Benedetto Ferruggia/Claudia Koehler switch to Professional Division

The rumor becomes true

The triple World Champions Standard, Benedetto Ferruggia and Claudia Koehler (TSC Astoria Stuttgart), end their incredibly successful amateur career and switch to DTV Professional Division. They will continue their international career as Professionals.

Benedetto Ferruggia/Claudia Koehler launched their dancesport career in Standard in 2004. Both began their dancing career already in the Youth age group. Together, they achieved national and international successes. On November 3rd, 2012, during the German Championships, they were awarded with the DTV honor badge by DTV president Franz Allert. The badge is the highest award in the German Dancesport.

They received the German "Silbernes Lorbeerblatt" (Silver Laurel Leaf), the highest German sports award, in 2012 by the German Federal Minister of the Interior Friedrich. In addition to the many titles of German, European and World Champions, the second place at the World Games 2009 in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, is a major milestone of their career.

The DTV presidium thanks "Bene" and "Claudi" for the many beautiful years together. Not only did you show your best on the dancefloor, but you also were aware of and outstandingly performed your function as example for others. "Thank you - and keep it up!" The presidium of the DTV PD welcomes Benedetto Ferruggia/Claudia Koehler and wishes them all the best and success as new professionals. At the same time, the whole Professional Division and Dancesport Germany enjoy having a world leader in the Standard section.

Claudia and Benedetto thank all those responsible in the DTV, particularly the presidium and Michael Eichert for the great support in her time as amateurs, and are happy to still be able to pursue their sport as professionals in the DTV family.

ACHIEVEMENTS:
World Championships:
2009: World Champions Amateur Standard
2010: World Champions Amateur Standard
2012: World Champions Amateur Standard

European Championships:
2009: European Champions Amateur Standard
2010: European Champions Amateur Standard
2011: European Champions Amateur Standard
2012: European Champions Amateur Standard

German Championships:
2007: German Champions Amateur Standard
2008: German Champions Amateur Standard
2009: German Champions Amateur Standard
2010: German Champions Amateur Standard
2011: German Champions Amateur Standard
2012: German Champions Amateur Standard

(Photo: Rob Ronda)