Francesco Flumiani is one of the most respected figures in American dancesport, with a career that spans competing at the highest level, coaching, adjudicating, and organizing. Originally from Udine, Italy, he built his reputation in International Standard, reaching the final of the British Open Under 21 at Blackpool, taking bronze at the German Open Youth Championships and the UK Open Amateur Rising Star, and placing second at the IDSF Open to the World. As a professional he was the Manhattan Dancesport Championships Rising Star Standard Champion, a medalist at the International Grand Ball and Holiday Dance Classic, and a finalist at the Emerald Ball, San Francisco Open, Millennium Dancesport and Desert Classic. Movie audiences may also recognize him: he played the young dance teacher opposite Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez in the 2004 film Shall We Dance.

Since retiring from competition, Francesco has become one of the industry's most in-demand adjudicators, holding an NDCA Championship adjudicator's license and judging at major events across the United States, while continuing to teach, lecture and choreograph. He is the organizer of the Chicago Crystal Ball, the Houston Star Ball, St. Louis Dancesport, and the Virginia State Dance Championships - competitions known for their warmth, their hospitality and their attention to the details that make a weekend memorable for dancers, teachers and spectators alike. With the San Diego Open Dancesport Classic he brings that same spirit to the West Coast, inviting old friends and new ones to share a beautiful weekend of dancing in one of America's most beautiful cities.