John D'Auria Archives

Willie Kruger Competition Celebrates One Last Dance

John D'Auria started the show to honor his cousin and Twin Ports breakdancing pioneer, Willie Kruger, who died in 2010.

November 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH- Minn.- A decade of dance comes to an end in the Twin Ports, as the Willie Kruger Dance Competition brought the community together for one last dance in honor of the local breakdancing pioneer. “10 years with a competition that in the beginning that nobody thought that I could even get past one year by mixing all styles of…

Dance Competition to be First Event at DECC Since Start of Pandemic

While DECC is excited to open back up, the dance community is excited that they might be getting platforms to perform again.

July 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since March, the DECC in Duluth will play host to an event once again this weekend. The event is called the Ovation Dance Challenge, and capacity will be limited at the state guidelines of 250 people, with only family of the dancers allowed inside, and a livestream provided for anyone else who wants to…

Dancers Gather to Compete, Honor Fallen Breakdancer

9th annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition held at the Encounter.

November 23, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Tapping feet and grooving bodies filled the Encounter on First Street for the 9th Annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition, held in honor of the local breakdancing pioneer. Dancers came from around the country–from nine-year-olds to adults. Founder John D’Auria started the competition in honor of his cousin Willie, who died in 2010. According to dancers, the competition highlights…

Busting a Move at Willie Kruger Dance Competition

8th Annual Dance Competition Held at Sports Garden

November 11, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It started in 2011 with just 10 dancers. This year, 43 solo dancers and 13 dancing groups got their groove on for the 8th Annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition. The thump of bombastic beats, and the cheers from crazy crowds turn the Sports Garden upside down. The competition brings the community together every year. It not only benefits…

Talent Shines At 7th Annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition

Competition provides an event for dancers of all backgrounds.

November 5, 2017

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The 7th annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition took place Sunday, honoring Kruger who was known as a local break dancing pioneer. The competition brings together dancers from diverse backgrounds. Some performances were choreographed in the studio and others mastered their skills out on the streets, which is where Willie Kruger’s love for dancing originated. “There’s no competitions around…

John D’Auria

Willie Kruger Competition Celebrates One Last Dance

John D'Auria started the show to honor his cousin and Twin Ports breakdancing pioneer, Willie Kruger, who died in 2010.

Dance Competition to be First Event at DECC Since Start of Pandemic

While DECC is excited to open back up, the dance community is excited that they might be getting platforms to perform again.

Dancers Gather to Compete, Honor Fallen Breakdancer

9th annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition held at the Encounter.

Busting a Move at Willie Kruger Dance Competition

8th Annual Dance Competition Held at Sports Garden

Talent Shines At 7th Annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition

Competition provides an event for dancers of all backgrounds.

Current

Feels Like

Highs

John D’Auria

John D'Auria started the show to honor his cousin and Twin Ports breakdancing pioneer, Willie Kruger, who died in 2010.

While DECC is excited to open back up, the dance community is excited that they might be getting platforms to perform again.

9th annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition held at the Encounter.

8th Annual Dance Competition Held at Sports Garden

Competition provides an event for dancers of all backgrounds.

Latest News Update