Aria Ballroom

About The Instructor: Simeon was born in Sofia Bulgaria, and started dancing in 1996 at the age of thirteen. He met his current partner Kora 3 years later, and together they have been invited to perform in countries all over the world including: Seoul, South Korea; Shanghai, China; Santiago, Chile; Moscow, Russia; Blackpool, England; and Sofia, Bulgaria. As one of the most popular teachers in the Pacific Northwest, Simeon has coached Junior and Youth competitors to Regional and National titles, and loves taking on new students. What he enjoys the most about teaching is working with adult students who have always dreamed of dancing, and helping them achieve that dream. Simeon coaches students in International Style Latin and Standard, American Smooth, and a variety of other styles. He is happy to teach any age category, and is also available for students wishing to compete in Pro/Am competitions. Please note that lesson times available with this instructor are very limited, and therefore are charged at a higher rate than with other studio instructors. Lessons are $110 for adults and $90 for youth. Achievements: Simeon’s competitive credentials with Kora include: 2-Time World Finalist European Championship Finalist Bulgarian Professional Standard National Champion Bulgarian Professional 10-Dance National Champion 7-Time USA National Finalist 11-Time NorthWest Regional Champion Us National 10-Dance Runner Up United States Youth National Standard Champion Fun Facts! Simeon has always wanted to sail around the world! His favorite dance is Tango. What he enjoys most about dancing is the physical connection with his partner and how that connects to music.

About Instructor: Kora was born in Seattle, Washington, and has been dancing since she was 5 years old. Taking it seriously at the age of nine, she competed with a number of partners before finally finding the perfect fit in her current partner, Simeon. Together they have been invited to perform in countries all over the world including: Seoul, South Korea; Shanghai, China; Santiago, Chile; Moscow, Russia; Blackpool, England; and Sofia, Bulgaria. When asked what she enjoys most about dancing, Kora said the feeling of the air rushing past her face when she really gets going. She also loves the feeling in Standard and Smooth when her body is in one direction and her head is in the complete opposite direction “like her body is gumby… and yet totally in control. It’s such an awesome experience!”. Kora’s favorite thing about teaching is students who love diving into subjects and exploring them to their fullest extent. There are so many dimensions to dancing and long term projects thrill her, so she loves students who are in it for the long haul so that they can dig deep and develop each and every dimension together. A well known expert, she has coached Junior and Youth competitors to Regional and National titles, and is sought after for her knowledge of International Standard and Latin, as well as her choreographic abilities. Kora will coach students of any age, and is also available to choreograph in any style, for competitions or shows, judging, as well as consultations for hair, makeup, and costume design. Please note that lesson times available with this instructor are very limited, and therefore are charged at a higher rate than with other studio instructors. Lessons are $110 for adults and $90 for youth. Achievements: Kora’s competitive credentials with Simeon include: 2-Time World Finalist European Championship Finalist Bulgarian Professional Standard National Champion Bulgarian Professional 10-Dance National Champion 7-Time USA National Finalist 11-Time NorthW

About Instructor: Devri was born in Rexburg, Idaho and started dancing at 4 years old, She loves teaching students of all ages and levels, especially those that are ready to have fun and work hard. When asked what she enjoys most about dancing, she said “I appreciate that dance stimulates the body, not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. I have always felt happier when dancing and love seeing the joy on other’s faces when they get out on the dance floor and start moving their bodies too.” Achievements: Over 20 years experience in both social and competitive ballroom styles, as well as ballet, contemporary, and jazz National amateur smooth finalist, pre-champ ballroom champion, pre-champ Latin finalist, and junior rhythm champion Studied Dance at Brigham Young University and toured with their top level ballroom dance team Competed at the Blackpool Dance Festival in 2016 and became a British Formation Champion Received her ISTD Ballroom Licentiate Certification with Honors in 2020 Fun Facts: Because she has an extensive background in many dance styles, it’s difficult for her to pick a favorite! If she absolutely had to choose, American style Tango and International Rumba are among her favorites. Devri is an avid Harry Potter fan, and can proudly say that she is a Gryffindor with a Black Mare as her patronus.

About Instructor: Originally from Novosibirsk, Russia, Misha moved to the United States when he was 5 years old. This is also when he started dancing seriously! Dancing has always been a large part of his life and he enjoys competing nationally and internationally. Misha competed with his partner Natasha Kazheunikava in International Ballroom, and together they were winners and finalists of major United States competitions. What he enjoys most about dancing is that it is an outlet where you can forget about the rest of the world and create something beautiful. Misha teaches International Ballroom & Latin, American Smooth & Rhythm, and is available for private lessons, group classes, showcases, wedding dance lessons, and mixed-proficiency competitions. What he enjoys most about teaching is seeing students improve and achieve their goals, as well as sharing his knowledge of dance with his students. Achievements: 2018-2019 United States National Standard Finalist 2015 United States National Ten-dance Champion 9 time United States National Representative to World Championships 2012 United States National Youth Standard Champion 2006 United States National Juvenile Standard Champion Fun Facts: Misha’s favorite dance “depends. Each dance has its own character and emotions, and I enjoy the dance that best matches how I am feeling at that moment.” Misha likes working with the world’s best coaches, and then passing down that information to his students.

About The Instructor: Lukas was born in Slovakia, and started dancing when he was 12 years old. Now going on 20 years of seriously dancing, the thing he enjoys the most is “definitely competitions, I love to have fun and dance for people so they can enjoy.” He currently competes professionally in American Smooth with his partner Eva. Lukas especially enjoys working with students who love to have fun, but are still seriously invested in learning and improving their dancing. Achievements: 8 times National Champion: Standard, Latin, 10 dance. World championship 10 dance finalist World Cup 10 dance Vice-champion German Open professional Rising star standard and latin finalist Fun Facts Lukas has a tattoo! It’s on one of his wrists. He loves hot weather (but not being too hot.) His favorite dance is Waltz.

About Instructor: Born in Bellevue, Washington, Jonathan started dancing at 18 years old with his sisters. He was immediately hooked, and started dancing seriously and competitive training right away. Coming from a sports background, he was especially drawn to the technical side of training - working on technique is something he has always done and loved, and he considers himself “a bit of a technique nerd at heart”. What he enjoys most about teaching is when he’s “working on teaching that one final thing that brings everything else together, whether it’s one small technique with more advanced students or just learning the basics of a step for brand new students. I just love the fun of it all coming together!” Achievements: Attending Blackpool Attending Nationals Professional Accreditation (names of each of these, more specific please) Fun Facts Jonathan went to the Olympics trails in swimming His favorite dance is Waltz, because “it’s the best dance for tall people!”

About The Instructor: Anton was born in Brooklyn, New York. He started dancing when he was 7 years old, and danced competitively since he was 9 years old. What Anton enjoys most about dancing is the artistic expression created by movement through dance. When asked what he enjoys most about teaching, Anton replied “I enjoy teaching Standard dances the most because it’s what I specialize in and personally dance competitively.”. He also loves teaching salsa; he has so much fun with it, and will dance it with anyone and everyone! Achievements: 2018 Nationals Pre-Championship Ballroom Winner Fun Facts Anton’s favorite dance is Foxtrot, because he loves the jazziness of the music and flow of the movement.