Professionals, amateurs to showcase their dancing skills

Mike Johnston, president of the Southern Star Chapter of USA Dance, knows good dancing when he sees it.

And that's just what he expects guests to be treated to during the "Show of Shows," set to begin at 6:15 p.m. Saturday at the Rhapsody Ballroom, 12101 N. 56th St.

Led by Russian dancers Sergey and Yulia Kopylov, the evening will consist of performances by professional and amateur dancers of all ages, the latter of whom who are students of the couple and include their two daughters, Daria, 20, and Barbara, 8.

"Yulia and Sergey are a very creative, energetic couple and they bring a whole new dimension to dancing," said Johnston, a Valrico resident who has spent more than 20 years as a competitive ballroom performer and will be featured in the show.

The Kopylovs came to America in 2005 with more than two decades of experience as dance instructors and as award-winning competitors.

"The show has some beautiful choreography and a variety of things happening in it," said Yulia Kopylov, who noted the event will also include a buffet catered by Mimi's Café and segments in which guests may engage in social dancing of their own.

"We hope it will be nice entertainment for everyone," she said.

Temple Terrace residents and longtime dance competitors Richard and Laurie Collett, who are celebrating their 20th year as owners of Rhapsody Ballroom, are delighted to host the event.

"There's quite a variation of difficulty, and the students have really been working hard to put this together and all the people involved have gone out of their way in volunteering their time," said Richard Collett.

The cost for both dinner and the show is $35, or $25 for the show only. No alcohol will be served but guests may bring their own beverages.

The deadline for reservations is Thursday; call Yulia Kopylov at (813) 919-8539. Cash or checks, made payable to Sergey Kopylov, will be accepted at the door.

Call Sarah Coates at (813) 884-4474 for information.

(813) 731-8026