Nikita Koniukhov
Nikita Koniukhov is a multidisciplinary dance artist with a remarkable track record in Ballroom, Latin, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Folk dance. Nikita is a winner of numerous international competitions and festivals in Italy, the Czech Republic, Greece, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Poland, and Ukraine.
Nikita moved to the USA and joined the DC DanceSport Academy just two years ago. Under his tutelage, students have achieved prestigious titles in International Latin and American Smooth styles and performed in many competitions across the United States.
Nikita Koniukhov's extensive experience and knowledge span all dance styles, making him a versatile and accomplished instructor, who helps his students to achieve their maximum potential.
Kateryna Lifintseva
Kateryna Lifintseva is a distinguished graduate of the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine, where she earned her degree in Dance Sports Coaching.
She has a rich history of participating in international ballroom dancing competitions and has experience working with dancers of all ages.
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Kateryna Lifintseva has a background in choreographing and staging weddings and show numbers. ​Her diverse background and dedication to the art of dance make her a valuable asset to any event, including the prestigious DC Dancing Stars Gala.
Vladislav Robatsenko
Beginning his dance journey at the age of nine, Vladislav Robatsenko won his first DanceSport title as National Estonian Champion at 12. Throughout his career in Estonia, he earned the title of National Estonian Amateur Champion multiple times.
In 2018, Vladislav’s passion for dance brought him to the United States, where he joined the DC DanceSport Academy. His teaching skills and commitment to his students’ success led to a permanent instructor position in 2019.
Vladislav has guided several of his students to remarkable success in the Pro-Am category, achieving prestigious titles such as US Pro-Am National Champion, World Pro-Am Champion, and World DanceSport Series Pro-Am Champion.
Proficient in all ballroom styles, Vladislav now competes as a pro in the American Smooth Professional division with great success.
Nancy Flores (Nonci Tirado)
Nancy Flores, known in the ballroom dance world as Nonci Tirado, is delighted to make her comeback at the DC Dancing Stars Gala 2024! Previously, she partnered with Darren Haynes in 2018, and he secured the Judges’ Choice Award which benefitted the Wounded Warrior Project.
Nancy is a versatile artist, boasting a former career as a Latin-ballroom dance champion with numerous US titles. She has also graced the stage with the Washington National Opera in over 15 productions. Beyond her performance career, Nancy is celebrated as an award-winning choreographer, known for her dance film projects showcased in the US and Argentina.
Driven by her passions for psychology, literature, and nature, Nancy finds endless inspiration in the profound human journey of life, love, and hope.
Javier Buentello
Javier has been teaching in Northern VA since 1998. He regularly competes with his students at local and national ballroom dance competitions and performs at gala events with other professionals.
Javier lives in Reston with his wife, Kumi, their two sons, Julien and Milan, and dog, Ponzu.
Alex Teleshko
Alex Teleshko has over 25 years of experience in ballroom and Latin dancing. As a former dance studio owner in Krakow, Poland, and Kiev, Ukraine, he has competed in several international European dance competitions, achieving top placements and has been featured in various dance publications. An educated teacher and choreographer, Alex previously served as the head of ballroom choreography at the Kiev Choreographic College.
Currently based in the USA, Alex is a fully certified dance instructor with national and international federations such as IDCA and WDO. Known for his passion and dedication, Alex motivates his students and peers alike, striving to bring out the best in everyone he works with.
Dmytro (Dima) Churchun
Dmytro began to dance at the age of 6, participating in and winning many Ukrainian national and international competitions. In 2006, he began studying with one of the best trainers in Ukraine.
Dmytro began to teach dance in 2009. In 2012, he was selected for the Paralympic Team of Ukraine, where he trained and danced with wheelchair-bound people. His students have won many national and international competitions. Also, Dmytro placed in the top 10 dancers for the World Championship in Italy in 2015, and 7th place of the European Championship in Poland in 2014.
In 2017, he joined Chevy Chase Ballroom. Dmytro currently represents Chevy Chase Ballroom in professional competitions with his partner Alina Churchun.