Nominations for 2025

Maxim and Nicole are young yet outstanding talents in Canadian dancesport. Formed on August 3, 2025, the partnership achieved remarkable success in less than a month - becoming Canadian Champions in 10 Dance (Juvenile I).

At the time, Maxim was 9 and Nicole had just turned 7. Despite their age, they competed confidently at Defi Dance and CanAm, winning top titles. After moving to a new age category, they also captured Gold at Toronto DanceSport. The pair shows maturity, strong character, and a true love for dance.

They are coached by Evgeny Filatov and Natalia Filatova from Universe Dance Art—a team that continues to inspire their journey.”

Richard & Yana - Quebec Juvenile legends

Richard and Yana have been dancing since the age of 4. They have danced and competed together for 7 inspiring years, growing from their first steps to becoming one of the most remarkable young longterm  dance juvenile duos in Canada. Trained and guided by their coach, Tatiana Meshcheryakova, from their very first steps on the dance floor to higher results for all these  years.

Over the past few years, they have risen from beginner level to becoming Canadian National Champions in two categories:
10-Dance and Ballroom in Juvenile II 2025.
They are currently the only dance couple in Quebec’s history to hold two Canadian Championship titles in the Juvenile II division.

Their natural talent combined with years of dedicated daily training has led them to outstanding achievements across both Canada and the United States. Together, Richard and Yana have competed in more than 50 competitions. They are now preparing to launch their international career, with their debut taking place this January at the prestigious UK Open Championship 2026 in the United Kingdom.

Richard and Yana have competed in nearly every major Canadian Dancesport competition, consistently earning the highest results in the Juvenile division, always stepping onto the top podium position not only in Juvenile, but also in the Under 15 age group.

Driven by their profound love for dance and a shared dream to dedicate their lives to Dancesport, Richard and Yana continue their journey with passion, discipline, elegance, and pride, inspiring audiences and future champions with every performance.

Markian Zhanda (11y.o.) and Veronica Zalessky (10 y.o. ) are a young and dedicated Juvenile dance couple training and competing in both Standard and Latin styles. They are passionate about performing, continuously improving their technique, and expressing themselves through dance. Known for their strong work ethic, mutual support, and love for the floor, they strive to dance with confidence, power, and joy.

Markian and Veronica successfully compete in local and national competitions across Canada. In 2025, they achieved an outstanding result at the National Championships, winning the Silver Medal in Juvenile II Standard.

Filip Kwietniewski & Oleksandra Ocheretko are a  dance couple from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who have recently transitioned from the Juvenile to the Junior category. Beginning their partnership in 2022, they have rapidly ascended to the top levels of competitive ballroom dancing, demonstrating remarkable talent, discipline, and dedication.

In 2024, Filip and Oleksandra achieved a major milestone by becoming Absolute Juvenile Canadian Champions, confirming their status as one of the country’s leading young dance couples.

Their outstanding results in 2025 include:

🥈 Second place in Juvenile Ballroom at the Junior Blackpool Dance Festival 2025 (UK)

🥉 Third place in Juvenile Latin at the Junior Blackpool Dance Festival 2025 (UK)

🥇 First place in Junior 1 at the Empire Dance Festival 2025 ( USA)

🥈 Vice-Champions of Canada in Junior 1 at the Canadian National Championships 2025

🥈 Second place in Junior 1 Rising Stars at the International UK Open 2025

Beyond their strong technical foundation, Filip and Oleksandra stand out for their vibrant personalities and artistic versatility. While their partnership occasionally features spirited debates, they consistently transform challenges into growth - blending Filip’s competitive drive with Sasha’s expressive artistry.

Mark Rozdorozhnyi and Maya Pavlenko are an outstanding Junior dance couple specializing in Ballroom and Latin styles. Since forming their partnership in 2022, they have achieved remarkable success on the world’s most prestigious dance floors.

Major Achievements of 2025 include:

- Winners of the world-renowned Junior Blackpool Dance Festival 2025 (UK) - Ballroom Under 14

- Finalists at the Junior Blackpool Dance Festival 2025 (UK)- Latin Under 14

- First Place at the Open European Championships 2025 (UK) - Ballroom Under 14

- Absolute Champions in both Ballroom and Latin at the Canadian National Championships - Junior I.

