The fourth leg of the WDSF Latin Grand Slam series is arriving shortly, and we all get to take part. This Saturday, August 11th, 2018, FloDance will be capturing live the excitement of the German Open Championship (GOC) of Stuttgart, Germany. With 292 couples registered thus far, this is one of the strongest and largest events hosted by the World DanceSport Federation - so large that the Latin Grand Slam lasts two days! The first round is hosted on Friday the 10th in order to make sure that all athletes get to perform and be properly evaluated. Who should we keep our eye out for this Saturday as the competition narrows?

Ever since Gabriele Goffredo and Anna Matus have announced their transition into the WDSF Professional Division in February of this year, the slot for the World Champion Title is now officially up for grabs. Each single World Ranking Tournament hosted by the World DanceSport Federation is of extreme importance, including the six annual WDSF Grand Slams. The competition is definitely on here in Stuttgart, Germany, known for hosting one of the most favored and cutthroat of all Grand Slams. The tension will be most visible between Marius-Andrei Balan and Khrystyna Moshenska of Germany and Armen Tsaturyan and Svetlana Gudyno of Russia. Stuttgart will be essential in placement, not only for competitive rankings, but also for the inner egos of both couples before the World Championship this coming October 6th, 2018.

A Closer Look:

Marius-Andrei Balan & Khrystyna Moshenska (Germany)

Khrystyna Moshenska won the Latin GrandSlam in Stuttgart two times in a row in the years 2013 and 2014 with her previous partner Nino Langella. 2018 will be the fourth year that she is coming back with new partner Marius-Andrei Balan to compete on home turf, as they represent the country of Germany. They are extremely hungry in taking home the grand title and many root for them to conquer this event. (Khrystyna and Nino Langella were 3-time WDSF Latin World Champions from 2012 to 2014).

Armen Tsaturyan & Svetlana Gudyno (Russia):

Armen and Svetlana won the Latin GrandSlam in Stuttgart in 2015 and ended up taking fourth place in 2016, a real blow to their rankings and inner ego – a terrible placement for them that was unexpected. The couple then decided to skip this major event in 2017. 

But they are back now!

One of the most prestigious competitions of the World DanceSport Federation, the German Open Championships, in some perspectives, is considered even greater than the WDSF World Championship. Couples from all around the world come together for this event. As soon as Stuttgart concludes this year, all couples will begin training for next year’s Stuttgart the day after. Because Gabriele Goffredo & Anna Matus retired to WDSF PD this year (the reigning 3-time WDSF Latin World Champions) - the World Champion slot is open. Armen and Svetlana have been conquering competition after competition this past year: this Grand Slam is essential not only for their ranking but for their inner confidence before Worlds in October.

Another Showstopper You Can't Miss:

Timur Imametdinov & Nina Bezzubova (Russia)

Ranked fourth in the World, Timur Imametdinov & Nina Bezzubova will also be representing the hosting country of Germany on Saturday. When on the dance floor, the love of the audience towards this couple is very clear. Timur and Nina are one of the most adored couples by the viewers, and, more than once, have received standing ovations after their performances. Their placement here at the German Open Championship may also be quite unpredictable, but it is quite known that many cheer for their success.

All will be on their feet this coming Saturday, August 11th at the Beethoven Hall of the Kultur & Kongresszentrum Liederhalle of Stuttgart, Germany. Come join us and experience the thrill of true DanceSport competition at its core as FloDance showcases the beauty and sport of this coming Latin Grand Slam.