Canada’s most highly ranked amateur Ballroom couple made a very special announcement at the NDCC Canadian Championships on Friday, August 23, 2024, followed by a beautiful and emotionally moving Waltz performance signifying their retirement as amateurs. Following Virginie’s battle with cancer, the couple will move into the professional field.
Here is their announcement:
For us, the last year has been filled with challenges that we never thought we would have to face. Words can’t express how tremendously difficult the journey has been, but one thing is for certain: we were partners through it all, and we have always had each other’s back. These obstacles made us reflect on ourselves and gave us a completely new perspective on life.
It also made us look back at everything we have achieved together in the last 6 years:
- 5 times Canadian Champions
- 3 times North American Champions
- 5 times World Championship Finalists
- 2 times International Finalists
- UK Open Finalists
We are very proud to have made history for our country, especially by placing 3rd in the world. This took place just three days before receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Therefore, tonight means a lot to us for many reasons…
To begin with, because it will be the first time that we get to perform together since last November. The first time that we will be waltzing in each other’s arms, moving our bodies as one and sharing our passion with all of you.
Secondly, because we were still in the hospital just a few hours ago for another treatment, but we still decided to perform here tonight. Since the start of this cancer journey, it was always our wish to make our comeback at this very event. We would like to thank the NDCC for offering us a chance to do so. It didn’t always seem possible, but it gave us a goal and something to hold onto in darker times.
Finally, because we feel it’s the right time and right place for us to start a new chapter in our dancing career since here is where we did our first competition together back in 2018.
Tonight, hand in hand, we would like to announce that we are joining the professional field. We are very excited about this new beginning. Of course, we will take the next few steps at our own rhythm to make sure the disease remains in the past.
Nous voulons aussi et surtout profiter de ce moment pour remercier tous ceux qui contribuent à notre succès; notre famille, nos entraîneurs, nos commanditaires, nos élèves, nos amis et nos supporteurs. Sans vous, tout aurait été impossible. Merci de croire en nous.
Nous espérons que vous apprécierez notre dernière danse en tant qu’amateurs sur cette pièce musicale toute spéciale.
We hope you enjoy our last dance as amateurs to this very meaningful piece of music.
This content also available in: English (Anglais)
