Denys Parfonov and Tania Sopit - 5-time Ukrainian National Ballroom and Showdance Champions, were forced to leave Ukraine, because of war. They came to Wilmington, De., through U4U program, being sponsored by Ken and Roseanna Richards - the owners of BlueBallRoom Dance Studio. And the first question, after they looked at the studios schedule was: "Are there any children's group?"

The thing is, Ballroom dancing for kids is very popular in Ukraine, and for more than 15 years Denis and Tania have been working with young students from 3 to 20 years old, inspiring them to grow and learn, participating in training camps, taking lessons, group classes, winning competitions!

Denis and Tania were teaching not just in their hometown Kyiv, but also in Zhytomyr, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odessa, Chernivtsi and Lviv. They got used to cute wondering eyes, big hardworking personalities and children’s wills to be first- to be the best!

So, two Ukrainians started to search for the young dancers here, in USA. That's how "Future Stars DanceSport Team Delaware" program has been started. It was pretty slow in the beginning. There was just one girl came for the first lesson. Then another one.  After one month, the already have three girls, who was getting to know ballroom dancing.

Social Media, promotion with a help of older students and parents reviews made a miracle - 8 regular young dancers completed the group - 3 couples of them are brothers and sisters, dancing together.

After 1 year of learning they all have an impressive achievement! Started from beginner level, they already performed at the BlueBallRoom Showdance Event in October 2023 and getting ready for another great studio performance in May 2024!

There is one couple among little stars - Giovanni (9 years old) and Penelope Saldivar (7 years old), who did their first competitions The MAC and was qualified for National Championships in Pittsburgh.

"Dancing - is a great skill and a useful one too! It helps children to be more focused, rhythmic, balanced, confident, healthy! It brings aim! It brings joy and of course new friends! It helps to socialize! It prepares for the future events such as school balls, university graduation performances and, one day, - wedding! And it's just so great to see happy smiling faces!" - that's what Denis and Tania said, answering the question "why should kids dance?"

We wish Denis and Tania new talented students and every success in growing future champions!

2/25/2024 © Amberibis