Bree Watson

Bree Watson was born in Savannah, Georgia, and began studying ballet and tap at age two. Her early training at the North Carolina School of the Performing Arts established a foundation in theatrical presentation and precise footwork that would define her later competitive work. Watson entered ballroom dancing through Theater Arts in 2002, and in 2003 relocated to Phoenix, where she formed a professional partnership with Bulgarian-born dancer Decho Kraev. The partnership's early success came in Theater Arts: they won the 2007 United States National Professional Theatrical championship and the 2007 Ohio Star Ball Professional Theater Arts title. In late 2007, they began working with coach Sam Sodano, whose Hip Lift Technique for American Rhythm became central to their approach. The couple then shifted focus toward American Rhythm competition, reaching the 2008 Blackpool Dance Festival Professional Invitational Exhibition final and winning three consecutive Emerald Ball Professional American Rhythm titles between 2009 and 2011. Their peak achievement came in American Rhythm at the national and international level: the National Dance Council of America records Watson and Kraev as United States National Professional Rhythm champions in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and as NDCA World Professional Rhythm champions in 2010, 2011 and 2012, representing the United States. From competition, Watson transitioned into coaching, choreography and teaching. Her current work emphasizes helping dancers develop individual performance voice alongside technical foundation. As of 2026, she offers private social, wedding and competitive coaching in the Phoenix metropolitan area.