Specialties
What We Teach: Latin and Rhythm Dances
For competitive dancing, the Latin dance styles are grouped into two main categories: American Rhythm and International Latin. The American Rhythm style consists of five dances: Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero and Mambo. The International Latin style also consists of five dances: Cha-Cha, Rumba, Jive, Paso Doble and Samba.
Standard and Smooth Dances
There are two main categories when talking about Standard Dancing - The International Standard and American Smooth. The International Standard style includes five dances: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep. The most obvious trait of the International Standard style is the dancers' constant closed position, where the two dance partners never lose contact (as opposed to American Smooth style, where couples often open up, and dance apart from each other). Four of the Standard dances have their American-style counterparts. The American Smooth dances consist of: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. In the American Smooth style, partners often separate from closed dance position, and dance apart from each other.
Social Dances
All competitive dances can be taught on a social level. There are also non-competitive dances that are widely known and extremely popular such as Merengue, Hustle, Salsa and Argentine Tango.
History
Established in 2008.
Our studio opened its doors in a small day care basement in 2008 and has grown into a large 10,000 sq/ft space with more students then we ever imagined.
Meet the Business Owner: Ilya B.
Ilya Barmotin started ballroom dancing at 9 years old. Very quickly, Ilya became a top junior competitor winning major events in the United States and Canada. As a youth and amateur dancer he continued his successful dancing career, reaching finals of all major North American championships. As a part of NY/NJ formation team, Ilya placed 3rd in the United States National Formation Championships in Provo, Utah. He was a featured dancer in many Shows and festivals including appearances as a principal dancer in nationally televised commercials and on TV shows such as "Good Morning America". He successfully represented the United States in Europe, placing in top 10 at the international championships in Berlin, Germany.
After retiring from his competitive career as a dancer, he decided to focus on teaching and developing the next generation of young athletes as a full time teacher. After partnering with his teachers/mentors he was able to open Basic Ballroom Dance Studios in Staten Island.
