Victor Russu
Victor has been associated with the Fred Astaire organization since 1998 and has been director of the Bardonia studio since 2001. Although he has coached many dancers to champion status, he still enjoys working with all types of dance students. Victor is noted for his ability to key in on students' unique talents, enabling them to achieve their personal best.
As director of the studio, Victor oversees a highly qualified teaching staff that works with him to help all students reach their full potential. He is a board member of the prestigious National Dance Council of America.
- Among his other career accomplishments:
- Five-time Moldovan International Standard & Latin Champion
- Fred Astaire National American Smooth Champion
- U.S. Rising Star finalist in Standard, Latin and Smooth
- Ohio Star Ball Rising Star American Smooth Champion
- Professional partner of two-time World Pro-Am American Smooth Champion
Andrei and Elena are a professional couple from the country of Moldova. They began dancing at the age of 7. The couple owned and managed two dance studios for 12 years in their home city of Tiraspol. While both are international champions in Standard and Latin they have also trained many students to be dance-sport and modern champions as well as embrace the values of, and love great dancing.
Andrei and Elena have competed in many countries such as Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Romania and Russia. They have come to the United States to continue their dance careers and competition but more importantly to bring their love and passion for dancing and all that goes with it to their new friends in America.
Andrei and Elena want to share not only great dancing but also that dancing is FUN and EXCITING and is a great way to have a great life.
A fun and motivational instructor. Alvan has the natural ability to make students feel comfortable and welcome in the studio. His broad base of experience in lifestyles and community makes it possible for him to communicate with many students old and young from many varied backgrounds.
His interest in dance began in college and blossomed through his years as a student at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. He is one of the instructors who has come through the Fred Astaire system and can absolutely prove to you that it really does work. Like other dancers before him, Alvan believes that dance mirrors life. There are easy times and hard times, but life always works best when we are all moving in harmony with each other, and if there is fun to be had “let’s go get us some!”
IULIA GHELMUTDINOVA
"Originally from Moldova, Iulia has built a successful career as a ballroom dancer. Iulia's journey into the dance world began at the age of ten, when she became enthralled with dance after having watched a live performance of the Rumba. The sensual movements and majestic grace of the Rumba captivated Iulia's imagination, inspiring her to devote her life to dance. Now in Bardonia, Iulia is sharing her knowledge and skill of ballroom dancing to students of all different backgrounds, ranging from young inspiring dancers to wedding couples, and everyone in between. Iulia strives to pass- on her belief that dance is "for laughter, for love, and for creating your dreams." So follow your dreams and let's dance together!"