Fred Astaire Dance Studios High Point

Grygorii Mishura holds a Master’s Degree in Choreography from the Kyiv National University of Art and Culture in Kyiv, Ukraine. He began teaching at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in 2005, after a career teaching and performing ballroom dance in South Korea. Grygorii was a Fred Astaire Dance Studios National Top 40 Professional in 2023. His students have competed at National and Regional events, and Grygorii and Catherine coached a couple to Top 5 Amateur status nationally in 2023. Grygorii began dancing as a child and competed as a Finalist in competitions in Poland, Russia, Slovenia, and Romania. He is certified in American Style of Ballroom and Latin dance curriculum, and he is a member of the National Dance Council of America, Ukrainian Dance Board (U.D.B), and the World Dance Sport Council (W.D.& D.S.C). Grygorii and his partners have won Dancing with the High Point Stars multiple times, and is the only dancer of the Fred Astaire Greensboro staff to have competed every year since the event’s inception.

Blending the rhythm of dance with the intuition of holistic healing, April brings a uniquely heart‑centered presence to every space she’s part of. For over three and a half years, April served as the Front Desk Executive at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Greensboro, NC, where she became the studio’s welcoming heartbeat—connecting with students, supporting instructors, and keeping the energy flowing as smoothly as a waltz. Guided by a passion for personal transformation, April earned her Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner diploma from Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, deepening her understanding of mind‑body wellness, energy work, and compassionate client care. April’s work is rooted in creating environments where people feel inspired, grounded, and genuinely seen. April thrives at the intersection of creativity and connection—whether she’s helping someone step confidently onto the dance floor or supporting their journey toward inner balance and well‑being.

Anissa Abad is a highly trained ballet artist whose dance education began in early childhood. She received fourteen years of foundational and pre‑professional training at the Artistic Motion School of Arts & Preparatory Academy, followed by an intensive year of study with Greensboro Ballet. In 2020, she was admitted to the Weaver Academy Dance Program, where she advanced her technical and choreographic studies. During her tenure, she was inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts and later served as President of her school’s chapter. She graduated from Weaver Academy in 2024. Anissa has studied a wide range of disciplines, including ballet, contemporary, modern, tap, jazz, and character dance. Her primary focus is the Vaganova Method, which continues to shape her technique and artistic approach. Her performance experience includes engagements with notable companies such as the Moscow Ballet and Triad International Ballet. Her choreographic and performance work has been recognized with distinguished honors, including the National PTA Reflections Award of Excellence. In addition to her performance career, Anissa is professionally trained in youth instruction. She brings extensive experience from premier summer dance programs, where she is committed to fostering technical growth, artistic expression, and confidence in dancers of all ages.

Anhelina Lappin discovered her passion for ballroom dance four years ago as a collegiate competitor at High Point University, where she trained and competed in American Rhythm and American Smooth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Spanish, with concentrations in Business Administration and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Communication and Business Leadership at High Point University. Inspired by her Colombian heritage, Anhelina’s favorite dances include Salsa, East Coast Swing, and Viennese Waltz—styles that reflect both her cultural roots and her dynamic approach to movement. She is committed to meeting every student exactly where they are, whether they are stepping onto the dance floor for the very first time or preparing for competition. Her teaching philosophy centers on building confidence, clarity, and joy in every lesson.

Liam Shurtleff discovered his love for ballroom at age 14 at Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Greensboro. Advancing quickly through the Bronze Program, he became known for his musicality, work ethic, and expressive stage presence. Liam has competed at Freddy Ball and performed in numerous studio showcases, bringing energy and professionalism to every event. Guided by Coach Catherine Cameron, Liam has evolved into a confident and dependable male lead, earning recognition for both his technical precision and performance artistry. With a deep passion for dance and a commitment to continuous growth, he brings enthusiasm, reliability, and artistry to every partnership and performance.