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.
Adam King
Adam King began his career as a dance instructor nearly 25 years ago at Arthur Murray, specializing in ballroom dance and competition. In 2012, Adam, known as “The Dance King,” transitioned from his traditional Arthur Murray roots and founded Dance King Studios. He was excited to offer a more fun, relaxed, and social environment for learning.
Adam now partners with his beautiful wife, April, known as “The Dance Queen,” to not only teach but also to share social dancing as a means for both couples and singles to connect through Dance King Date Night + Icebreaker Experiences in Loudoun County and beyond.
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.
OUR 2024 SPONSORS
The DC's Dancing Stars Gala would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We sincerely thank them for their vital role in making this event possible and aiding the charities we support. In the first six years of the gala, we contributed $1,780,000 to our amazing charities!
