Hayk Balasanyan is a former Armenian National Latin Champion, five-time Fred Astaire National and World Professional Latin Champion, choreographer, studio owner, and Regional Director of Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Michigan.
Hayk’s professional journey began in Armenia, where he and his longtime professional partner and wife, Emilia Poghosyan, became Armenian National Latin Champions. In 2008, they moved to the United States to continue their professional careers and build a future in the American ballroom dance industry.
Their journey with Fred Astaire Dance Studios began in New York and later continued in New Jersey, where Hayk established himself as a professional competitor, instructor, coach, and choreographer. Together, Hayk and Emilia became five-time Fred Astaire National and World Professional Latin Champions and U.S. Rising Star Professional Latin Champions. Among the highlights of their international career was an outstanding 15th-place finish at the legendary Blackpool Dance Festival in England, widely regarded as the most prestigious ballroom dance competition in the world.
Their next chapter brought them to Florida, where they opened and successfully operated their own Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Winter Park for approximately 10 years, developing a thriving community of students and professionals.
Since 2017, Hayk has served as a member of the Fred Astaire National Dance Council, contributing his competitive, artistic, and professional experience to the continued development of the organization.
Today, Hayk and Emilia are the owners of Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Bloomfield Hills and serve as Regional Directors of Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Michigan. Hayk brings his experience as a champion dancer, choreographer, educator, and successful studio owner to the growth of the Michigan Region, with a vision of developing exceptional professionals, strengthening studios, creating outstanding events, and building a lasting Fred Astaire legacy throughout Michigan.
