Alina Kupriianova
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Alina began her dance journey at the age of 6 and has since build a career spanning over 24 years in the ballroom dance industry. Originally from Ukraine, she trained in both International Latin and Standard styles, later expanding her expertise into the American Smooth and Rhythm.
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She has worked with both amateur and professional dancers and knows how to make each student feel comfortable and confident. For the past 6 years, Alina taught at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Richmond, where she learned the Fred Astaire teaching system inside and out. This gives her a strong foundation to help students succeed – whether they are dancing for fun, preparing for a special event, or training to compete.
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Now, as co-owner of Fred Astaire Falls Church, Alina is excited to share her knowledge and passion with a new community. Her goal is create a warm and welcoming space where everyone can enjoy dancing and grow at their own pace.
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.
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.
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.
Yehor Kupriianov
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With over two decades of ballroom experience, Yehor brings a unique blend of strength, focus, and calm confidence to every lesson. Starting at age 7 in Ukraine, where he quickly rose through the ranks in International Latin and Standard before mastering American Smooth and Rhythm.
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Known for his precision and calm authority, Yehor has coached dancers at every level – from absolute beginners to advanced performers. His time at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Richmond earned him a reputation as a trusted leader and expert in the Fred Astaire teaching method.
Now as co-owner of Fred Astaire Falls Church, he is committed to helping each student unlock their potential, move with purpose, and grow into the dancer they aspire to be.
Vladislavs (Vlad) Pecens
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​​Vladislavs Pecens is a highly accomplished ballroom dancer with an impressive international track record. He is a finalist of the GOC (German Open Championships) in the Standard program in both Junior II and Youth categories, as well as a finalist of the Austria Open Championship in Youth. Vladislavs reached the semifinals of the World Championship in Standard (Youth), placed 7th at the European Championship in Standard (Youth), and took 7th place in the 10 Dance European Championship (Youth). He also achieved 9th place in the World Championship U21 Standard and ranked as high as 5th in the World Ranking in Standard (Youth) between 2018 and 2019.
A multiple-time champion and vice-champion of the Latvian National Championships, Vladislavs became the 2019 U21 Standard champion and secured 2nd place in the Adults 10 Dance division. He has won numerous international competitions and consistently placed high in the World Rankings. Notably, he earned 4th place in the Adult Latin division at the 2018 Latvian Championship. In 2019, he was the U21 Latin and 10 Dance Champion at the Latvian Championships.
In 2019, while competing in the United States, Vladislavs became the Vice World Champion in the Pro-Am Smooth division and won the national title at the American Championships in the same category.