The 2009 Arnold DanceSport Classic Junior Latin Champions will return to Columbus this weekend to participate in the Ohio Star Ball in downtown Columbus.
John Gaylan, 14, of Begenfield, New Jersey and Alexandra Gutkovich, 10, of Monroe, New York are the No. 1-ranked U.S. Junior Couple and the reigning International Latin DanceSport Champions.
The vibrant pair captured the hearts of the Arnold DanceSport Classic crowd in March in capturing the Junior 1 Latin title. The couple was congratulated afterward by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, among others.
“I have worked with this young dance couple from the beginning of their partnership a little more than a year ago,” said coach Benito Garcia, who trains the pair at his studio in New York City. “This is my first time working with children. As a teacher, I feel very privileged to work with such great young talents and spirits. They challenge me to do my homework to be able to find a way to unlock their potential.
“To be so challenged is exciting and rewarding beyond my expectations.”
John and Alexandra recently cracked to the world top 10 ranking with a strong showing at the prestigious Imperial competition in the U.K. They have also recently competed or performed in Germany and the Bahamas.
In addition to the Arnold DanceSport Classic, the young pair is also Capital DanceSport Junior Latin Champions, Eastern United States Junior Latin Dance Champions, Yankee Classic Junior Latin and ShowDance Champions and Empire State Junior Latin and ShowDance Champions.
“The sky is the limit for John and Alexandra,” Garcia said. “The main competition they have is within themselves.”
The 32nd-Annual Ohio Star Ball will be held through Sunday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The weekend will once again feature the World Pro / Am Championships and World Professional American Smooth and Rhythm Championship, giving Ohio Star Ball competitors from around the globe the opportunity to win a World Title.
The vibrant pair captured the hearts of the Arnold DanceSport Classic crowd in March in capturing the Junior 1 Latin title. The couple was congratulated afterward by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, among others.
“I have worked with this young dance couple from the beginning of their partnership a little more than a year ago,” said coach Benito Garcia, who trains the pair at his studio in New York City. “This is my first time working with children. As a teacher, I feel very privileged to work with such great young talents and spirits. They challenge me to do my homework to be able to find a way to unlock their potential.
“To be so challenged is exciting and rewarding beyond my expectations.”
John and Alexandra recently cracked to the world top 10 ranking with a strong showing at the prestigious Imperial competition in the U.K. They have also recently competed or performed in Germany and the Bahamas.
In addition to the Arnold DanceSport Classic, the young pair is also Capital DanceSport Junior Latin Champions, Eastern United States Junior Latin Dance Champions, Yankee Classic Junior Latin and ShowDance Champions and Empire State Junior Latin and ShowDance Champions.
“The sky is the limit for John and Alexandra,” Garcia said. “The main competition they have is within themselves.”
The 32nd-Annual Ohio Star Ball will be held through Sunday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The weekend will once again feature the World Pro / Am Championships and World Professional American Smooth and Rhythm Championship, giving Ohio Star Ball competitors from around the globe the opportunity to win a World Title.
The Ohio Star Ball also features the Pro / Am Standard Gentlemen Only Championship and the U.S. National Collegiate Championships. Top juniors from the United States and Canada will also be vying for spots in the 2010 International Junior Couple Arnold Classic Team Match that will be held during the Arnold Sports Festival, March 4-7.
The Arnold DanceSport Classic and Ohio Star Ball are each produced by Sam Sodano and Bill Sparks. For more information on the Ohio Star Ball, visit www.ohiostarball.com
Last modified: 2009-11-17 @ 12:00 am
