Karina was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia. She started taking ballroom lessons when she was four years old, successfully representing her home-dance club at the regional competitions. After school graduation in 1992, Karina entered the Humanitarian University, department of Choreography. Here she met her partner and future husband, Vladislav Ivanov.
In 1996, Karina graduated with honors at St. Petersburg Humanitarian University and got her Professional Ballroom and Latin Coaching and Judging Degrees and Qualifications.
In 2002, with her husband Vladislav Ivanov, she moved to the United States. Here she continued to compete in the Professional International Ballroom Division and in 2003 Karina and Vladislav became finalists of the most recognizable competitions such as: Embassy DanceSport Championship, Los Angeles, CA; Yankee Classic DanceSport Championship, Boston, MA; North American Championships, Washington, D.C. In 2003, Karina and Vladislav became USA National Professional International Finalists, Provo, UT.
Karina and her husband, Vladislav, joined Fred Astaire Dance Studios® in 2003 on the East Side of New York under the leadership of Taliat & Marina Tarsinov. They worked successfully for over three years before becoming the owners of the Syracuse, NY studio in 2006. By 2013, Vladislav and Karina had expanded their influence to become Area Directors for FADS in Pennsylvania.
Starting with no studios in PA, Vladislav and Karina now lead 11-highly profitable studios. These studios have consistently excelled at various events, including National Competitions, where both Professionals and students have earned top titles. Vladislav and Karina are known for their strong leadership and coaching, guiding the PA FADS team of Professionals and students to achieve outstanding results at all levels of competition.
Achievements
- United States Championship Professional International Ballroom RS Finalist
- Russian Open Professional League Showdance Champion
- European Championships 10-Dance Finalist
- Open Dutch, German, Finland Championships 10-Dance Finalist
- Russian Open Championships 10-Dance Finalist
- Undefeated St. Petersburg Russia 10-Dance Champion
Areas of Expertise
- American Rhythm
- American Smooth
- International Ballroom
- International Latin
- Choreography
- Business Training
Roles at Fred Astaire Dance Studios®
International Dance Council Member
Pennsylvania & Delaware FADS Area Representative
Multi-Studio Owner
With Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Since (Year): 2003