Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. It is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television because of its performance and entertainment aspects.

Ballroom dance may refer to almost any type of social recreational dancing. However, with the emergence of Dancesport in modern times, the term has become narrower in scope. It usually refers to the International Standard and International Latin style dances. These styles were developed in England, and are now regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC). In the United States, two additional variations are popular: American Smooth and American Rhythm. We, at Light Up The Floor, teach the International Style only.

The Ballroom teachers at Light Up The Floor must have attained at least the Champion level status in order to conduct any classes for any age group at our studio. We take the quality of ballroom instruction very seriously and strive to ensure that you and/or your children receive the highest quality of instruction at all times.

There are two categories under the International Style; Standard and Latin. The dances are as follows:

Standard Dances
Waltz
Tango
Viennese Waltz
Fox Trot
Quick Step

	Latin Dances
	Cha Cha
	Rhumba
	Samba
	Paso Doble
	Jive

Kids Program

We typically start by teaching our young feet the Cha Cha as it is one of the easiest Latin dances to count out. Once they are comfortable with the rhythm, count and can identify the beat, we start to introduce the Jive & Rhumba. Samba and Paso Doble are then introduced later on.

The first two Standard forms weteach are the Waltz and Quick Step. Once the basic steps are mastered, the Fox Trot, Viennese Waltz and Tango follow.

It is important for the children to have an appreciation for all the ballroom dance forms we offer, so we do not steer them into one particular direction Latin vs Standard until they are older and are better able to decide if they would like to pursue Latin, Standard or both. Most competitive students dance both forms.

Competitive Ballroom

Competitions, at times referred to as Dancesport, range from world championships, regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC), to less advanced dancers at various proficiency levels. Most competitions are divided into professional and amateur, though pro-am competitions typically accompany professional competitions. The International Olympic Committee now recognizes competitive ballroom dance. It has recognized another body, the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF), as the sole representative body for dancesport in the Olympic Games.

In competitive ballroom, dancers are judged by diverse criteria such as poise, the hold or frame, posture, musicality and expression, timing, body alignment and shape, floor craft, foot and leg action, and presentation. Our professional ballroom coaches are highly trained and qualified to lead you and/or your children through the syllabus required for you and/or them to compete at any age and any level.

And now our coaches:

Julia began her dance career in 1990 when she was just 4 years old. Her parents will say ''Julia started to dance before she learned how to walk". They took her to her first dance class at the National Dance Studio Solnishko E.A. Skorbogatih Ekateninburg, Russiawhere she competed with other studios in various provinces. She danced Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz and Tap. In 1993 Julia went to school for International Ballroom and Latin dance. At a young age of 8 years old, she won her first dance competition and received the title of Champion of Ekaterinburg; her home city in Russia. In 1998 she placed as The Russian National Ten-Dance Semi-Finalist. During 1999 she attained Youth Latin Champions of Sweden, Poland, Germany, Finland, Ukraine, Belarussia, Austria.

From 2000 - 2001 Julia represented The Russian Dance Club of Russia and The European World Champions Victor Nikovsky and Larissa Davidova. In 2002 she won The Moscow Youth Latin Champion and was a Semi-Finalist in The Russian Youth Latin National Championships. From 2003 - 2007 she was invited to study at The Russian Academy of Theatre Arts and attained a Diploma in Dance Choreography Historical and International Ballroom Dance. In 2005 Julia immigrated to Canadato continue her dancing career. By 2006, she won The 10 dance Amateur Canadian Championships, placing 3rd in North Americain Latin. She turned professional in 2008, placing 2nd in The Professional Rising Star in America. She is a winner and finalist of countlessdance competitions.

Today she is a Professional International Ballroom and Latin Instructor and Choreographer.

Click here to see Julia dance.

Vlad was born in Riga Latvia.  Inspired by the creative and physical aspect of the art of dance, Vlad chose this sport because of his love for emotional expression.  He was trained in Latvia and Moscow by renowned coaches including Colin James, Victor Nikovsky, Sergey Duvanov and Svetlana Tveryanovitch, and his accomplishments include World Junior Champion in International Latin 2004, 8 times Latvian National Latin Champion, Finalistin World 10 – Dance Championships from 2004 -2008. In 2009, Vlad moved to Toronto to continue his success as an amateur competitor winning the Ohio State Ballroom competition and Manhattan Dancesport.  In 2010, he turned professional and continued to pursue his love for choreographing different styles of dance.  Since 2004, he has choreographed for:

• “Baltic style and beauty” – exhibition, Contest between beauty salons of   the Baltic countries
• “Dancing with the Stars” Latvia
• “Grand prix Latvia” One of the biggest Dance Sport competitions in the world (Showcase guest/Choreographer). 
• “Miss Lebanon Canada beauty pageant” 2010
• Worked on choreographing with professionals:  Natalie Reznik, Jose DeCamps & Joanna Zacharewicz, Ieva Pauksena.

Click here to see Vlad dance.

Ariel began dancing at the age of 10 where she joined a Polish Folk Dancing group called Lechowia. During her years dancing in Lechowia she traveled internationally to places such as Poland, Ecuador, Mexico and many places in America learning about her Polish heritage.  Through Lechowia she was introduced to the Latin dance world. Ariel began her Latin training when she was 11 years old and for the first few years she took it socially because she had difficulties finding a serious partner. Finally, when she turned 17 she found a serious dance partner and began intensive training. Since then she has been traveling to England for lessons from the top dance teachers in the world as well as competitions.

Her competition results to date include:

• Runner-up London Open Championships in England in 2010
• Runner-up at the Ontario Open Championships in 2011
• 28th out of 200 couples in the United Kingdom Open in 2011
• Ranked 4th in Canada in 2011

Click here to see Ariel dance.

Click here to see our BALLROOM SCHEDULE!