The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Dance stars showcase expertise at studio
Professional ballroom dancers Elena Minaeva and Aleksei Minaev have won a bevy of honors while waltzing their way around the world.
About a year ago the married couple who hail from Orel, Russia, decided to put down roots in Ohio after renowned championship ballroom dancer Taliat Tarsinov invited them to become part of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio family. They now teach their well-honed skills at the studio’s Willoughby Hills location.
“We saw so many countries in the world but in America we saw our future,” Aleksei said.
In November they were asked to step away from their duties for a short time in order to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Premiere dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studios throughout the U.S. were chosen to take part in a special number presented by the corporation.
The troupe was headed by professional dancer Tony Dovolani who appeared on 21 seasons of the popular Dancing with the Stars television show. He’s also a national dance director for the dance studios.
In addition to the many memorable moments drawn from dancing in the televised spectacle viewed by more than 23 million people, the couple also won’t soon forget the frigid weather with which they had to contend.
With temperatures dipping to 19 degrees, the 2018 parade was the coldest in its 92 year history.
Elena, 33, noted that although she had warming packets placed in pockets and other places it was impossible not to feel the effects of the bitter wintry winds. However, years of professional experience helped her overcome the unfavorable conditions.
“I felt like my brain was frozen but you can trust your body and muscles,” she said. “It was instinct.”
Elena said she became interested in dance at an early age. Once giving it a try she fell in love with the sport and continued on.
Aleksei, 32, whose mother owns a dance studio in Russia, said he feels like he’s been dancing his whole life and can’t even imagine pursuing any other type of career.
“Dancing is in my heart,” he said.
The couple met while in their teens and have been gliding across dance floors ever since.
A wide range of dancing skills has led them to take part in competitive events across the globe. Among their accomplishments is winning the World Championship of Russia and European Championship in Denmark.
Although already well established in the ballroom dance domain, they continue to work hard at their craft with the goal of attaining world championship status in Latin and Standard Dance.
Among their teachers are Katusha Demidova and Arunas Bizokas who have won multiple Professional World Ballroom Dance Championships.
Meanwhile, the talented pair said they enjoy teaching American and International styles of dance at the studio and invite those interested to join them.
“We’re looking forward to having more students,” Aleksei said. “It’s like one big family here. There are all different types of people. We can see how dancing makes their life better, more healthy and happier.”
For more information, visit fredastaire.com/ willoughby or call 440516-7837.
“Dancing is in my heart.” — Aleksei Minaev