Andrew Zemlyanko

Growing up in Siberia, Andrew’s family sent him to a special ballroom and Latin training school. He immigrated to New York as a teenager and had to leave his family back in Russia. He taught himself English by reading the dictionary and started teaching dance at Fred Astaire to help pay for his own competitions. He and his partner won second in the Professional Rising Star Division. Since then, Andrew has taught hundreds of students of all levels to dance. His specialty is Latin and he has a tremendous portfolio of competitive students who compete nationally. Additionally, he teaches several groups social dancing and musicality.

Olga Kormanovskaya

Originally from Kazakstan, Olga has trained in Latin and Ballroom dance since early childhood. In 2003, she won the United States Latin Championship in Ohio with her partner, Louis van Amstel. She continues to train students to compete at the highest level of latin dancing. Her expertise enables her to travel the country to coach students of all levels of dance. When she is not teaching, Olga also makes ball gowns and latin dresses for competitive and performing students.

Lenn Ambanta

Born in Hawaii and trained through Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Lenn began his dancing career at age 17 as a club back-up dancer. Later, he owned a mobile dance troop and choreographed numbers performed for local shows. Lenn has been in the dancing profession for approximately 30 years and is a registered member of the National Dance Counsel of America (NDCA). Lenn enjoys competing and performing with students at various competitions and shows.

Jimmy Rumba

Originally from Los Angeles, first made a name for himself in the salsa community on the west coast as a famed competitor, performer, instructor, choreographer, and event producer. Winner of the 2002 & 2003 Mayan World Salsa Championship and also former member of the world know LOS RUMBEROS DANCE COMPANY. Since then, he has appeared on numerous television shows, public performances and competitions. He brought his experience and talent with him to the east coast in 2004 when he moved to Atlanta. In no time, Jimmy turned up the heat and the level of dancing with new and innovative classes and much talked about events. Later, he moved to Atlanta where he has become one of the most sought after LA Salsa instructors in the southeastern region. His technique, styling and modern choreography are second to none. www.JimmyRumba.com

Nettie Robertsen

Nettie has been a dancer and a performer since she was 5 years old, stomping her feet as a Mexican folklore dancer then moving into jazz and ballet (jazz being her favorite). While working on her Master’s degree in Health & Human Performance Nettie’s first experience in social couples dancing was Two Step. That paved the way for her interest and passion in ballroom dancing. Nettie trained and taught at Arthur Murray dance studio in Short Hills, NJ before moving to Georgia in 1998. Since moving to Atlanta, she teaches not only private lessons, workshops, and group classes, but also has the privilege to teach a Hustle class for the second year at the 18th annual Peach State Country Western Dance Festival (one of the biggest Country Dance Competitions!). One of Nettie’s goals is to promote fitness through dance.

Ilya

Born in Russia, Ilya immigrated to the US in 1993. He studies ballroom and latin dance for ten years before turning his dance studies to Argentine Tango. Over the past several years, he has traveled the world studying under some of the best tango dancers. His teaching focuses on the Milonguero style which is the classic social style of tango danced in the salons of Buenos Aires. This style stresses the improvisational nature of Tango and the connection between partners. www.TangoBohemia.com

Cara & Jarrod Dominick

It’s a family affair at Take Hold! Originally from Boston, Jarrod & Cara, Take Hold Ballroom’s studio owners, first entered the ballroom dance world in preparation for their wedding ten years ago. After they were married, they continued to study and compete in the pro-am divisions to learn as much as they could about ballroom dancing at the highest level. When they moved to Atlanta, they opened Take Hold Ballroom to offer students a fun place to dance, meet people, and show how easy dance can be!