As a result of their exceptional performances at the most prestigious competitions worldwide, Mark and Maya were honored with the highly distinguished title of Young Dancers of the Year 2024 in the UK.

Renowned for their natural chemistry, disciplined training, and captivating stage presence, Mark and Maya consistently stand out for their passion, precision, and performance quality. With an unwavering dedication to excellence, they continue to push their boundaries, striving for even greater success on both national and international stages. As their journey unfolds, they are determined to establish themselves as future leaders in the competitive dance world.

In just one year of dancing together, Slava and Gaya have developed a connection and unity comparable to partnerships formed over many years. Precision,dedication and mutual trust are the result of intense work and a shared pursuit of excellence and passion for dance. 

Their achievements include becoming the U16 Canadian Vice Champions in 2025, Under 16 Ontario Champions, Under 16 Empire Open Championship Finalists, Vice Champions at La Classique du Québec in 2025, becoming champions of many titles throughout Canada, and starring at the young ages of only 12 and 14. 

 Gaya and Slava are powerful dancing couple that have proven this is only the beginning of their career and partnership.

In just one year of dancing together, Slava and Gaya have developed a connection and unity comparable to partnerships formed over many years. Precision,dedication and mutual trust are the result of intense work and a shared pursuit of excellence and passion for dance. 

Their achievements include becoming the U16 Canadian Vice Champions in 2025, Under 16 Ontario Champions, Under 16 Empire Open Championship Finalists, Vice Champions at La Classique du Québec in 2025, becoming champions of many titles throughout Canada, and starring at the young ages of only 12 and 14. 

 Gaya and Slava are powerful dancing couple that have proven this is only the beginning of their career and partnership.

Our dance journey began in February 2022. Over the past five years, we accomplished unforgettable milestones, including becoming 4X National Junior 10-Dance Canadian Champions.

We've also competed internationally and became: U16 American Champions, U16 World Latin Finalists and U16 British 10-Dance Vice-Champions. As well as participating on Season 5 of Revolution TVA in Montreal.

Through every step, we’ve grown as a team.

Daniel Reunov & Marielle Shvaitser are Two-Time Canadian Junior DanceSport National Champions (2023 & 2024) and First Runners-Up at the NDCC Canadian National Championship.

Finalist of European World DanceSport championship 2024 

First Runners-Up at the Empire Open Dance Festival 2025, 

Finalists at the New York Dance Festival 2025, and selected as the Faces of the “KARV” Dance Challenge and the “FEVER” Dance Championship.

Our dance journey began in February 2022. Over the past five years, we accomplished unforgettable milestones, including becoming 4X National Junior 10-Dance Canadian Champions.

We've also competed internationally and became: U16 American Champions, U16 World Latin Finalists and U16 British 10-Dance Vice-Champions. As well as participating on Season 5 of Revolution TVA in Montreal.

Through every step, we’ve grown as a team.

We are Patrick Buscu & Sophia Moangher a 10-dance partnership based in Calgary, Alberta. We proudly represent Canada on the national and global stage. Since forming our partnership in 2023 we have won 5 WDSF Canadian National Champions titles.

We are the 2025 WDSF Canadian National Champions in Youth Standard, Youth Latin, Youth 10-Dance, U21 Standard, and U21 10-Dance, and we have also earned the title of U21 Canadian Vice-Champions in Latin.

Nathaniel & Katusha Petrov are among Canada’s leading dancesport couples, distinguished by their unwavering discipline, professional maturity, and commanding presence on the competition floor. Their performances reflect rigorous training, precision, and a deep respect for the art of ballroom dance.
- Canadian National Champions in U19 Ballroom and Ten Dance
- Finalists of the UK Open 2023
- Finalists of the International Open Dance Festival 2024 & 2025 (UK)
- Finalists of the Open World Championships 2025
Representing the next generation of Canadian ballroom excellence through dedication, consistency, and excellence on the world’s most prestigious international stages.

