Riccardo Cocchi and Yulia Zagoruychenko began dancing together in the fall of 2007, taking the ballroom world by storm and captivating audiences with their unique Latin style. They ascended to the finals of every major world championship as they together took their first step onto the dance floor.

Riccardo and Yulia’s mesmerizing look, incredible technical aptitude, and vivacious dynamism quickly made them a favorite among both fans and judges alike. At the World Professional Latin Championships held in Bonn, Germany last November, DanceSport felt the impact of Riccardo and Yulia’s hardwork and growth when they took home their first World Professional Latin title and in April they captured their second World Professional Latin title in Moscow dancing at the legendary Kremlin ballroom.

Riccardo and Yulia travel the world teaching, performing, and competing. Some of their most notable competitive accomplishments include: 2-time undefeated World Professional Latin Champions, World South American Showdance Champions, 3-time undefeated US National Professional Latin Champions and 3-time US Open Professional Latin Champions. Riccardo and Yulia also won titles of major competitions held throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas including: German Open, Ohio Star Ball, Asian Open, Kremlin Cup, Singapore Asian Open, Malaysian International, Dutch Open, and Philippine Star Ball.

Prior to partnering with Yulia, Riccardo and his previous partner Joanne Wilkinson were undefeated Italian Amateur Latin Champions and the World Amateur Latin Champions. The son of famed Italian ballroom coaches, Riccardo always knew that dance was his future and one day he would become the world champion. Riccardo was born in Terni, Italy and currently resides in the United States and represents the United States of America.

Yulia was born in Belgorod City, Russia and started dancing at the age of 7. A rising star in Russia, Yulia captured her first major title at the age of 12, becoming Russian Junior National Champion. Yulia’s wunderkind status only grew as she went on to dominate youth competition. After moving to the United States to dance with her former partner, Yulia won many titles including the World South American Showdance Championship and the US National Professional Latin Championship. Yulia also placed as a grand finalist in all major World Professional Latin competitions.