Spotlight On...Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina

One of the top professional Latin couples in the dance world today, Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina are shining stars in the Fred Astaire family.
Their dancing careers started early. Growing up in Moscow, Nadia began dancing when she was 11 years old. She started in the rock and roll style but then became the Russian Standard Champion for ages 16-18, representing Russia in the Olympics in Norway. Originally from Russia, Ilya began dancing when he was 15, focusing on Latin dancing from the start.
They met at Fred Astaire’s Upper Montclair studio where they had both been recruited by Kay Connors. A year after meeting, they began their partnership and now compete in about 15-20 competitions a year. Their list of recent achievements in the past year is long and includes (but is not limited to!):
• 1st at the Yankee Classic.
• 1st at the Maryland DanceSport Championship.
• 1st in Yuletide Ball Championship.
• 1st at the Atlanta Open.
• 2nd at the Embassy Ball.
• 2nd at the Manhattan Dancesport.
• 3rd at the US Nationals.
• 5th at the famous Blackpool competition.
Hard to believe they’ve only been dancing together for 6 years!
To prepare for these competitions, Ilya and Nadia practice about 4 to 5 times a week for 2 hours at a time.
The strength in Ilya and Nadia’s partnership lie in the authenticity of their dancing where the relationship between the man and woman is clearly defined. In their dancing, Ilya and Nadia emphasize traditional male and female roles, where the man is strong and confident and the woman is feminine and sexy. Music helps provide that feeling and their dancing adds passion to the music. Indeed, they focus on what partnership dancing is all about: the love triangle between a man, woman, and the music.
Their role models include top Latin couples such as Bryan Watson and Carmen, and Slavik and Karina. Like Ilya and Nadia, these couples are famous for their musicality, flexibility, and ability to produce a strong image of a man and woman.
As if competing, coaching, and teaching weren’t enough, Ilya and Nadia recently opened their own studio in Montville, New Jersey.

“We feel like we’re Fred Astaire people,” Ilya elaborates about his decision to open a studio, “We believe in the company and we want to stay in it.”

What free time they do have (when they’re not thinking about the designs of their next outfits) is spent going out to clubs and movies, and relaxing with friends.
When asked about the future, Ilya doesn’t hesitate. “Our goal,” he says, “is to make people happy and share our knowledge.”
Ilya and Nadia, you’ve made all of us happy with your dynamic dancing and magical partnership. We’re glad to have you as part of our chain and wish you much continued success.