A recognition that rewards years of commitment, passion, and dedication to promoting DanceSport around the world.

It was an honor to share this event in the presence of the highest authorities in sport:
Luciano Bonfiglio, President of CONI
Diana Bianchedi, Deputy Vice President of CONI
Marco Di Paola, Vice President of CONI

It was a great pleasure to meet Giovanni Malagò, a true icon of Italian sport.

I wish to thank the President of FIDESM, Laura Lunetta, Vice President of the WDSF and Member of the National Council of CONI, for her trust, constant support, and visionary leadership, which is allowing Italy to regain a leading role on the international scene.

A special thanks to the leadership of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF):
Mr. Shawn Tay, President WDSF
Mr. Nenad Jeftic, Vice President for Sport
Mr. Sergey Nifontov, Secretary General

Three extraordinary individuals who, with dedication, professionalism, and passion, work every day for the growth and global promotion of DanceSport.

Proud and happy to be part of this great international family.

#DanceSport #WDSF #FIDESM #Rome2025 #GrandSlam #InternationalDanceSportChampionships #PalaTiziano #DanceSportEurope #PietroBraga #PassionMeetsExcellence

International DanceSport Championships – Rome, 3-4-5 October 2025 – PalaTiziano

Being officially introduced and receiving a public acknowledgment from the WDSF President, Mr. Shawn Tay, for my international work was a moment of great pride and deep emotion.
This recognition rewards years of dedication, passion, and commitment to promoting DanceSport worldwide.

It was a true honor to share this event in the presence of the highest authorities in sport:
Giovanni Malagò, President of CONI
Luciano Bonfiglio, President of FIDS
Diana Bianchedi, Deputy Vice President of CONI
Marco Di Paola, Vice President of CONI

My sincere thanks go to the President of FIDESM, Laura Lunetta, Vice President of the WDSF and Member of the CONI National Council, for her trust, constant support, and visionary leadership that is bringing Italy back to a leading role on the international scene.

A special thanks to the leadership of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF):
Mr. Shawn Tay, President WDSF
Mr. Nenad Jeftic, Vice President for Sport
Mr. Sergey Nifontov, Secretary General

Three extraordinary individuals who, through their dedication, professionalism, and passion, work every day for the growth and global promotion of DanceSport.

Proud and happy to be part of this great international family.

#DanceSport #WDSF #FIDESM #Rome2025 #GrandSlam #InternationalDanceSportChampionships #PalaTiziano #DanceSportEurope #PietroBraga #PassionMeetsExcellence

From their opening waltz, the duo mesmerized both the audience and the judges. Each movement was a masterclass in technical excellence, executed with seamless control and refined grace. Their impeccable posture, timing, and balance reflected the work of seasoned professionals at the height of their craft.

Yet, beyond technique, it was their musicality that elevated the performance into something transcendent. Glukhov and Glazunova didn’t just dance to the music — they became the music. Every phrase, every note was translated into motion with remarkable emotional sensitivity. Their connection to the score created a deeply immersive experience, pulling the audience into the rhythm and soul of each dance.

What truly set this pair apart, however, was the undeniable synergy between them. The chemistry shared by Glukhov and Glazunova was authentic and electrifying. It was evident in every turn, every glance, every breath they took together on the floor. Their unity and mutual trust formed the emotional core of a performance that was both technically faultless and profoundly human.

Their gold medal in Calvià is a defining achievement, not only for them as a couple but also for Moldovan dance sport. In a field of elite competitors, they stood out not only for what they did — but for how they made people feel.

With this European title, Alexey Glukhov and Anastasia Glazunova have solidified their status as one of the most compelling and accomplished couples in the world of Standard dance. Their triumph was more than well-earned — it was unforgettable.

]]> 10788 https://www.dancesportsystem.com/interview-with-valerio-bilancioni-silvia-badiali-italian-elegance-in-standard-dance/ https://www.dancesportsystem.com/interview-with-valerio-bilancioni-silvia-badiali-italian-elegance-in-standard-dance/#respond Fri, 28 Mar 2025 17:39:26 +0000 https://www.dancesportsystem.com/?p=10720 We’re delighted to speak with Valerio Bilancioni and Silvia Badiali, 2025 Italian National Champions, winners of the WDSF Open in Montichiari, and one of the top Senior II Standard couples on the international scene.

How did your partnership in dance begin?
Silvia: “We started dancing together in 2004, combining our passion and fully dedicating ourselves to the Standard discipline.”

What have been the most significant moments in your career?
Valerio: “Winning the 2025 Italian National Championships (Assoluti) in Rimini was a dream come true. We also placed 1st at the WDSF Open in Montichiari 2025, and took 4th place at both the WDSF World Championship in Rotterdam 2024 and the European Championship in Lyon 2025. These achievements motivate us to aim even higher.”

