and Laurie participated in "Celebrity Dancing in Tampa Bay",where ten professionals and ten local celebrities "competed" to raise money for The Spring of Tampa Bay, an organization for abused women and children. The event took place at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and drew over 1600 people, raising over $85,000.
Richard Collett, a retired Chief Petty Officer in the Navy, is a real estate manager and Laurie Barclay Collett is a neurologist, consultant, & writer for WebMD/Medscape & other clients. Their 18 year-old son, Brendan, is an accomplished pianist & a graduate of Lee Academy for the Gifted. He is now attending University of South Florida Honors College.
Richard & Laurie Collett are available for shows & championship adjudicating, & are members of the Terpsichore Society certified as judges in all 5 styles. Richard is also an accomplished MC, & Laurie gives lectures offering medical and holistic perspectives on DanceSport & on the art of ballroom dancing.
Contact us at the Rhapsody Ballroom, home of great ballroom & Latin dancing in Tampa, FL! Cell: 813-220-1143; Email: rhapsodyballroom@aol.com
Laurie is an independent distributor for MonaVie, a juice blend based on the acai berry rich in antioxidants. Richard and Laurie begin each daily practice with MonaVie. Learn more at:
MonaVie: Praise Him With Dance!
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Richard & Laurie Collett
"Fire & Ice"
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Richard & Laurie Collett: "Marilyn Monroe"
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