Francesco Arietta
Director
Home of the 2 Time United States and World American Rhythm Champion
About Francesco
Francesco was born in Salerno, Italy and began his dance training at the age of 7. It was almost right away that his family recognized his competitive drive as he won his first championship that year in the “Italian Circuit” in the youth category. From there he was a finalist in the German Open, one of the most important competitions in the world. He then took 1st places in the Alassio Open (also won by Chuck Danza), Lithuania Open, Bulgarian Open, Netherlands Championship, Poland Championship, Macedonia Championship, Albania Championship. He placed 2nd in South European Championship and was a finalist in the Italian Championships in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2013. In September 2023, he is the current title holder of the two time United States & World American Rhythm Style.
Career
In November 2014 Francesco came to Philadelphia to explore the opportunity of joining the Academy. Along with teaching, Francesco has been competing in professional International Latin and has been a finalist in the nation’s most prestigious competitions including, Emerald Ball, Ohio Star Ball, Empire Dancesport, Manhattan Dancesport and more. He is now the current World and National American Rhythm Champion.
Accomplishments
Francesco Arietta and Jessa Mae Jarina Briones started dancing together after a successful try out in 2021. Francesco and his partner have devoted so much of themselves to dance and the impact that they have made on the Open American Rhythm Division is no less than explosive. As of June 2022, Francesco and his partner have claimed these titles:
- United States American Rhythm Champion 2024
- World American Rhythm Champion 2024
- World American Rhythm Champion 2023
- United States American Rhythm Champion 2023
- 1st Place at the Millennium Dance Championships 2022
- 2nd place World Professional Rhythm Dance Championships 2022
- 2nd place United States Dance Championships 2022
- 1st place DBDC
- 1st Place Ohio Star ball Professional Rhythm Dance Championships
- 1st Place Ohio Star Ball Professional Rhythm Show Dance Championships
- 1st place Empire Dancesport Championships
- 1st Place New York Dance Festival
- 1st place Philadelphia Dancesport Championships
- 1st Place Paragon Open Dancesport Championships
- His student won top gold student of the year
- Top Teacher 2018 World Dancesport Series
- American Rhythm and International Latin Specialist
- International Latin Specialist
- In house Dance Coach
- 1st place Top Teacher at Philadelphia Dancesport Championships 2016, 2017 & 2018
- 1st place Top Teacher at Ultimate Dancesport Championships 2016
- Top 4 in the Dancesport Series Top Teacher Rising Star 2017