How do you prepare for top-level competitions?
Silvia: “We train with discipline and consistency at New Professional Dance in Rome, guided by our coaches Fabrizio and Sabina Ronca. Mental preparation is just as important as the physical.”

What are the biggest challenges of staying competitive in the Senior II category?
Valerio: “Staying physically sharp and adapting to the evolving technical demands. The international level rises every year.”

Do you have a favorite Standard dance?
Silvia: “English Waltz, without a doubt. It captures the essence of elegance and flow that we love to express on the floor.”

What are your goals for the future?
Valerio: “We want to reach the podium at the European and World Championships and proudly represent Italy at the highest level.”

What advice would you give to young dancers dreaming of a DanceSport career?
Silvia: “Love what you do. Never give up, even in tough times.”
Valerio: “Choose great teachers, trust the process, and never lose your passion.”

📍 Highlighted WDSF Results:

• 🏆 Italian National Champions (Assoluti) – Rimini – 2025

• 🥇 1st – WDSF Open Senior II – Montichiari – 2025

• 🏅 4th – WDSF World Championship Senior II – Rotterdam – 11/10/2024

• 🏅 4th – WDSF European Championship Senior II – Lyon – 15/02/2025

• 🥇 1st – Cagliari Open Senior II – 23/11/2024

• 🥉 3rd – Vienna Open Senior II – 26/07/2024

• 🥇 1st – Foligno Open Senior II – 18/05/2024

• 🥈 2nd – Lazise Open Senior II – 21/01/2024

• 🥉 3rd – Cambrils Open Senior II – 30/03/2024
  (Source: WDSF Official)

We had the pleasure of speaking with Angelo Anneseand Lisa Cudin, an Italian couple makingwaves in the Standard and Show Dance categories on the international stage.

How did you meet and when did you start dancing together?
Lisa: “We met in 2021 and officially started dancing together on September 6th that year.”
(WDSF Couple Profile)

What are the most significant results in your career so far?
Angelo: “One of the highlights was placing 2nd at the WDSF World Championship Show Dance Standard (Adult) in Sitges, Spain, on December 7th, 2024.”
Lisa: “We also won 1st place in the Rising Stars Standard category in Bassano Del Grappa (April 14, 2024) and Pistoia (March 30, 2024).”
(WDSF Results)

How do you prepare to stay competitive in both Standard and Show Dance disciplines?
Angelo: “We dedicate many hours to both technical training and creative choreography. It’s about mastering the mechanics and the emotion.”

What has been the most challenging moment in your dance journey together?
Lisa: “Competing internationally against top couples is always tough, but it’s what pushes us to grow.”

Do you have a favorite dance among the Standard repertoire?
Angelo: “We both love the English Waltz. Its elegance and musicality allow us to showcase our connection and style.”

What are your goals for the future in DanceSport?
Lisa: “To keep improving, break into higher world rankings, and proudly represent Italy across major championships.”

  What advice would you give to young dancers aspiring to compete                       internationally?
   Angelo: “Consistency and passion are key. Every competition is a                             chance to evolve, no matter the outcome.”
    Lisa: “And never forget to enjoy it. Joy on the floor is contagious.”

Interview by DST Journalist

DST Journalist: What’s your pre-competition routine?

Darina: I like to wake up around 6:00 AM so I have enough time for hair and makeup if it’s a midday competition. After that, breakfast with Tomas is the best moment—it sets the mood for the whole day, just the two of us. Then, I usually dance a little, listening to music that really vibes with me.

Tomas: I try to keep my mornings as normal as possible. I start with a walk, followed by a cold shower. Breakfast is a must—especially with an espresso. After that, I start my preparation by styling my hair and ironing my tailsuit. This whole routine makes competition day feel special.

DST Journalist: Any rituals or superstitions?

Darina: I try not to use anyone else’s shoe brushes—unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Tomas: Honestly, the whole competition day feels like one big ritual. I have a specific time and method for preparing my shoes. And if we have long breaks between rounds, I like to practice body scan meditation to stay focused.

DST Journalist: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on the dancefloor?

Darina: I was around 15 or 16, dancing with my previous partner. During a Viennese Waltz, I said some “forbidden words” out loud… I’m pretty sure the judges heard me!

Tomas: I once fell during a show dance performance. Definitely unforgettable… unfortunately.

DST Journalist: How do you handle technical disagreements during practice—and outside the studio?

Tomas: In the studio, we usually try both approaches and decide together what works best. If we still can’t agree, we ask our coach. Outside the studio, we might talk about it, but if there’s no solution, we leave it for the next practice or try it out at home.

