Kristina Staykova
A mom of three children, Kristina Staykova is a former US Latin Champion (2005) with extensive training in Ballet, Jazz, Salsa, Argentine Tango, Flamenco, Brazilian Samba, African Dance and Arabic Dance.
Kristina has been coaching Dance Competitors (beginner to professionals) and teaching children for the past 25 years. She is passionate about bringing out the best in each dancer and sharing the joy of dance with dancers of all ages.
Kristina began her dance career as a competitive Ballroom Dancer in her native Bulgaria.
She reached the highest rank in the International Latin Amateur Division at the age of 15 and began representing her country at World and European Championships, as well as the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival.
Upon moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina as a Fashion Design student, she studied authentic Argentine Tango, Flamenco and Salsa.
After winning a scholarship to study Fashion Design, Kristina moved to the US and began competing professionally in the International Latin Dance Division.
Kristina won the prestigious title of US Rising Star Latin American Champion in 2005, and is a Blackpool Dance Festival Semi-Finalist in the International Rising Star Division, ELSA International Rising Star Finalist. Kristina has represented the US in many international dance events.
She has performed on stages such as the Royal Albert Hall, England, Cairo Opera House, Egypt, Alexandria Opera House, Egypt, Beijing Dance Academy, China, and BBKing’s Times Square NYC, among others.
Kristina loves working with children. After giving birth to her first daughter in 2014, together with Mirela she Co-founded “PETITE BALLROOM” - a unique, high energy dance program, introducing children as young as 14-month to the wonderful world of Ballet and Ballroom Dance.
Kristina loves helping Moms and Dads get moving and making unforgettable memories while bonding with their little ones.
Mirela Prohaska
Mirela Prohaska began her dance training in Varna, Bulgaria at the age of twelve. She spent many years competing and performing throughout Europe and Russia, as well as in Korea. Her fiery and passionate personality won the hearts of many audiences. In 2001, Mirela moved to the United Stated to further her dance career in International Latin dance, but she fell in love with American Rhythm instead! Among her many titles are U.S. National Rising Star American Rhythm Champion 2001 and U.S. National Mambo Champion in 2010.
Mirela is a dedicated and devoted teacher. She enjoys working with dancers of any level, for newcomer to professional, helping each dancer achieve his or her individual goals. Mirela believes that learning to dance provides valuable benefits to many areas of ones like beyond dancing. Mirela's coaching style is infused with the same passion for dance and devotion to excellence. She is committed to bringing out the best in all of her students.
Mirela is a certified USISTD dance teacher and a certified Zumba instructor.