Nathaniel & Katusha Petrov are among Canada’s leading dancesport couples, distinguished by their unwavering discipline, professional maturity, and commanding presence on the competition floor. Their performances reflect rigorous training, precision, and a deep respect for the art of ballroom dance.
- Canadian National Champions in U19 Ballroom and Ten Dance
- Finalists of the UK Open 2023
- Finalists of the International Open Dance Festival 2024 & 2025 (UK)
- Finalists of the Open World Championships 2025
Representing the next generation of Canadian ballroom excellence through dedication, consistency, and excellence on the world’s most prestigious international stages.

Patrick was just 8 years old when he first started to dance with his sister Alexia in the

pre-competitive level in the Latin and Ballroom competitions. It was amazing to see two

siblings supporting each other to perform and achieve great results in dancing.

However, dancing turns out to be more essential for Patrick and his desire to become a

famous dancer determined him to be more involved and committed to dancing.

His new dance partner, Rhianna Feng, has been a supportive presence in his dance

life, and since only July of 2025, they have been building a promising carrier in dancing.

Their active participation in the worldwide competitions in the USA, UK, and along with

the dance events and competitions in Canada have helped Patrick and Rhianna work

their waty to becoming popular figures on the dance floors. Since Patrick and Rhianna

started dancing they have made the Semi-Final and Final in the Youth and U21 Latin

Championship in the USA, and the Final in the UK. As well as winning their first

competition in Canada, the Vancouver Open Dance Classic.

Moreover, their dance mentors, Vlada and Alexey Karaulov, the 4 times Canadian

Professional Champions, have been training Patrick for 5 years, and Rhianna for 2

years. Their expertise, kindness, and confidence in the couple’s ability led to achieve

amazing results in the dance competitions.

In addition, as an active member of his community and an enthusiastic student, Patrick

aims to become a teacher someday. He aspires to promote the dance legacy with

determination, devotion, and perseverance, and he believes that success can be

achieved with great effort and hard work.

When he is not dancing, Patrick likes to spend time in the nature and discover the

wonders of the world. Camping and hiking are his hobbies, and he likes building unique

memories with his family and friends.

His absolute belief is that dance like music is the expression of the human spirit and the

hidden language of the soul.

We began our dance journey in May of 2023 and quickly dedicated ourselves to intensive training in preparation for the 2023 Canadian National Championships, where we earned the title of Youth latin 10-Dance Canadian Champions. Since then, we have gone on to secure two additional national titles and have reached numerous U.S. semifinals. We are constantly striving to improve and push ourselves to become the best dancers we can be. We are incredibly grateful to our coaches for their loving support and guidance throughout our journey!

Sandu and Emmy began their dance journey together in early 2020, united by their shared passion and love for the art of dance. Their hard work and commitment have guided them to notable achievements in their career earning them four Canadian National medals, as well as the current North American Champions. They are also finalists in numerous U.S. competitions and proudly rank among the top 30 Amateur couples at the World Open Championships. Sandu and Emmy continue to strive for excellence, inspiring others through their artistry and commitment to their craft.

Pavel Ivanov and Veronica Baranova have been dancing together for three and a half years, achieving strong results in Canada and internationally.

During their partnership, they have won the Canadian National Championships every year in their respective categories. In 2025, they earned their debut Amateur victories at La Classique du Québec and Canadian Nationals in their first season out of the U21 division.

Internationally, Pavel and Veronica are World Showcase Semi-Finalists and the highest ranked Canadian representatives to make the semi-finals at major U.S. competitions including Empire Dance Festival, Ohio Star Ball, and the Manhattan Dance Championships.

Previously as U21 competitors, they placed 10th in the world, became two-time Canadian National Champions, finished top three at all major U.S. events, and consistently placed top 15 at major British competitions, including The UK Open and International Dance Festival.

Dance is at the core of who they are. Pavel and Veronica work relentlessly to refine their craft and surpass the couple they were yesterday. With every performance, they strive to share their energy, emotion, and story - giving everything they have on the floor, every time, at every competition, big or small.

