Video Vendredi: One of my All-Time Standard Faves

This week I've been doing a lot of social dancing and therefore a little less video watching.  So for today's video I'm going to an old favorite of mine.  It's also my chance to put a request out there:  if anyone has come across a better video of this show dance please send it over!  Unfortunately this one is a mix of a bunch of times Victor Fung and former partner Anna Mikhed performed this piece.  It still gives you an idea of its greatness but I'd love to find a better one.  Maybe someone out there is hoarding some PBS America's Ballroom Challenge videos?

Beethoven's Fifth

Video Vendredi: Fingers Crossed for Mirko & Alessia

Since I am a self-proclaimed dance video addict, I figured why not share some of my finds and favorites here.  So once a week, I'll be posting a video I'm finding particularly inspiring.

This week, I've been watching a lot of videos of Mirko and Edita, following the announcement of Edita's retirement.  Since watching those videos is like rubbing salt in the open wound right now, I'm going for more positive thoughts.  A few dance enthusiasts over at Dance Forums have already started wishing for the re-partnership of Mirko with Alessia Betti.  I will gladly jump on that bandwagon, that would be amazing!  In honor of those happy thoughts, I give you one of my favorites of Mirko and Alessia from a few years back:

  A dancer can dream right?!

Standard Shocker: Edita Danuite retires!

Coming off of the Asian Open in Japan last weekend, Edita Danuite announced yesterday she is retiring from competition. Currently ranked second in the world in the Professional Standard division, Edita and partner Mirko Gozzoli were first in the eyes of many. Their exciting and dynamic performances won them titles and fans the world over and their presence on the Standard floor will be greatly missed by more than just this blogger I'm sure!

After her announcement, Edita sent the following message to DanceSport Info for her fans:

"I want to thank you all for the beautiful dancing world. I am going to enjoy the work that I love and continue to compete emotionally together with my couples."

Since the announcement was made by Edita only, the question remains "what will Mirko do"?! Already dance fans are speculating who his next partner will be and many are hoping he returns to former partner Alessia Betti. We will all be waiting for that announcement and in the meantime wishing both of them the best! And to end, one of my favorites of them: