Tania is originally from Ukraine.
Her sports career started from the rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 3. Working hard for 6-8 hours, winning competitions, Tania was dreaming of being a dancer. Ten years later her dream came true! As soon as she made her first step onto the dance floor, she suddenly recognized that it would be her lifetime passion!
Tania had been dancing International Ballroom (Standard) and Latin American disciplines through the Adult Amateur division, and continued with the Ballroom discipline in the Professional division.
Together with her partner and husband Denis Parfyonov they are 5-time Ukrainian champions in Professional Ballroom and Ballroom Showdance (sequey), finalists of European and World Championships, and have title of Masters of Sports of International Class.
Graduated from the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts, certified as a choreographer and a dance teacher. Tania has 12 years of experience in teaching kids and adults in Ballroom, Latin, Social Club Dancing (Salsa, Bachata), Pro-Am, providing physical trainings, dancing showcases and judging competitions. After moving to USA she opened for herself a wonderful world of American Smooth and Rhythm.
Tania found her destiny in BlueBallRoom Dance Studio, while helping people find joy and happiness in dancing! Watching them learning and improving makes her very happy too!
Denis was born in Lviv, Ukraine. He began his dancing career at the age of 6, learning from Ukrainian Champions and the best teachers from all over the world.
After a long and successful career as an Amateur Class dancer, representing the National Team of Ukraine, Denis advanced into a Professional Class and won many Standard and Showdance Championships with his partner and wife Tania Sopit. In addition, they'd been competing all over the world and earned many international titles.
Denis has a Master’s Degree of DanceSport Coach, Bachelor’s Degree of Ballroom Choreographer and title of Master of Sports of International Class. He is an International DanceSport Teacher and Adjudicator with more than 20 years of experience.
Denis is also a writer and translator of books and articles, and founder of The Ballroom Library: www.ballroomlibrary.com
After moving to the US two years ago together with Tania, Denis is teaching in BlueBallRoom Dance Studio in Wilmington, Delaware, owned by Ken & Roseanna Richards. Together their main goal is developing the studio through promoting a culture of ballroom dancing, improving local standard of dance, running club parties and creating choreographies for wedding dances.
Denis & Tania also started the "Delaware Future Stars" dance program for children 4 to 12 years old, bringing the new generation to a wonderful world of dancing!
If you’d like to learn more about Denis, visit his personal web site: www.parfyonov.com.ua, and follow Denis & Tania on Facebook and Instagram.
Born in Rome, Emanuele’s journey into dance began at age 10, inspired by his mother’s deep love for movement and music. What started as social dancing quickly evolved into a competitive pursuit in Ballroom and Latin styles. From his very first steps, Emanuele knew dance was more than a hobby — it was his calling.
He trained extensively in Italy, refining his foundation in Ballroom technique, and later expanded his artistry in England, where he deepened his skills and embraced international influences. Certified in Ballroom and Latin in Italy and currently certified in the United States, Emanuele has spent decades teaching dancers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, always with a focus on musicality and personal expression.
🌟 Career Highlights
Emanuele’s competitive record is a testament to his excellence and dedication:
– Blackpool (CN) RS Professional Ballroom Champion
– Blackpool (CN) Open Professional Ballroom Finalist
– 3rd Place – WDC World Professional Classic Show Dance
– 2nd Place – US Professional Classic Show Dance
– 2nd Place – US National RS Professional Ballroom
– US National Open Professional Ballroom Semifinalist
– 3rd Place US National Open Professional Ten Dance
– 2nd Place Ohio Star Ball RS Professional Ballroom
– 2nd Place Embassy Ball RS Professional Ballroom
– Emerald Ball Open Professional Ballroom Finalist
– 2× Undefeated North American Professional Ballroom Champion
– WDC Disney Fred Astaire RS Professional Ballroom Champion
– WDC Disney Fred Astaire Open Professional Ballroom Semifinalist
– Dutch Open RS Professional Ballroom Champion
– Dutch Open Professional Ballroom Semifinalist
– UK, Blackpool, International Professional Semifinalist
– Pro/Am Champion – Blackpool, US National, Ohio Star Ball, and World Championship
– 2nd Place – Amateur South European Ballroom Championship
– 3x 4rd Place – Open Ten Dance Italian Championship (Amateur)
– 4th Place – Amateur Italian Super Cup Open Latin
– 2nd Place – Amateur Italian Super Cup Open Ballroom
🎶 Artistic Philosophy
For Emanuele, music is the lead — dance is its visual expression. This philosophy defines his niche and fuels his teaching. Whether guiding a newcomer or refining a professional’s performance, he emphasizes the emotional and personal connection between dancer and music. His legacy is rooted in the belief that there are no limits to individuality in dance: every dancer has the right to express their story with authenticity and flair.
Proudly owner of the First Fred Astaire, Dance Studio Wilmington Delaware.
Born in Rome, Francesca’s journey into dance began at age 6, inspired by her Parents deep love for movement and music. What started as social dancing quickly evolved into a competitive pursuit in Ballroom and Latin styles. From her very first steps, Francesca knew dance was more than a hobby — it was her calling, conquering Titles such as National Champion and 4th in the world at the young age of fifteen.
She trained extensively in Italy, refining her foundation in Ballroom technique, and later expanded her artistry in England, where she deepened her skills and embraced international influences. Certified in Ballroom and Latin in Italy and currently certified in the United States, Francesca has spent decades teaching dancers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, always with a focus on deep technique and personal expression.
🌟 Career Highlights
Francesca’s competitive record is a testament to her excellence and dedication:
– Blackpool (CN) RS Professional Ballroom Champion
– Blackpool (CN) Open Professional Ballroom Finalist
– 3rd Place – WDC World Professional Classic Show Dance
– 2nd Place – US Professional Classic Show Dance
– 2nd Place – US National RS Professional Ballroom
– US National Open Professional Ballroom Semifinalist
– 3rd Place US National Open Professional Ten Dance
– 2nd Place Ohio Star Ball RS Professional Ballroom
– 2nd Place Embassy Ball RS Professional Ballroom
– Emerald Ball Open Professional Ballroom Finalist
– 2× Undefeated North American Professional Ballroom Champion
– WDC Disney Fred Astaire RS Professional Ballroom Champion
– WDC Disney Fred Astaire Open Professional Ballroom Semifinalist
– Dutch Open RS Professional Ballroom Champion
– Dutch Open Professional Ballroom Semifinalist
– UK, Blackpool, International Professional Semifinalist
– Pro/Am Champion – Blackpool, US National, Ohio Star Ball, and World Championship
– 2nd Place – Amateur South European Ballroom Championship
– 3x 4rd Place – Open Ten Dance Italian Championship (Amateur)
– 4th Place – Amateur Italian Super Cup Open Latin
– 2nd Place – Amateur Italian Super Cup Open Ballroom
-1st Italian National Amateur Ballroom Championship
-1st Italian National Youth 10 Dance Championship
-4th World Youth Ten Dance Championship
🎶 Artistic Philosophy
For Francesca, dance has no Imagination or Body limits. This philosophy defines her niche and fuels her teaching. Whether guiding a newcomer or refining a professional’s performance, she emphasizes the emotional and personal connection between dancer’s Mind and Body. Her legacy is rooted in the belief that there are no limits to individuality in dance: every dancer has the right to express their story with authenticity and flair.
Proudly owner of the First Fred Astaire, Dance Studio Wilmington Delaware.
Simona is originally from Rome Italy.
She started dancing at the age of 5 in ballet, modern and jazz.
From an early age, her talent was recognized by the greatest professionals of the show by rewarding her in performances in various famous theaters in Rome.
At the age of 20 she began her career in Latin dances paired with her husband Simone.
Together they have earned many trophies in the International Latin Dance amateur category.
First places in several International competitions
2 Times Champion of International championship (London)
Vice World Champion (Paris)
World Champion (Paris)
2 times Blackpool finalist (6 and 4th Place)
Finalist in many competition int.Professional Latin in USA
Finalist Professional International Championship O35 in London 2023(4th Place)
Finalist Professional UK Championship 2024 O35 in London(4th Place)
In 2017 she decided, together with her husband, to continue her career in the USA where they competed in the Latin professional category by participating in various competitions. They also have participated in DANCE WITH THE STARS – Hampton Roads – events.
Simona teaches all 4 Ballroom styles: American and Latin.
Rhythm, Smooth, Standard and Latin.
She also teaches child dance class as well as adult social dance and Pro/Am competitive style dancing.
Simona is a certified instructor in DVIDA, and ISTD, dance disciplines.
She is certified in Zumba and Weight Management programs
Simona dedicated to teaching students to dance – it is a dream job for her. She also loves dancing herself. It is a passion that she has had all her life.
Simone is originally from Rome Italy.
He started playing soccer when he was 6 years old. At 15 years of age, he started dance.
For a few years he kept both disciplines. Often, he would have a soccer match in the morning and a dance competition in the afternoon. When he discovered the dance world, he fell in love with it and decided to pursue dance exclusively.
After a few years with one pro dance partner, he made a change and began dancing professionally with his wife. In 2018 they moved to the USA.
Simone is a DVIDA and ISTD certified dance instructor, and has received certification as a personal trainer and Sport Nutritionist from ISSA.
Simone teaches all 4 Ballroom styles: American and Latin.
Rhythm, Smooth, Standard and Latin.
Adult social dance and Pro/Am competitive style dancing.