2022 Top 24 Blackpool Amateur 35+ Ballroom

2022-2023 Canadian Closed Amateur Latin 30+ Champions

2023-2024-2025 Canadian Closed Amateur 10-dance 30+ Champions

2023-2024-2025 Canadian Closed Amateur Smooth 16+

2024-2025 Canadian Closed Amateur Ballroom 30+ Champions

2024-2025 Canadian Closed Amateur Rhythm 16+ Champions

2024-2025 Canadian Closed Amateur 9-dance 16+ Champions

2025 – Eastern United States Open Amateur Rhythm Champions

2025 – Eastern United States Open Amateur 9-Dance Champions

2025 – DBDC Open Amateur Rhythm Champion

It all began in 2002. What started as a simple hobby quickly transformed into a true revelation. From those first steps, it was love at first sight for dance. This discipline, blending rigor with artistic expression, rapidly became the driving force behind our partnership.

​The turning point came when we first attended a dancesport competition as spectators. The energy on the floor, the precision of the athletes, and the elegance of the performances sparked something within us. At that exact moment, we made the joint decision to cross the barrier—moving from the audience to the stage. What had been a leisure activity evolved into a competitive adventure.

​Today, we compete with passion in the Senior categories (30+ and 40+). What makes us unique is our versatility: we compete in the full 10-Dance discipline.

​We dance first and foremost for ourselves, for the joy of shared movement, but also for all those who dream of dancing but haven't yet dared to take the first step.

Sylvain Collette and Caroline Trudeau

Sylvain began dancing at the age of 9 and started competing at 11 with his sister as partner. His father, an avid social dancer, enrolled them, hoping to pass on his passion. Sylvain competed in Latin from 1996 to 2011 and in Ballroom from 2005 to 2011, followed by a break of over 8 years.

Caroline wanted to learn to dance “just for fun”, and this quickly turned into competition, moving from Pro-AM to Amateur between 2002 and 2011.

Sylvain and Caroline began their partnership in 2019 in Amateur Senior 1 after Sylvain had worked very hard over 5 years to convince Caroline to dance with him by asking her at least once a month. Phew, she finally said yes! Proof that you always must persevere!

Their journey began with Ballroom, to which Latin was added the following year. They took part in numerous competitions in Canada and the United States. During one of them, Sylvain discovered American style and American Smooth professional vice-champion Travis Tuft became his idol. That was all it took for Sylvain and Caroline to start learning Smooth and to begin competing in American Smooth in 2023. Why limit themselves to three styles? They added American Rhythm to their dance repertoire in 2024. Sylvain and Caroline are among the few amateur couples competing in International Ballroom and Latin and in American Smooth 

Marcin’s dance journey began in Poland, where he started out dancing with his sister as a teenager. In high school, he met Monika, and together they moved to Warsaw to study and start their ballroom partnership.
After relocating to Canada, Marcin and Monika took their dancing to the next level, training with Jitka Bouma. They’ve been competing since 2009, first in the Adult category and later in the Senior division.
Today, dance is a family passion. Their kids have joined classes at Grand Dance Studio, turning it into a full family affair with everyone practicing together.

Some of their proudest moments include:
🏆Semifinal in Latin at the International Dance Festival and UK Open 2024 in Senior category
🏆 First place in Standard, Latin and Ten Dance at the Canadian National Championships in Adult 2 category

Denis and Elise have been dancing together since 2008, and their partnership continues to shine at the highest levels of Canadian dance sport. They were triumphantly crowned Canadian Ten Dance Champions in the Adult 2 category for both 2022 and 2023, and their winning streak soared as they were crowned Canadian Ten Dances Champions in the category Adult 3 for 2023 and 2024. They are currently Co-Canadian Ten Dances Champions for 2025 in the category Adult 3. Their achievements have not gone unnoticed, Denis and Elise were honored as proud nominees at the prestigious Dancesport Excellence Awards Gala in 2025, and their excellence is celebrated once again with a nomination for an award at this year 2026 gala. Their journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and above all, the joy of dancing.

