Owners & Directors, Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Downtown & Union Square
Svitlana Gliebova and Artur Sveshnikov are husband and wife, creative partners, and the visionary owners behind two of New York City’s most dynamic dance destinations — Fred Astaire Downtown and Fred Astaire Union Square. Together, they have built far more than studios. They’ve created vibrant, elegant spaces where artistry, confidence, and community come together through the power of movement.
Their story begins in Ukraine, where both were born and raised. Svitlana grew up in Lviv, a city celebrated for its beauty, culture, and artistic soul. Artur was born in Odessa, a lively seaside city where rhythm and expression are a way of life. They met while studying at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts — Artur majoring in choreography and Svitlana in public relations. That meeting marked the start of a lifelong partnership built on creativity, mutual respect, and an unshakable shared dream.
After graduating, they moved to the United States to pursue their passion for dance and personal growth. Their journey began with Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Greensboro, North Carolina, where they immersed themselves in the art and business of ballroom dance. It was there that they developed the teaching philosophy that continues to guide their work today — that dance is not just about steps, but about transformation, emotion, and self-expression.
In time, their path led to New York City, the city of limitless ambition. They became co-owners of Fred Astaire Midtown, bringing their warmth and professionalism to one of Manhattan’s most iconic locations. In 2017, they opened their own studio in Tribeca — Fred Astaire Downtown, which quickly became a home for dancers from all backgrounds. Known for its elegance, high-level instruction, and welcoming community, the studio embodied the couple’s vision: a place where every person, from beginner to competitor, feels inspired to move and connect.
In 2025, Svitlana and Artur expanded their vision with the launch of Fred Astaire Union Square, their flagship studio designed to reimagine what a dance experience can be in modern New York. The Union Square location combines refined design with a high-energy social atmosphere, offering lessons, events, and memberships that feel luxurious yet deeply personal.
Artur brings over two decades of international dance experience and is admired for his technical mastery, charisma, and ability to bring out the best in every student. His approach blends discipline with empathy, making each lesson both a challenge and a joy.
Svitlana leads the studios with creative direction and strategic vision. With her background in communications and branding, she has shaped both Downtown and Union Square into full lifestyle experiences — spaces that celebrate confidence, elegance, and self-expression. Her eye for detail and love for storytelling shine through everything from studio design to event experiences and community partnerships.
Together, they embody their philosophy of dance as transformation — a belief that learning to move with grace changes not only how you dance, but how you live. Their students often say that Svitlana and Artur don’t just teach dance — they help people reconnect with themselves.
Outside the studios, they share their life in New York City with their two beautiful children, who inspire them daily and remind them why they do what they do. Their partnership — in marriage, in family, and in business — is at the heart of everything they’ve built.
For Svitlana and Artur, dance is more than their profession — it’s their language, their legacy, and their gift to the city they now call home.