Emilia Poghosyan
Emilia Poghosyan is a former Armenian National Latin Champion, five-time Fred Astaire National and World Professional Latin Champion, accomplished dance professional, studio owner, and Regional Director of Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Michigan.
Emilia’s journey began in Armenia, where she and her longtime professional partner and husband, Hayk Balasanyan, established themselves as Armenian National Latin Champions. In 2008, they moved to the United States to pursue the next chapter of their professional careers and soon became part of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios family.
Their Fred Astaire journey began in New York and continued in New Jersey, where Emilia developed her career as a professional competitor, instructor, coach, and leader. Together, Emilia and Hayk became five-time Fred Astaire National and World Professional Latin Champions and U.S. Rising Star Professional Latin Champions. Internationally, they achieved an impressive 15th-place finish at the legendary Blackpool Dance Festival in England, widely regarded as the most prestigious ballroom dance competition in the world.
Their passion for dancing soon grew into a passion for developing others and building successful studios. Emilia and Hayk relocated to Florida, where they opened their own Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Winter Park and successfully owned and operated the studio for approximately 10 years, building a thriving community of students and professionals.
Since 2017, Emilia has served as a member of the Fred Astaire National Dance Council, contributing her experience and knowledge to the continued growth and development of Fred Astaire Dance Studios.
Today, Emilia and Hayk are the owners of Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Bloomfield Hills and serve as Regional Directors of Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Michigan. Drawing on nearly two decades within the Fred Astaire organization, Emilia is dedicated to developing strong studios, inspiring professionals and students, and building a vibrant and successful future for Fred Astaire Dance Studios throughout Michigan.
Hayk Balasanyan
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.
