She chased her passion east, competing with her partner, the late Stephen Hevenor. Together they conquered North America’s dancesport competition scene, awarded over 200 professional titles, from North American Champion to U.S. Open and World Smooth Finalists, and earned sponsorship from Chrisanne of London, Dore Dress Designs and Supadance Shoes.

Her legacy? Alongside her own dancing, Larinda forged champions from her students: her Pro‑Am gentlemen became World Vice‑Champions, Rising‑Star Champions, and Open National Finalists in all age groups, proof she didn't just dance, she built stables of confidence . She layered her art with science as a coach with the MIT Ballroom Dance Team, using biomechanics to teach effortless form and fluidity, making technique at all levels, social or competitive, feel as natural as breathing.

After stepping off the competition circuit in 2005, her next act began, first as the only woman crowned “Top Teacher” at the U.S. Dancesport Championships in 2009, then as a National Adjudicator for the NDCA judging everything from U.S. Nationals to World Pro‑Am Championships. She also sits at the heart of the dance world, as a member of the NDCA Ballroom Committee, and delegate to the North American Dance Organizers Alliance.