Ivan is a Spanish professional dancer and international DanceSport champion. Born in Fuenlabrada, near Madrid, he began ballroom dancing at age five and was inspired to pursue it seriously after seeing the legendary Russian ballroom dancer Armen Tsaturyan at a competition in Germany.
At 15, Ivan moved to Moscow to train with world-renowned coaches, including Karina Rubio, Pietro Braga, Armen Tsaturyan, Alexey Glukhov, Anastasia Glazunova, and Lasse Odegaard. Immersed in a culture of rigorous practice, he developed the technical skill, artistry, and discipline that would define his competitive career.
Ivan has represented Spain and Croatia in competitions worldwide, earning titles such as: Spanish Youth Standard Champion (2020), Croatian Under-21 Standard & 10-Dance Champion (2022, 2023), and Croatian Under-21 Latin Vice Champion (2022, 2023). He has also reached the semifinals at the WDSF Under-21 German Open and placed in top positions at the WDSF World Championship and European Cup. Ivan has performed professionally, including choreographing the intro for Dancing with the Stars in Spain (2024).
Ivan, alongside his wife and dance partner Brianna, shares his passion for DanceSport while competing professionally in both open and closed American Smooth.
Ivan brings a vibrant personality and infectious enthusiasm to the dance floor. Known for his calm, approachable teaching style, he makes even the most complex dance techniques feel natural. Passionate about Ballroom dance, Ivan inspires students of all levels—beginners to serious competitors—to dance with confidence, grace, and skill. He believes anyone, regardless of experience, can become a great dancer with the right system and practice.
His favorite styles include Swing, Foxtrot, and Quickstep, and he often draws inspiration from the music of the 1960s, a decade he affectionately wishes he had been born in. Ivan joined our Southbury Fred Astaire dance studio in 2024, pursuing a lifelong dream shaped by Hollywood and the dynamic world of American Ballroom dance.
Outside the studio, Ivan is an active and culturally curious individual. He enjoys sports such as soccer, basketball, and boxing, as well as drawing, reading biographies and other non-fiction books, watching movies, going for walks, and indulging in his love for BBQ ribs. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Russian, he is always eager to share his knowledge, passion, and love for Ballroom dance with his students.
