Guest Coaches

The World’s Best Dancers and Coaches, in Our Studio!

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Mokena offers and delivers the finest in group and private ballroom dance classes, but we also bring you a great variety in our professional coaching. Broaden your knowledge and skills by meeting and working with some true standouts. You’ll be glad you did. These professionals have helped shape the dance industry and continue to inspire the teaching methods used throughout the dance community. We encourage you to enroll today with one (or better, both!) of these special guest coaches.

April 28th
Iryna DeSoto
Coaching Day and Master Class

Iryna is originally from Ukraine. Her dance journey began in her hometown of Ternopil with hip hop and disco dance. She quickly rose to become the Ukrainian and European champion in these styles. Upon moving to the United States, she discovered a passion for Ballroom Dance and began competing with her husband Aaron Desoto, achieving finalist status in numerous prestigious competitions worldwide representing Fred Astaire Dance Studios®. Not only successful in her professional career, Iryna is also a highly acclaimed dance instructor with multiple top teacher awards at regional and national levels. Teaching dance since the age of 14, she finds joy in witnessing her students’ growth and the positive impact dance has on their lives.

Areas of Expertise

  • Rhythm
  • Smooth
  • Choreography
  • Theater Arts
  • Enrollment Department
  • Advanced Teaching Department

Roles at Fred Astaire Dance Studios®

  • International Dance Council Member
  • Studio Dance Director

Tuesday, May 13th
Coaching Day
Kharyton Khomenko

Kharyton started his dance career at the age of 5 in Ukraine. During his career he was trained by some of the best coaches from all over the world. Kharyton competed in many international competitions. He is also known as a two-time World Champion in the 10-Dance in Youth Division.

Kharyton joined Fred Astaire Company in 2014, and he developed many great amateur dancers who became National Champions. Kharyton has been the Regional Top teacher in Wisconsin, Arizona and Illinois as well as a National Top teacher. He specializes in all styles including Latin, Standard, Rhythm and Smooth. Kharyton became a Co-Regional Dance Director of Illinois.

Along with his partner Anastasiya Khomenko, Kharyton is a 5 times Fred Astaire National Ballroom Champion, 5 times Fred Astaire National 10-dance Champion, 8 times Fred Astaire National Smooth Champion, American National Smooth Finalists.

In 2018 Kharyton and Anastasiya became the owners of Northbrook Studio which is currently the Top Dance Studio of the Illinois Region.