About
The NIKA INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY was founded in 1976 in Penza, Russia by professional dancer and choreographer Elena Zakharova. Starting as a youth dance program it has since developed into a prestigious and international dance school. 2004 was a big year for NIKA as studios in the United States adopted their program, launching their dancers into national and world competitions leading them to impressive results of US National finalists and champions, as well as World Open finalists! Since then, several of the original NIKA students have become successful professional ballroom and latin coaches and adjudicators in the United States, Russia and other countries, as well as performers and choreographers for popular TV shows such as “Dancing with the Stars” in the US and Russia, “America’s Got Talent”, “Oprah” and more.
The NIKA alumni include…
Although we are oriented a lot towards competition and enjoy seeing our students progressing quickly nationally and internationally, we are also glad to offer all kinds of social programs for your personal enrichment. Whether you are having an upcoming wedding, anniversary, going on a cruise, or just want to dance for everyday exercise purposes, you can trust our teachers' experience. You can purchase a gift certificate for any number of lessons to give to your friends and family. Our directors Elena and Ekaterina Zakharov are available for guest coaching for competitive couples. Ekaterina is also available for an online consultation. Our Academy is located in the heart of Bellevue, between the downtown and the Crossroads, at 13635 NE 8th St.
We offer...
Elena is a dance teacher and competition adjudicator since 1976. Currently specializing in high level competitive Ballroom for all ages as well as young dancers development. She was a member of The Board of Chairmen of Russian DanceSport Federation in 2000-2006 and the organizer/co-organizer of many competitions including Russian National Championships in 1995 and 1997. She coaches multiple Russian, US and European champions and finalists, who she has trained since their very first steps in Ballroom dancing. Elena is only coaching active competitors and young pre-ballroom dancers.
Ekaterina has been a Latin dance teacher since 1994. She has had an extensive competitive career, participating in over 1,000 competitions world-wide in the span of 25 years. Ekaterina is a US National, US, UK and British Open Professional Rising Star finalist, as well as a World Cup professional Latin finalist. She retired at the top of her competitive career placing 22nd among all the Professional Latin dancers in the World Ranking list. Ekaterina has choreographed several performances on TV shows "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Got Talent". She has published articles for magazines, such as “Dance Beat”. Ekaterina is only coaching active competitors and also offers an online consultation.
All teachers and coaches introduced on this page are working independently in studios throughout our region. All of them grew up as dancers at NIKA Academy to become Nationally and Internationally recognized performers and coaches to successful dancers, and as their coaches we are proud of their success and desire to pursue a future Professional career in dance. We are confident you will get the highest level of instruction. To schedule your lessons, you can either contact them independently or you can contact NIKA Academy for other methods of contact.
Scott Nicholson
Scott began his ballroom dancing career in Portland, Oregon. In 2012, he partnered with a dancer from Bellevue, Washington and started traveling up north every weekend for lessons and practice. In 2013 he joined NIKA Academy, and one year later moved to the Seattle area to pursue his career as a competitive dancer and ballroom/latin coach. Scott and his partner quickly became one of the most successful couples in the Northwest, placing in finals of most West Coast competitions. Scott started teaching in 2013 and has already had great success with his students, winning top places at competitions around the US, such as the Emerald Ball and the Embassy Championships in California. Scott is competing in Adult division with his wife Alina. Scott is available for private lessons for children and adults and can be contacted via email HERE
Alina Odintsova - Nicholson
Alina was trained to become professional dancer since the age of 5 months. Her father Dmitrii is one of the top Latin dance coaches in Russian Federal Volga region for the past 25 years, her mother Elena is a professional dancer and gymnast and is a choreographer in on of the leading Russian rhythmic gymnastic schools.
Alina was invited to represent NIKA Academy at the competitions in the US and all over the world in 2016, as an Internationally recognized athlete and together with her partner, they quickly became one of the top United States couples in Latin in "Under 21" division. In 2018 Alina started dancing with Scott Nicholson and later that year they have become husband and wife. Alina is available for lessons and classes in Latin, Ballroom, Ballet, Dance conditioning for ages 3+, teens, adults and seniors and can be contacted via email HERE
Michael Levenkov
Michael started his dance education at the age of 8 and currently is one of the top Youth competitors in our region. In 2018 Michael with his partner Cassandra Henrickson placed 10th at the US National Championships in Provo, UT. Although trained in all 10 international style dances, Michael specializes in Ballroom program. This year Michael graduates from high school to continue his education in UW, at the same time bringing his dance career to the new level by starting teaching at NIKA. He is currently getting ready to compete in Under 21 and Adult Ballroom divisions with his partner - Angelina Galeyeva. Michael is available for private lessons for children and youth. Michael can be contacted via email HERE
Nathan Murstein
Nathan began ballroom dancing in 2009 under the guidance of Elena and Ekaterina. His exceptional self-discipline, talent and love for the art was apparent at a young age. With the support and dedication of his parents he quickly became the Regional and US National champion in the Pre-teen and Junior division. In 2010 and 2011 he placed in the semi-final at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival with his partner Polina Dickenson. In 2013 he paired with dancer Nicole Sheiman and won the Ohio Star Ball (broadcasted by PBS as America’s Ballroom Challenge) in the Junior and Showdance division. In 2015 he joined dancer Empria King and placed 10th at the Dutch Open Championships in Assen, Netherlands. Nathan is available for lessons to children and adults. Nathan can be contacted via email HERE
Assistant teachers:
Angelina Galeyeva
Angelina has an extensive training in gymnastics and after many years competing as a gymnast, she has decided to continue her career in DanceSport. She is a BYU High School Championship finalist with her previous partner and now specializes in Ballroom competing nationally and internationally with her partner Michael Levenkov.
Lyubov Morgan
Lyubov has been in DanceSport since the age of 3, and has won many titles. She is multiple US representative to the team match at the Blackpool International festival in United Kingdom, US representative to the World Championship. With her previous partner Lyubov placed 3rd at the US National Championships in Preteen Ballroom category. Currently Lyubov is competing with her partner and older brother Nikolay.
Teachers introduced in this section are teaching styles other than Ballroom and Latin:
Olga Nikonova
Olga is an alumna of the famous Perm State Ballet School. She is a professional theather artist, specializing in mime. Together with her hisband Victor, they are the founders of the Mime School in Perm State Unversity in Russia. Here in the United States they are well-known as a Seattle Bubble Up show. Olga is conducting adult Ballet and conditioning classes every Monday at 11am.
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