ABOUT US

 

We love dance.  We love the joy of movement, music and connection.  We love the challenges of learning our craft and learning about ourselves. We believe everyone should ballroom dance, and ballroom dance should embrace everyone, no matter your age, body type, health, background, racial or gender identity. Our goal is to share our love of ballroom and build an inclusive,  supportive community of fellow ballroom dance nerds.

 

OUR STORIES

Nazar was born and raised in Lviv, Ukraine.  He started dancing when he was five and was the Juvenile Western Ukrainian Champion in Ballroom and Latin, and a youth and amateur finalist in competitions throughout Europe.  In 2006 Nazar moved to New York City where he taught at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, performed during Vegas Week of So You Think You Can Dance, Season Five and was featured on ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" Christmas Spectacular with Regis and Kelly.

 

In 2009 Nazar was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  At that time most dancers and athletes with this diagnosis gave up their vocation.  Instead, Nazar decided to start competing professionally.

 

Mariko was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  She started dancing at age five, studying classical ballet for thirteen years, training at Boston Ballet, Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, and the American Academy of Ballet.  She earned her Bachelor's Degree at Harvard University in Intellectual History.  At Harvard she discovered ballroom dance, serving as the Captain of the Harvard Ballroom Dance Team, and turning professional while finishing her degree.

 

Nazar and Mariko began dancing together in 2012.  They are two-time United States Ballroom Showdance Champions, World Ballroom Showdance Silver and Bronze Medalists and three-time World Ballroom Showdance Finalists.  Other results include Canadian Open Professional Ballroom Champions, US Open Professional Ballroom Finalists, Eastern United States Professional Ballroom Champions, Eastern United States Showdance Champions, World Masters Showdance Champions, British Open Professional Rising Star Finalists, and US National Professional Rising Star Finalists.  

 

 

All that said about our achievements, it is from our failures, struggles and setbacks that we learned the most.  Whether you are an absolute beginner looking for a knowledgable guide in taking your first steps, or a dance addict looking to overcome your unique challenges and achieve your unique goals we are here for you.

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You can follow our adventures on Instagram, and support our endeavors on Patreon!