Darina: If the disagreement is about something visual—like direction or movement—we record a video, check how it looks, and fix it. If it’s about internal feeling, it’s harder. We take a break, step outside to calm down, and then slowly start talking. Sometimes we try things at home, and by the next day, it usually works better during practice.

DST Journalist: What do you think sets you apart from other couples in your category?

Darina: I’d say our style—it’s sporty, classic, and elegant. And honestly, I think my emotions make us memorable.

Tomas: Our coaches always push us to be creative and build our own choreographies. That creative process helps us discover new ideas and shape our unique style.

DST Journalist: Is there a figure or choreography element that truly represents you?

Tomas: We always try to create standout elements in every choreography—whether it’s through creativity, musicality, technique, or connection with the audience. That’s how we express who we are.

Darina: For me, it’s the right lunge we do in the corners with a quick head turn. I love those moments when I can lock eyes with someone and create emotional contact.

DST Journalist: Do dancefloor tensions ever follow you home? How do you disconnect?

Tomas: Sometimes, yes. When it happens, we take time to relax first and then talk it through with a fresh perspective.

Darina: It’s hard to disconnect, but we really work on it because we want to protect our relationship. Usually, one of us takes the first step with a hug, and we move on. Later in the evening, we discuss things calmly. We also have a free day—Tuesday—where we’re just a regular couple and don’t talk about dancing at all.

DST Journalist: What’s the best technical advice you’ve ever received?

Darina: To find my own comfort and personal understanding of the technique—especially when someone says it looks good.

Tomas: To find and use the technique that fits me best.

DST Journalist: Between the two of you, who’s the perfectionist and who loves to improvise?

Darina: At the beginning, I was the improviser. Now, I care a lot about perfecting things like footwork and posture. But I’m still flexible with other elements.

Tomas: I used to be the perfectionist and Darina the improviser, but now we’re much more balanced.

DST Journalist: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Tomas: In the final of the World Championships.

Darina: I would love to dance at Versailles. I just adore the majesty of palaces.

DST Journalist: What’s your ultimate dream—on and off the dancefloor?

Darina: My dream is to be a dancer that people remember, someone special they associate with something unique. Of course, I want to reach the finals and win, but most of all, I dream of being recognized by everyone—audiences, dancers, judges—so that when they see us, they immediately know who we are. Outside dancing, I dream of growing a popular Instagram to share meaningful content, but it’s all connected to dance. And a personal dream—I’d love to own a hotel-restaurant someday.

Tomas: My ultimate dream is to find my best version of dancing—one that truly deserves to win. Off the dancefloor, I dream of owning a Lamborghini.

DST Journalist: Who are your favorite teachers and why? How do you choose them?

Darina: Our home coaches Lina and Donatas Veželis—they’re always close to us, inside and outside the dancehall, supporting us and helping us discover our style. Pietro Braga also made us rediscover music in a totally new way thanks to his knowledge. I choose coaches who really see what makes me and us unique. There are many good coaches, but our favorites—Lina, Donatas, and Pietro—are always close.

Tomas: Donatas and Lina gave me the chance to dance with Darina, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Since then, they’ve been our teachers. And Pietro Braga is another favorite for his deep knowledge of musicality, his structured teaching, and the innovations he brings to the entire DanceSport community.

Tomas Janonis and Darina Antonova proudly represent Ukraine, bringing passion, precision, and artistry to every step. Their dance is more than competition—it’s a story of dreams, emotions, and relentless pursuit of excellence. And we’ll be following them, wherever their journey leads.

How did you meet and when did you start dancing together?
Aleksandra: “We met in March 2023 and have been dancing together since then.” (WDSF Profile)

What have been the most significant milestones in your career so far?
Lorenzo: “One of the key moments was in November 2024, when we placed 13th at the World Open Latin in Cagliari, Italy. The same day, we ranked 11th in the World Open Standard.”

How would you describe your experience at the 2023 WDSF World 10 Dance Championship in Portugal?
Aleksandra: “It was incredible! Competing in the Latin final with such an energetic crowd was unforgettable.” (Video)

What’s the biggest challenge in competing in both Standard and Latin as 10 Dance athletes?
Lorenzo: “Staying equally strong in both disciplines is tough. It takes constant training and focus.”

Do you have a favorite dance among the ten? If so, which one and why?
Aleksandra: “I love Tango — it’s passionate, intense, and powerful.”

What are your future goals in DanceSport?
Lorenzo: “To keep improving and proudly represent Italy on the international stage.”

Any message for young dancers dreaming of a career in DanceSport?
Aleksandra: “Never give up. It’s hard work, but every sacrifice is worth it when you step on the floor.”

Thank you, Lorenzo and Aleksandra. We wish you continued success!

Sponsor by PB Dance Shop Italy