Victor and Sylvie have been dancing together since 2010 because they fell in love with it - and after all these years, that's still the reason they compete.

For the past decade, they have had the privilege of representing Canada at World Championships, successfully competing against the best couples from countries around the globe. But more than any ranking, what they treasure most are the friendships they've made during these years - genuine connections with dancers who share their passion and remind them why they started this journey in the first place.

They are deeply grateful to their teachers, Tatiana Mescheryakova and Jean-Philippe Milot, whose guidance has shaped not only their technique but their approach to this art form. They also owe thanks to the many coaches, fellow competitors, and friends who have generously shared their knowledge along the way.

Over the years, competing in two major Canadian dancesport associations, they have been fortunate to earn eight Canadian Latin titles, eight 10-Dance titles, and two Standard vice-champion titles. But titles aside, their greatest reward has always been the joy of dancing and the community they are honored to be part of.

Nine-time Canadian Champions, Pierre and Lyne have established themselves as leading figures on both the Canadian and international competitive dance scenes. Their journey is marked by a consistent presence among the world’s elite, with three World Championship rankings, including 3rd place in 2017, 2nd place in 2020, and 5th place in 2025.

They have also earned 1st place finishes in numerous competitions across Canada and the United States, confirming their consistency and excellence on the most prestigious North American dance floors.

In 2019, they took part in the popular television show Révolution , expanding their reach to the general public and showcasing high-level dance to a broader audience.

From 2019 to 2025, they proudly represented Canada throughout Europe, performing multiple times in iconic cities such as Paris, Dublin, Monaco, and London, as well as in Spain and Belgium, further solidifying their international reputation.

Alongside their competitive career, they made a strong mark in the world of live performance. In 2019, they presented a series of 20 shows in a reception venue, each performed in front of 600 spectators. Due to overwhelming public demand, the production was revived in 2023 with 20 additional performances.

Today, they continue to pursue their artistic and athletic development with a clear goal in mind: preparing for the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival in May 2026, the ultimate symbol of excellence in the world of competitive dance.

Nikita & Virginie knew each other as competitors. Although Nikita is from Ukraine and Virginie from Canada, they decided to proudly represent Canada. They have been dancing together for more than 7 years and have obtained results that no other Canadian ballroom couple has ever obtained before on the international scene. Here is an overview:

-6X Canadian Champions 

-5X Champions of La Classique du Québec 

-3X North-American Champions 

-Champions of all competitions they took part in Canada from 2018 to 2025 

-5X Amateur Ballroom World Championship finalists 

-3rd place at the World Championship 2023

-2X Amateur Ballroom finalists at the UK Open and International Dance Festival 2022-2023

-Runners up in Professionnal Rising Stars Ballroom at Blackpool Dance Festival 2025

-SEMIFINALISTS in Professional Open Ballroom at Blackpool Dance Festival and the International Dance Festival 2025

Jocelyn and Hai started dancing together in 2022 and competing in Professional American Rhythm. Since the start of their partnership they have accomplished: 

.North American Rhythm Runner up at Can Am Dancesport Gala, and La Classique Du Quebec

.3rd place at the international Arthur Murray Barcelona Ciao Amore, 

.3x Canadian Vice Champions, 

.Multiple time finalists in both Open Professional and Rising Star at International Arthur Murray Competitions. 

They are driven by their shared passion for dancing and the expression that comes with every step they take on the dancefloor together. They hope to continue to inspire their students, learn and grow as professionals and make their own special mark on floor.

Reitano and Emily are American Rhythm dancers who have been competing together for four years. Both began their journey in hip hop, before falling in love with the world of ballroom dance. Their in your face style and contagious energy flows from their passion for social dancing and innate musicality. As instructors at Arthur Murray Ajax, they love their jobs, their partnership, and the life they are building through dance.

Dancing together for over 7 years, Dmytro & Celeste are Canada’s current Professional Smooth, Rhythm and 9 Dance Champions. 

