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.

Coaching Day
Thursday, August 6
Ilya Ifraimov

  • International Dance Council Member
  • Studio Owner
  • With Fred Astaire Dance Studios since 1999

BIO

Ilya coaches and choreographs in all levels and styles. A World Class Adjudicator and Choreographer, he’s been a member of NDC since 2005 and has collaborated in the creation of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios International Latin Syllabus. Ilya has also appeared on American Ballroom Challenge and The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • US PRO Latin Finalist
  • World Cup Runner-Up
  • World Masters Champion
  • Blackpool, International and UK Rising Star Finalist
  • 6-Time Fred Astaire National Champion
  • North American Show Dance Champion

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • American Smooth
  • American Rhythm
  • International Latin
  • Theater Arts

Coaching Day
Wednesday, August 26
Iryna DeSoto

 

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.

Achievements 

  • 2-Time United States Rhythm Finalist
  • 2-Time World Rhythm Finalist
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® National ShowDance Champion
  • Blackpool Rhythtm Finalist
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Vice Rhythm Champion
  • Ohio Star Ball Finalist
  • USDC Mambo Finalist
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Undefeated RS Rhythm Champion
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® IL Rhythm Champion

Areas of Expertise

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