Nazar Batih & Mariko Cantley
Ballroom Dance
Dance Lessons and Workshops
Performance and Mentality Coaching
In Person and Online
Work
We primarily teach competitive ballroom dancers of all ages and levels. Each student, whether solo or in a partnership, is taught with respect and individual attention. We prioritize technique, partnering skills, competition preparation, and performance skills. Positive reinforcement, trust, and mutual respect are fundamental to our approach.
About
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, Ukrainian Youth Bronze Medalist in Ballroom, and a youth and amateur finalist in competitions throughout Europe. 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. Since then it has been his intention to encourage other dancers and athletes struggling with chronic disease.Mariko was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She started dancing at age five, studying classical ballet at Boston Ballet, Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, and the American Academy of Ballet. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at Harvard Universit where she served as the Captain of the Harvard Ballroom Dance Team.Together Nazar and Mariko are five time United States Ballroom Showdance Champions, two time World Ballroom Showdance Silver Medalists, two time World Ballroom Showdance Bronze Medalists, and five 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, Yankee Classic Showdance Champions, US National Professional Rising Star Ballroom Finalists and British Open Professional Rising Star Ballroom Finalists.Mariko and Nazar are Licentiate members of the American International Dancers Association and members of the National Dance Council of America. They teach at various studios in the Boston area and online.With their students Nazar and Mariko have won the following titles:
World Pro-Am Senior Standard Champions
United States National Pro-Am Senior Standard Champions
Ohio Star Ball Pro-Am Senior Standard Champions
Ohio Star Ball Pro-Am Senior Standard Vice-Champions
United States National Gentlemen’s Silver B Standard Champions