Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Doylestown
Professional Instructor
With Fred Astaire Dance Studios since 2022
“Dance is more than an art form; it is life itself.” – Marty Rubin
Bio:
Born and raised in Russia, Ilya brings with him his incredible passion for dance. He started dancing at 6 years old in Moscow, Russia, where he met his partner, Anastasiia Kovalenko. Since the age of 12, they have danced together, competing, earning impressive titles. For the first 7 years, they danced both International Latin and Standard styles. Afterwards, they realized their true love is for International Standard style dances, where they continued to become champions.
From 2017 to 2019, Ilya and Anastasiia opened their own dance studio in Moscow where they taught young children. From there they moved to Turkey where they worked with a company named the National Athletes of Turkey, also working with children. In July of 2022, they moved to the U.S., becoming instructors at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
Ilya’s favorite part about teaching is seeing his students grow as dancers and individuals.
Achievements:
- Master of Sport and Master of Dance of Russia
- Champion of the Turkish Republic WDSF
- Champion and Vice-Champion of Open WDC Competitions in France
- Vice-Champion of the WDC European Cup
- 2x Finalist of the Eastern European Championship
- Finalist of the Russian Championship RDU in 10 dances
- Finalist of the Russian Championship RDU in International Style
- 2024 Top Male International Ballroom Instructor in FADS Pennsylvania
- 2024 Fred Astaire National Rising Star International Ballroom Champion
- 2025 Vice-Champion of Eastern United States Dance Championship