Since retiring from the competitive floor at the end of 2025, they look back with gratitude at all they have accomplished together:

• 3 times World Professional 9-Dance Champions
• 7 times Canadian 9-Dance Champions
• 8 times Arthur Murray World 9-Dance Champions
• Finalists in both Smooth and Rhythm at Embassy Ball
• And multiple times top 3 at Blackpool Dance Festival 

Dancing together for over 7 years, Dmytro & Celeste are Canada’s current Professional Smooth, Rhythm and 9 Dance Champions. 

Since retiring from the competitive floor at the end of 2025, they look back with gratitude at all they have accomplished together:

• 3 times World Professional 9-Dance Champions
• 7 times Canadian 9-Dance Champions
• 8 times Arthur Murray World 9-Dance Champions
• Finalists in both Smooth and Rhythm at Embassy Ball
• And multiple times top 3 at Blackpool Dance Festival 

Patrick and Anastasia have been dancing together for 8 years. In this time they have achieved the title of:
- Open Ontario Professional Smooth Champions
- Open Canadian Professional Smooth Champions
- Professional Canadian Show-dance Champions 
- Canadian Professional Smooth Vice-Champions. 


Together they run and operate Artistica Ballroom Dance Studio that has now celebrated 10 years in business. During this time they have worked with many charity organizations including: Victim Services, Inn From the Cold, The Aurora Food Pantry and have helped raise over $1 million for the Easter Seals Kids that help children with disabilities. 


Patrick has chosen to make this a career for one simple reason; to make a difference in people’s lives, and maybe one day to do for someone else, what his teacher did for him. Anastasia is a firm believer that dancing is for everyone, and that alongside proper training and a positive supportive community, anyone can achieve their dancing goals.

Volodymyr and Yanina are American Smooth dancers known for their elegant style and innovative choreography. Together, they have claimed top honors at the North Star and Niagara Open dance competitions, showcasing their exceptional talent and chemistry. Their performances are marked by fluid movements, precise footwork, and a deep connection that resonates with audiences. Volodymyr and Yanina's commitment to excellence and their love for dance shine through in every performance, making them a powerhouse in the world of ballroom dance.

Alexey Karaulov & Vlada Semenova-Karaulov began their partnership in 2005 in St. Petersburg, Russia, quickly rising to prominence as finalists of the Russian Closed Youth Championship and earning the prestigious title Master of Sport.

After representing Canada internationally—including a Top 20 finish at Blackpool in 2007—their partnership was temporarily interrupted. Fate reunited them in New York, and in 2013 they officially re-formed, rapidly climbing the ranks to become finalists at the USA National Championships three years in a row.

As amateurs, they captured the 2014 US Open Championship, medaled at major international events, and reached the WDC World Amateur Latin Semifinals. Turning professional in 2016, they achieved immediate success, earning top placements across North America and Europe.

Representing Canada since 2016, Alexey and Vlada are four-time undefeated Canadian National Professional Latin Champions (2022–2025), finalists and Top 12 contenders at the world’s most prestigious events including Blackpool, The International Championships at Royal Albert Hall, and WDC World Championships.

They are North American Professional Latin Champions, La Classique du Québec Champions, and internationally recognized for their excellence, artistry, and consistency on the world stage.

Idan and Anastasia have been dancing together almost 5 years and in that time have become 4 times National Amateur Latin Champions. Idan has been dancing since he was 5 years old and Anastasia has been dancing since she was 8. Their strong friendship allows them to successfully continue to work on new creative projects, compete locally and internationally, and help develop the next generation of talented dancers! They now compete in the Professional category and are excited for what the future in this chapter still holds for them! 

tanislav Lisovolenko & Tetiana Khorosheva are a Ukrainian professional ballroom dance couple with over 22 years of partnership and more than two decades of individual dance experience. Originally from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, they compete in Standard and Latin disciplines.

They are Ukrainian 10-Dance Champions and Canadian 10-Dance Champions.

Their international professional experience includes teaching, performing, and adjudicating in China; performing in large-scale stage productions in Turkey; and working as professional dancers and instructors aboard major cruise lines such as Costa Cruises and Marella Cruises. Since March 2024, they have been based in Toronto, Canada, working with Arthur Murray Toronto.