Erik Linder and Rickie Taylor defended their National Ballroom Dancing Title by winning in Baltimore, Maryland.
They won in both International Latin and International Standard.  Linder, a Lake Stevens resident and Taylor, who is from Everett are both eight years old and were elated to pull off another win.
Their coach, Elena Zakharoba, has coached some of the world’s top couples in her 30 years of teaching.  She held the Ukranian 10 Dance Champion title when she competed as well as being one of the top Russian Ballroom Dancers before moving to Everett to coach.
 “They have practiced and worked very hard –  they love what they do,” Zakharoba said. 
After their win at Nationals they headed off to Blackpool, England, where they had been invited to compete on the USA Juvenile Team. 
Linder and Taylor were the youngest American couple to dance at the world’s most prestigious dance competition. There were kids competing from all over the world. 
“I have no expectations…it will be a good opportunity for them to compete at this level… most kids that compete are 11 years and older… so it will be a good learning experience,” Zakhoroba said.
In the end Team USA took third place behind Denmark and Iceland. You could not have asked for a better result. 
“I can’t wait to go back next year,” the young dancers said.

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