The most impressive accomplishments to date are: Italian championships
First places in several International competitions
2 Times Champion of International championship (London)
Vice World Champion (Paris)
World Champion (Paris)
2 times Blackpool finalist (6 and 4th Place)
Finalist in many competition int.Professional Latin in USA
Finalist Professional International Championship O35 in London 2023(4th Place)
Finalist Professional UK Championship 2024 O35 in London(4th Place)
Born in South Africa and moved to USA in 1999
Started teaching in 1982 in South Africa
USA Dance Member since June 12, 2008
Education: Quadruple licentiate/Membership degree USTA American Smooth, American Rhythm,
International Standard, International Latin
Dual licentiate/Membership degree ISTD (UK) & USISTD International Standard & Latin
Dual licentiate/Membership degree NATD (UK) International Standard & Latin
Ballroom & Latin training from top coaches in South Africa, UK, Italy & USA
Judging Experience: South Africa – judged for approximately 10 years including National Championships, Gold Cup, Prix D ‘Elegance, all Provincial Championships
(Judged almost every 2nd week for about 10 years) 1989 - 1999
Zimbabwe – judged National Championships & other Championship
1994 – 1999
Germany – Bremen – WDSF Dancesport Festival June 2022 USA – USA Dance- Nationals in Baltimore MD & Orem UT , Mid Atlantic Championships Bethesda MD, Californian Open Dancesport Championships San Jose CA, Carolina Fall Classic Charlotte NC, Georgia Dancesport Competition Atlanta GA, Triangle Open Dancesport Championships Raleigh NC, , American Dancesport Festival [ADSF] Miami FL and Fort Lauder Dale FL, Manhattan Amateur Classic [MAC] Jersey City NY/NJ, Gumbo Festival New Orleans LA, Charlotte Star Ball Charlotte NC, Southeastern Dancesport Championships Atlanta GA, Atlanta Cup Atlanta GA, Kansas City Dancesport Competition Kansas City KS, Chicago Dancesport Challenge Chicago IL, Sunshine State Tallahassee FL, Midwest Dancesport Championships Chicago IL, Various Competitions in Hackensack NJ, Various other minor USA Dance Competitions 2014 – 2020
NDCA - American Star Ball, Fantasy Ball, Eastern Championships, NJ State Championships, Various other competitions 2001 - 2016
Various other Championships & smaller Competitions
Qualified & Highly Experienced Championship Adjudicator /Judge [ A ] Standard, Latin, 10 Dance, Standard Showdance and Latin Showdance for WDSF, Adjudicator (PD) [ License # 10097224 ], USA Dance, WDO and NDCA [ currently not registered with NDCA as a judge and Pro/Am Professional due to their ruling re choosing between them and other associations so I chose to dedicate to WDSF & USAD].
Also, a Professional Surfing Judge
Other Experience: was USISTD National Committee Officer for 10 years
was USISTD Examinations Director for 3 years
Dance politician in South Africa for RDTA, SADTA, USTA, SANCBD, Joint Council.
Dance Director & C.O.O. [one of 4 partners] for DancesportVA in Virginia Beach, VA. Now working as the owner of MSDS operating out of DanceSportVA Prior to that Studio Owner for approx. 30 years. Trained & Experienced in FADS, Arthur Murray & TC Club Methods but spent most of my career as an independent in the International style
Involved in the development of the underprivileged Dancers in South Africa
Undefeated KZN Provincial Pro Standard Champion and 4th in South Africa Pro Standard
Have trained over 20 Amateurs to obtain their professional degrees and most are now top Pros in their own Countries.
Currently Membership Director for USAD Tidewater #6008 and a committee member of the USAD National Nominations & Elections Committee.
Have been a national coach at various training camps held in Boston, Charlotte, Orlando and Atlanta
Trained With:Key Coaches - Jack & Jessie Liddell, Ted Russell, Aubrey Stander, Rosemary Wingrove, Mickey & Anne Mickelbust, Noreen McKenzie, Ethne Kenton, Graham Smith, Judi Hatton, David Don, Esther Don, Charlotte Jorgensen, Martin Lamb, Paul Holmes, Louis Van Amstel, Terrie Boucher Have also worked with – Bill & Bobby Irvine, Peter Eggleton, Jason Gilkenson, Nick Kosavich, Eddie Goudge, Manny Gomez, Luca Barichi, Alex Geisha, Richard Porter, Matthew & Nicole Cutler, Dave Campbell, Warren Bullock, Jack Reavely, Anne Lingaard and numerous others
Various titles in competitions in South Africa
Kwazulu/Natal South Africa Pro Standard champion 1997 and undefeated champion 1999
South African National Pro Standard Finalist 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 [ placing 4th in 1999 ]
Danced in the USA from 2000 until professional competitive retirement in
2008
Competed in Pro Standard for 22 years
Still doing Pro/Am in all disciplines at all levels
Still doing Pro and Pro/Am shows in all disciplines