The United States Dance Championships (USDC) is the country’s premier ballroom dance competition. For this reason, it awards the US championships to the winners of the professional divisions. This year it’s scheduled for September 7-12, 2020 in Orlando, Florida.

In light of our current situation, here’s an important message from the organizers of the USDC…

“…USDC 2020 is still on the schedule to proceed as normal – but again, this is a highly volatile situation at this point. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues well into the year, we will reevaluate the event, but since September is still 6 months away, we will take a cautious “wait and see” approach. Of the utmost importance is the health and safety of our dancers and attendees, so please trust in us that we will make the correct decision on running USDC 2020.“

Let’s take a look at some of the current United States Dance Championships Professional Champions of 2019.*

*Also included is a list of the 2019 competitions in which each couple participated, along with their placements. Credit http://www.usdancesportranking.com for the information.

American Smooth Professional Champions

Nick Cheremukhin & Viktorija

Nick and Viktorija are the subjects of an inspiring short film about some of the obstacles they overcame in order to pursue their passion.

1. Ohio Star Ball 2019: 1
2. Galaxy Dance Festival 2019: 1
3. USDC US Championship 2019: 1
4. Embassy (World) Ballroom Championships 2019: 1
5. The NV Ball Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
6. International Grand Ball Championship 2019: 1
7. DBDC 2019: 1
8. Manhattan Dance Championship 2019: 1
9. Millennium Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
10. Great Gatsby Gala Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
11. Blackpool Dance Festival 2019: 1
12. New Orleans Open Dancesport Championships 2019: 1
13. San Diego Ballroom Beach Bash 2019: 2
14. San Francisco Open Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
15. Tri-State Challenge Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
16. Superstars Dancesport Championship 2019: 1

American Rhythm Pro Champions

Andre Paramonov & Natalie Paramonov

Andre and Natalie began dancing together at a young age. Because of their talent and hard work, they hold numerous titles in South American Show Dance and International Latin.

However, their students began asking for training in the American style. And, of course, they obliged. Andre and Natalie decided the best way to increase their own knowledge of the American style would be to compete professionally in it. Good thinking! Because of this, after only a few short years, here they are, US National Rhythm Champions.

1. Grand National DanceSport Championships 2019: 1
2. USDC US Championship 2019: 1
3. Embassy (World) Ballroom Championships 2019: 1
4. The NV Ball Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
5. Heart of America Championships 2019: 1
6. Empire Dance Championship 2019: 1
7. Volunteer State Dance Challenge 2019: 1
8. Twin Cities Open Ballroom Championship 2019: 1
9. Manhattan Dance Championship 2019: 1
10. Millennium Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
11. Great Gatsby Gala Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
12. Blackpool Dance Festival 2019: 1
13. Crown Jewel of Dancesport 2019: 1
14. Emerald Ball Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
15. San Diego Ballroom Beach Bash 2019: 1
16. Tri-State Challenge Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
17. Heritage Classic Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
18. Superstars Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
19. Platinum Dancesport Classic 2019: 1

International Ballroom Pro Champions

Victor Fung and Anastasia Muravyova

After being encouraged by their social dancing parents, Victor and his 3 siblings started dancing and competing as young children. Despite his young age, Victor immediately took to it and ultimately began looking for a professional partner.

Eventually, Victor and Anastasia met and they began their partnership in 2009.

1. Embassy (World) Ballroom Championships 2019: 1
2. Desert Classic Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
3. Emerald Ball Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
4. San Diego Ballroom Beach Bash 2019: 1
5. Superstars Dancesport Championship 2019: 1
6. City Lights Open 2019: 1
   

International Latin Pro Champions

Riccardo Cocchi & Yulia Zagoruychenko

Riccardo and Yulia began dancing together in 2007. They retired last year (2019) after a super-successful run as US National Latin Champions (10 years).

Playful, attentive, high-energy…these all describe this incredible couple. With this in mind, spend some time with their videos and you’ll quickly learn the importance of personality on the dance floor.

1. USDC US Championship 2019: 1
2. Embassy (World) Ballroom Championships 2019: 1
3. Empire Dance Championship 2019: 1
4. DBDC 2019: 1

As someone who has competed professionally at the United States Dance Championships, I can tell you it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

It’s been fun going back and learning about some recent champions. In addition to their videos, there’s lots of information about their backgrounds, and experiences. Keep dancing, even if it’s only through these champions.

If you’re moved to see some more dance videos, try this Dance Safari post, “YouTube Dance Videos You’re Gonna Love“.