Riccardo Cocchi and Yulia Zagoruychenko are arguably the best-known Latin dance couple in the world today. Together, they have won seven straight world championships, including last year's Blackpool Dance Competitions in both London and China. Ranked No. 1 in the world and in the U.S. in the professional Latin category, the reigning champions are in pursuit of another title at this week's Blackpool Dance Festival in Blackpool, England. 
 
The couple started dancing together in 2007, and although neither hails from the U.S., the couple in registered in America, meaning they represent the U.S. in competitions around the world.



Cocchi is originally from Terni, Italy, and grew up under the tutelage of his parents, both Italian ballroom coaches. He said he's known his whole life that he would be not just a professional dancer but also a world champion.

Zagoruychenko began ballroom dancing at the age of 7 in her home country of Russia. By the age of 12, she had one her first national title as the Russian junior champion. Zagoruychenko moved to the U.S. to dance with her former partner and has since been awarded the Carnegie Corporations' "American by Choice" award, which is bestowed to "exceptional U.S. immigrants."

When you watch these two dance, it's clear as to how they've amassed so many world titles. They are dynamic and captivating. Their technique is decisive and unparalleled. Apart, they are equally potent and beguiling, but together they are a indomitable force that spectators and judges alike praise and adore.



This couple is definitely at the top of list of must-see competitors at this year's Blackpool Dance Festival. Let us watch and enjoy as the world-renowned couple fights to defend its title for yet another year.