Andrea La Rocca and Gaia Giordano: from promising youngsters to absolute stars in Blackpool.
Blackpool Tower, a world-renowned venue for dance sport, once again provided the backdrop for an achievement that exudes talent, sacrifice, and dreams come true.
At the prestigious All England 2026 competition, held on February 7 and 8, Andrea La Rocca and Gaia Giordano made their mark, taking first place in the Under 14 category out of over 50 pairs and reaching the final in the Under 16 category, against older and more experienced opponents.
An achievement that takes on even more significance when considering their recent journey: just a few months ago, they moved up from Class B to Class A, after winning the Class B World Championship in Bologna in March last year and having already triumphed in Blackpool in 2025, also in Class B. A rapid rise, built on constant work and evident technical growth.
It wasn't just the result that was striking, but also the stunning look, the quality of the dance, and a stage presence that got the whole Tower talking: spectators and professionals stopped to congratulate them, enthralled by the energy and maturity displayed on the dance floor by two very young athletes, aged 12 (Gaia) and 13 (Andrea).
The interview
Andrea and Gaia, how did you feel returning to Blackpool and winning again, this time in Class A?
Gaia: "Blackpool is always a huge thrill. When you step onto the ice, you feel the history of this place. Winning the Under-14s and then reaching the Under-16s final was something we'll never forget."
Andrea: "It was all very intense. We knew the level was very high, especially after moving up to Class A, but we danced with all our heart."
In just a few months, you've gone from Class B to Class A, immediately achieving significant results. Did you expect such a strong impact?
Andrea: «We knew it would be difficult, but we worked really hard.»
Gaia: "Every day in the studio is a challenge. This result repays us for all our efforts."
Your dance impressed the audience and the judges, so much so that many people stopped to compliment you. How did it affect you?
Gaia: "It was beautiful and a little incredible. Hearing people you don't know tell you that you've touched their hearts is the most beautiful thing."
Andrea: «It makes you understand that what you do really reaches others.»
Behind these results are also great sacrifices. Gaia lives in Volla, Andrea in Lagonegro: how demanding is training like this?
Andrea: «It's tiring, long journeys and many kilometers.»
Gaia: "Sometimes it's tiring, but when we dance together we forget everything."
How important is the support of your teachers?
Gaia: "It's fundamental. Massimiliano Monda and Andreana Camodeca believe in us so much."
Andrea: "They guide us every day, not just technically but also as people. This achievement is also theirs."
After Blackpool, what are your dreams for the future?
Andrea: «Continue to grow and improve.»
Gaia: «And take our dance ever higher.»
Andrea La Rocca and Gaia Giordano aren't just a winning duo, they're proof that talent, dedication, and passion, even at a very young age, can turn dreams into reality. In Blackpool, they've made headlines at the world's most important track. And their journey, judging by what we've seen, is only just beginning.
Changes and revisions to this article
- Article updated on 11/02/2026 at 11:51 PM - Content typo corrected
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
This is a thought-provoking article about how young people can achieve great things through hard work and dedication. Andrea and Gaia are two examples of this, but we must never forget that sacrifices are also necessary.