Instructors

Yuriy Simakov

Yuriy Simakov is Owner and Professional Dance Instructor of Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham, NC.

Yuriy started his dance career at the age of 7 in the Ukraine. At 12 years old, he became a champion of the Ukraine. As a competitor, Yuriy won numerous International Ballroom Dance Sport competitions in Germany, Russia, Poland, Moldova, Czech Republic, and Bulgaria...Read more...

Oksana Klyuchnyk

Oksana Klyuchnyk is Co-Owner and Professional Dance Instructor of Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham, NC.

Oksana started her dance career at the age of 7. She was competing in the Ballroom and Latin programs and becoming either winner or finalist of numerous National and International Dance Championships.

As a member of the Ukrainian Dance Team, Oksana represented the Ukraine... Read more...

Kostyantyn Karchanov

Kostyantyn started dancing in his hometown Poltava, Ukraine, in 1988. Kostyantyn has successfully danced at numerous regional national and international dance sport championships in Poland, Moldova, and Bulgaria. He is a graduate of Poltava University and has a Masters Degree in Dance. In 1996 he founded the dance studio “Nika”, teaching hundreds of students every year.

Kostyantyn came to the U.S.A. in 2005. He was a National Top Teacher in 2007. Kostyantyn is member of N.D.C.A. and a certified instructor.

Alyona Karchanova

Alyona has been a Fred Astaire teacher since 2005. She won the North Carolina Region Top Teacher Award many times. Alyona graduated from the Poltava University with the major of Dance. Alyona is also a certified instructor in the U.S.A., and member of N.D.C.A.

In 2009 she was employed as a manager of Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham and has been training professional teachers and has been giving outstanding customer service since.

Tori Holt

Tori Holt has been associated with the Fred Astaire organization since 2000. He knew that dancing was what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.

Tori has received training from some of the top professionals in the world. He is a certified instructor in American style of dance, and he competes professionally in American Rhythm division.

Tori is loved by our students for his cheerful personality and professional teaching skills. He will help you to develop and enjoy your dancing, whether you are a beginner or an advanced dancer.

Yuliya Klyuchnyk

In recognition of her dance achievements she was awarded the prestigious national sport award - Master of Dance of the Ukraine. Yuliya finished the University in Ukraine with a Masters degree in dance. She is also certified to teach in the United States. She has participated in many National Fred Astaire Competitions and placed 3rd place at the Cross Country Championships in Las Vegas.

Andriy Ryabichenko

Andriy started ballroom dancing at the young age of 6. He was a national Champion and finalist of several International Dance Sport Championships in Poland Czech Republic, and Russia.

Andriy is a certified instructor and member of N.D.C.A.. He has participated in many National Fred Astaire Competitions, and placed 3rd place at the Cross Country Championships in Las Vegas.

Andriy has excellent teaching skills and continues to expand his dance knowledge and experience. He is a rather driven person who not only has enormous amounts of energy but who can energize those whom he teaches.

Oleksandr Zyrianov

Oleksandr started dancing in his hometown Kiev, Ukraine. At 15 he became a champion of the Ukraine and finalist of the Open Russian Championship. He has been a winner and finalist of many international competitions in Moldova, Bulgaria, Poland and Austria.

Oleksandr graduated from Kiev National University of Culture and Arts with a Major in Dance.

After teaching at the largest dance studio in his hometown, Oleksandr has brought his unique style of teaching to America.

He is also a certified instructor in the United States. Oleksandr never stopped working on improving his dance and teaching skills, taking part in various seminars and trainings with some of the top professionals in the world.