Who's Who
2026 Judges
Anna Trebunskaya
Anna Trebunskaya is an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. Born and raised in Chelyabinsk, Russia, to a family of professional ballroom dancers, she began competing at age six and won her first ballroom title just a year later. At 17, Anna moved to the United States with her parents to further pursue her career and soon captured the 1997 U.S. Amateur Standard Youth Championship title.
Turning professional in 2000, Anna relocated to California to partner with Jonathan Roberts. Together they earned top placements at prestigious competitions worldwide, including the 2004 USA Rising Star Latin Championship, a 6th-place national ranking, 24th in the world, and 2nd place at the Blackpool Rising Star Latin Championship. She later teamed with Pavlo Barsuk, achieving additional top finishes including 3rd in the U.S. Professional Latin Final and 2nd at the Rising Star Professional Latin UK Championship.
Anna made her television debut on Dancing with the Stars in Season 2, partnering with NFL legend Jerry Rice and finishing as runner-up. She went on to compete in nine additional seasons, becoming one of the show’s most recognizable pros. Beyond television, Anna regularly headlines live stage productions such as Dance to the Movies, Ballroom with a Twist, and Forever Tango.
Anna has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Shape, Life & Style, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, TV Guide, and People. She has also appeared on Shark Tank, Hell’s Kitchen, Celebrity Family Feud, and ESPN’s Mike & Mike, where she taught Mike Greenberg to salsa.
Vernon Davis
Vernon Davis is a Super Bowl champion, former NFL standout, actor, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Selected sixth overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2006 NFL Draft, Davis built an impressive 14-season professional football career. He spent his first ten seasons with the 49ers before joining the Denver Broncos in 2015, helping the team capture the Super Bowl 50 championship. In 2016, he returned home to the Washington area to play for Washington, where he spent the final four seasons of his NFL career before retiring in 2020.
Following football, Vernon successfully transitioned into the entertainment industry as an actor and producer. His film credits include Baywatch, Hell on the Border, Red Winter, The Chariot, and Gasoline Alley. He starred in the 2024 action thriller 72 Hours and expanded his work behind the camera as both star and executive producer of the 2025 feature The Masquerade. He is also the founder of Reel 85 and Between the Lines Productions.
Vernon is no stranger to the ballroom. In 2020, he competed on Season 29 of Dancing with the Stars alongside professional dancer Peta Murgatroyd, giving him firsthand experience with the training, dedication, and courage it takes to step onto the dance floor.
Beyond sports and entertainment, Vernon is committed to giving back. He founded the Vernon Davis Foundation, which grew from an initial focus on arts education to a broader mission supporting at-risk youth and helping young people discover their talents, interests, and potential.
From the football field to the ballroom and the big screen, Vernon continues to embrace new challenges and brings a unique combination of athletic achievement, entertainment experience, and firsthand Dancing with the Stars perspective to the judges’ panel of DC’s Dancing Stars Gala.
Jason Cerda
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Jason Cerda is a Latin pop recording artist, dancer, choreographer, actor, and entrepreneur whose career blends music, dance, and live performance. A native of the Washington, D.C. area, Jason draws on his Puerto Rican and Dominican roots to create a distinctive sound combining Latin rhythms, pop influences, and bilingual storytelling.
Jason has earned Billboard recognition with three Top 20-charting singles, Al Lado Mio, Color Favorito, and Un Poco Mas, with Un Poco Mas reaching No. 9 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart. His music and high-energy performances have taken him around the world, with appearances throughout the United States, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Guatemala, Japan, and the Middle East. He has also shared the stage with artists including Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Gente de Zona, Maluma, and Ozuna.
Dance has remained an integral part of Jason’s career. An accomplished dancer and choreographer, he is co-founder of Cerdafied Studios in Northern Virginia, where he has helped create a training and performance environment for dancers of all levels. His work spans hip-hop, salsa, bachata, merengue, and acrobatics, and his signature choreography has become a defining part of his live performances.
Jason has expanded his career beyond music and dance into acting and entertainment, appearing as Pablo Ramirez in the Dutch feature film Onze Jongens in Miami. He has also continued to collaborate with internationally recognized performers and dancers, including Les Twins.
In 2026, Jason entered a new chapter in his music career with the release of Golazo, a globally inspired anthem combining music, movement, and the energy of international soccer, ahead of his forthcoming EP, How Did We Get Here? (Cómo Llegamos Aquí?).
With experience spanning recording, choreography, live performance, acting, and dance education, Jason brings a multifaceted performer’s perspective to the judges’ panel of DC’s Dancing Stars Gala.
2026 Emcees
Julie Donaldson
Julie Donaldson successfully transitioned to news as an anchor/reporter at FOX5 DC in December of 2024 after over 20 years in sports journalism, where she has been a trailblazer for women in sports. She served as a permanent member of the game-day radio broadcast for the Washington Commanders from 2020 to 2024, making her the first woman to be a regular on-air member of an NFL radio broadcast booth. She also served as Senior Vice President of Broadcast for the franchise for three years, where she was responsible for hiring the team to work alongside her and within the broadcast department. As a member of Washington's executive leadership team, Julie oversaw the entire broadcast and editorial operation for the organization and contributed input and vision to all of the club's in-house creative content. Additionally, she hosted the Coaches Show, the franchise's daily programming, and the two-hour pregame show.
During a decade-long tenure as an anchor, reporter, and host for NBC Sports Washington (NCBSW), Julie has covered nearly every team, athlete, and major sports story in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore region, as well as across national and international sporting events. Julie served as host of NBCSW's Emmy Award-winning NFL pregame and postgame shows, Training Camp Daily, and Football Central. She hosted their NBA gameday shows and anchored on SportsNet Central.
