Here is what Igor and Michelle had to say after their return to the U.S. about such an experience:
Besides achieving our goal, which was to make the final, we were blessed to place 5th from a 9 couple final from a total of 17 competitive couples. And in the end, it’s still not about what we received but what we were able to share – this experience not only with such a supportive audience, but with our dearest and most beloved friends and family. This weekend gave us the chance to become the first United States couple in history to make the final of the WDSF Latin Showdance World Championship.
But we could not do it without our team and the group of support that we were blessed to have throughout that entire day. We were lucky to have such a supportive team of the United States right there with us: Vladimir Karpov and Ronen Zinshtein as coaches of Team USA who graciously led both U.S. couples into the World Finals. Congratulations to Alexandru Munteanu and Anya Sheedy, who represented the U.S. in the Standard Showdance, also placing 5th! It was amazing having such friends right beside us during this day.
But we could not do it without our team and the group of support that we were blessed to have throughout that entire day. We were lucky to have such a supportive team of the United States right there with us: Vladimir Karpov and Ronen Zinshtein as coaches of Team USA who graciously led both U.S. couples into the World Finals. Congratulations to Alexandru Munteanu and Anya Sheedy, who represented the U.S. in the Standard Showdance, also placing 5th! It was amazing having such friends right beside us during this day.
Thank you to Mama Alena Holovach who traveled from Ukraine just to watch us perform and support us in the moment. Thank you to my mom and dad back home in the U.S. who got our entire group of family and friends together around the World to stream live our performances and cheer us on (my brothers, sister in laws, niece and nephew, family friends in Russia). Thank you to our students and their parents, some of which stopped by the side of the road to catch our performances live! Thank you to USA Dance for giving us the opportunity to represent our country in this World Championship and to be a part of the United States team.
Thank you to Ton Greten who helped transform our idea into reality, from the music to the characters to the story line!
Most importantly, thank you to our coach, Vladimir (who with a tear in his Achilles tendon) traveled half way around the world just to be there, right next to us and support our performance, to set our minds straight. He showed us a strong example that through all obstacles that are in your way, you must still continue and reach for your goal. Thank you for your time, energy, and patience and all that you have put into our couple. We would not be where we are without your guidance
This is a victory for all of us and we could not have done it without each one of you by our side. We are so grateful that words truly cannot describe our feelings of appreciation. We are the luckiest in the world to have you all." - Igor & Michelle
The couple was featured not only during the live-streaming, but also on various interviews for multiple Russian TV channels including Match TV.
Check out of the following links to view some footage from the event: