Forlì, September 7, 2026 – They returned to the stage together after fifteen years even to sing just one song, Maestro ascoltami, dedicated to the unforgettable Secondo Casadei, the father of Romagna smooth dance who passed away on November 19, 1971. They are Renzo and Luana, one of the most beloved couples by the audience in the world of smooth dance and ballroom.
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The occasion was the “Cara Forlì” evening, in Piazza Saffi, dedicated to Secondo Casadei in the presence of Riccarda, Secondo’s daughter. Luana Babini, originally from Ravenna, still lives in Ravenna with her two twin sons, Riccardo and Nicolò, born with Renzo Vallicelli, the “Rosso”.
Luana entered the world of song at a very young age. At only 16 she sang with Raoul Casadei, at twenty she tried a solo career, at 24 she returned with Casadei, at 28 she formed the group with Renzo the “Rosso” and at 37 she had an orchestra of her own. Renzo the “Rosso,” defined as the golden trumpet of smooth dance, originally from Predappio and resident in Faenza, has a career full of successes. For twenty-one years, from 1969 to 1990, he was the leader of Secondo’s orchestra first and Raoul Casadei’s later: those were golden times for smooth dance. Then, nine years of artistic and emotional partnership with Luana Babini, but since 1999 their artistic and sentimental lives have taken different paths.
Luana, how was the return?
“A huge emotion that we were also able to convey to the audience, we saw them visibly moved. We did not expect such an important response from the people, who obviously never forgot the couple.”
How long had it been since you sang together?
“We did a few evenings together in 2021 to pay tribute to Raoul, who died on March 13. But we hadn’t done any evenings with the orchestra for fifteen years.”
A beloved orchestra, with over a hundred evenings a year. Why the breakup?
“It was inevitable, because after the break in our sentimental relationship it was no longer possible to work together.”
What did you feel singing again with Renzo?
“I didn’t hold back the tears, because I saw him enthusiastic to return to the stage and I was struck by his emotion. I believe that an artist like Renzo, who gave so much with Secondo and Raoul Casadei, deserves great respect. I love him immensely, but love has nothing to do with this.”
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Your bond, however, was sealed by two twin sons, who are now 29 years old.
“Our children remind me of Renzo every day because of their hair color and great resemblance to their dad. They are the guarantee of our bond for life.”
Have you ever thought about returning together artistically?
“We never thought about it. Renzo hung up his trumpet a long time ago and after many years on stage he has deservedly taken some rest, although, being in love with his work, he very willingly goes on stage and gets emotional like the first day.”
In 2021 you sang together to remember Raoul Casadei.
“We did about ten evenings, performing the repertoire we had shared with him.”
Any regrets for those nine years with “Il Rosso” on stage?
“Absolutely not. They were the best years of my career, apart from Raoul. I carry with me a wealth of wonderful memories.”
But you haven’t abandoned the world of singing?
“Fortunately, I still have a lot of fun singing. I just came through a summer full of work with my orchestra or with the reduced formation. I thank the audience, who has never stopped following me and loving me.”
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