In addition to her work with NBCSW, Julie has also frequently held on-air roles for NBC Sports and NBC Olympics. She has held four Olympic assignments as a News Desk Host during the 2018 (PyeongChang), 2016 (Rio), and 2014 (Sochi) Olympic Games, and 2012 (London) as a reporter. She often served as a weekend Sports Desk host for NBC Sports.
Julie joined NBCSW in August 2010 after stops in some of the nation's top markets, including Boston, New York, and Miami. Donaldson served as a sports anchor and reporter for Boston's WHDH-TV (NBC). Prior to WHDH, she was a reporter for SportsNet New York (SNY) for two years, including the network's inaugural season.
A University of Florida graduate, Julie began her career in Miami, where she held a variety of positions for FOX Sports, including FS Florida and FS South. She served as a reporter for FS Florida's Sports Rap and hosted SEC and ACC men's basketball shows for FS South. She contributed to national broadcasts as a sideline reporter for ACC Sunday Night Hoops. Julie was crowned Miss Florida USA 2001.
Kyle Arrington
Kyle Arrington is a Super Bowl champion, former NFL cornerback, entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, and motivational speaker. A native of Prince George’s County, Maryland, Kyle attended Gwynn Park High School before playing collegiate football at Hofstra University. Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent, he went on to build a successful nine-season professional career with the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens. In 2011, he tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions and appeared in two Super Bowls, including the Patriots’ victory in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks.
Following his retirement from professional football in 2017, Kyle dedicated himself to empowering young people and strengthening communities. In 2019, he founded The E.V.O.L.V.E. Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on youth development through education, fitness, and mentorship. The foundation has impacted thousands of young people through its programs, including free football camps serving more than 2,000 youth.
Kyle is also the founder of American Fitness, a wellness brand promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger communities, and the author of Piece It Together!, a children’s book encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and STEM education. His dedication to community service has earned him recognition, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Prince George’s County Public Schools Hall of Fame.
As a motivational speaker, Kyle draws on his experiences overcoming adversity, competing at the highest level of professional sports, and transitioning into entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Through his work in business, education, and community advocacy, he continues to inspire others to embrace challenges, pursue their potential, and make a lasting impact.
2026 Professional Dancers
Alina Kupriianova
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.
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.
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.
Yuliya Sinevych
Yuliya Sinevych, the owner and lead instructor of Fred Astaire, Reston, brings a wealth of international experience and passion to the community. Born in Rivne, Ukraine, Yuliya began her dance journey at the age of seven, immersing herself in various styles including ballroom, classical, jazz, and yoga. By eight, she was already competing, showcasing her dedication and talent.
Throughout her illustrious career, Yuliya has performed and taught across the globe. She has lived and worked in Turkey, Ecuador, and the United States, enriching her teaching with diverse cultural influences. Her commitment to dance excellence is evident in her accolades, notably being recognized as the top Pro/Am Lady Teacher in both Smooth and Rhythm categories by the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) in 2023.
Yuliya’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering a love for dance in each student, regardless of their background or experience level. She believes in creating a supportive and engaging environment where students can explore their potential and express themselves through movement.
Yehor Kupriianov
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.
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 Pecens
Vladislavs Pecens is a highly accomplished ballroom dancer at DC DanceSport Academy, 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.
Javier Buentello
Javier has taught in Northern VA since 1998 and currently teaches at Elegant Dancing in Fairfax. 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 their dog, Ponzu.
Igor Pylyay
Igor Pylyay is a professional ballroom dancer and instructor at Fred Astaire, Reston, with a distinguished career in both Ukraine and the United States. He began his dance journey in 1992 in his hometown of Poltava, Ukraine, competing in International Style ballroom and Latin dance. His dedication and talent led him to become the National Ukrainian Champion in 1999, and in 2004, he was awarded the title of Master of Sport of Ukraine.
After relocating to the United States, Ihor continued his passion for dance by joining the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Greenville, South Carolina. He later became an instructor at the Carolina Ballroom Dance Studio in Greenville, where he shared his extensive knowledge and experience with students.
Beyond his dance career, Ihor has been involved in community events. He participated in the “Dancing with the Carolina Stars” event, which benefits Senior Action, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors in Greenville County.
Igor’s commitment to dance and his students is evident in his teaching approach, which combines technical expertise with a passion for the art form. His journey from a young dancer in Ukraine to a respected instructor and competitor in the United States highlights his dedication and love for ballroom dance.
Valters Janis Frickauss
Valters Jānis Frickauss is a highly accomplished professional Latin dancer, international educator, and choreographer joining DC DanceSport Academy from Europe. With more than 20 years of dance experience and a decade of international coaching, he brings world-class expertise and a uniquely technical, yet inspiring, teaching style.
A former World Championship Finalist, Top 3 Youth Latin dancer globally, and Latvian U21 Latin Champion, Valters has competed at the highest levels across Europe, earning multiple national and international titles.
Valters is also recognized for his work in television and stage productions, including Dancing with the Stars Latvia, X Factor Latvia, and several award-winning choreographies for youth and show performances.
At DC DanceSport Academy, Valters specializes in Latin technique, movement mechanics, expressive performance, and confidence training for dancers of all ages and levels. He teaches in five languages and is passionate about helping students feel natural, powerful, and fully alive on the dance floor.
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 numerous winner of international competitions and festivals in Italy, the Czech Republic, Greece, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Poland, Ukraine.
Nikita‘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.