America’s Ballroom Challenge is a Public Broadcasting System production that is in its third season. This episode, “International Standard,” is the third in a five-week series covering the four main categories of ballroom dance: American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, and International Latin.

International Standard is comprised of the waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, and quickstep.

The Finalists

Mikhail Avdeev and Anastasia Muravyeva from California were a solid couple on the dance floor. They placed third in the group dance and fourth in show. For their show dance, they wore costumes of Shrek and Princess Fiona.

Urs Geisenhainer and Agnes Kazmierczak from California have been dancing together for three years. The were good. They placed sixth in the group performance but third in their show dance.

Linas Koreiva and Ieva Pauksena from New Jersey were fabulous. They placed second in the group dance but fifth in their show routine. Their show routine was jazzy and fun. Her attire of a white fitted suit let the audience see the intricate footwork required in International Standard. Typically, the requisite ball gown hides the woman’s feet, so this was a rare treat. I’m sorry they did not place higher.

Igor Litvinov and Yulia Ivleva from New Jersey have been dancing together for ten years. They placed fourth in the group dance but second in show. Their show dance music was a James Brown medley and he was dressed as James Brown. It was very original.

Blaz Pocajt and Inna Berlizyeva from Arizona placed fifth in the group dance and sixth in show. While they were not as amazing as some other couples, the beauty of their show dance is that it was full of their personality and creativity. I wish they had placed higher.

Arunas Bizokas and Katusha Demidova are from New Jersey. Katusha won the International Standard Championship last year and she also won the finale of “America’s Best.” In October, 2007, she chose a new partner. They won first place in each of the group dances. Their show dance was smooth and elegant. It seemed as if they danced as one – the way International Standard dances are supposed to look. Her shimmery gold ball gown was the perfect contrast to his classic tie and tails. They were a beautiful couple and deserved first place in both group and show. They became the International Standard Champions for 2008.

Two exhibition dance couples deserve an honorable mention. Kiki Nyemchek and Nesya Serebro, who are 16 and 14 respectively, performed an International Latin Dance. They were unbelievable together. He had better moves than I've seen on professional Latin dancers.

Austin Joson and Elizabeth Lakovitsky from New Jersey are amazing 10-year-old dancers. They performed the Paso Doble with amazing passion for their ages.

This evening’s most amazing performance goes to John DePalma, the announcer, for never stumbling over any of the contestants’ names. Well done!