City Lights 2009

I know it's rather early but I received an email that the dates have changed and that there will be a world champion couple performing (the info is also on their website)

Does anybody know who it will be, or at least when they will announce it? It says that it should have been this week but nothing yet.

I dare not hazard a guess. But I'm so there!
I'm also really glad it's ~3 miles from my new place. Double-win.

They have 2 pictures, one latin, one standard with the faces blurred out so you can at least guess from the costumes

standard couple looks like mirko/alessia -- i really hope it is them and that they are the couple performing!

oh that's great they've invited world standard champions!!! Last time I saw Mirko/alessia show is 2007 MIT, it was fantastic!!!

Mirko Gozolli and Alessia Betti at City Lights Ball in Jan 2009

This is exciting. Mirko and Alessia will be performing for the first time in the United Stated at City Lights Ball on January 31, 2009 in San Jose. As I understand it, they may be staying on to do some coaching as well.

I'm so impressed with City Lights Ball. Glenn Weiss and Barbara Gore have surprised and wowed spectators and competitors alike each year with their class. And because Glenn teaches so many of the top couples throughout the United States, he manages to attract them to his comps, so the dancing has been fantastic! Last year the pros on Sunday night did dance-ons for each of their dances. That was exciting! I hope they do that again. How often do you get to see the top dancers on the floor alone? Maybe if we all email them with the request, they'll oblige!

Anyway, I figured all you dance lovers out there would want a heads up on this fantastic, upcoming show and competition. <removed link>

katandmouse said:

This is exciting. Mirko and Alessia will be performing for the first time in the United Stated at City Lights Ball on January 31, 2009 in San Jose.

Click to expand...

So, what you're trying to say is this is their first time performing at City Lights Ball...

Definitely not Mirko/Alessia's first time performing in USA. I saw them at 2007 MIT, and also one or 2 years ago they performed at Hawaii star ball (I didn't attend but a friend emailed me comp site with their posters on front page)

Thank you for the correction. I thought this was their first time in the U.S.

Someone should change the name of this thread to "City Lights Ball 2009 - Mirko and Alessia to perform" or something like that so it is seen and the word gets out.

Or maybe not. There are only a limited number of coaching sessions available.

Just kidding of course. The U.S. needs to give them a very warm welcome so they come more often. Spread the word!

I live in the area, so if any of you want any info on the area, let me know. <removed link>

We also have a link to this competition in our competition and events guide.

Mirko and Alessia history??

Can anyone tell me how long Mirko and Alessia have been pro champs? How many years were they amateur champs? I hear it only took them 2 years after turning pro to win. Is that true? I can't believe they don't have a website with this info!

I think Mirko/Alessia turned pro in 2004, in their first pro appearance UK open '04 they made final in open pro (4th place). Then in 2005 Blackpool, they came 1st in tango and QS and 2nd in other dances, resulting 2nd in overall; in same year International, they de-throned Timothy & Joanne to became the new pro World champions.

City Lights Ball just added lots of multi-dance

My friend complained that there was nothing for her at City Lights Ball. (She's a senior.) I passed on her comment to Barbara and Glen, the organizers, and the next day they added 40 new multi-dance events! They used to have one per category with all ages combined. Now they have 3 age categories for each dance category and each level, including an additional Open Gold Adv category. They also added an additional Open scholarship and a senior scholarship. There's something for everyone now - and then some!

Mirko and Alessia's performance yesterday was breathtaking. I enjoy this competition a lot and wonder who they might bring in next year ...

anyone have any results? Open Pro Rhythm....or Open Pro Smooth?