About Us
Our History
At NIKA Dance Academy, we help you transform your passion for dance into championship-level skill!
Whether you want to become the best in the world, bring your technique to the next level, or strengthen your body and mind, our world-class team of professional dancers will help you turn your dreams into reality.
Since our founding in 1976 by renowned dancer and choreographer Elena Zakharova, we have helped countless students find the confidence, drive, and dedication to fuel their success on the dance floor and beyond. Dozens of our alumni have become accomplished professional dancers, adjudicators, choreographers, and coaches. They have performed on “Dancing with the Stars”, “America’s Got Talent”, “Oprah”, and other nationally televised programs.
When you step through the doors of NIKA Dance Academy, you join a community of dancers dedicated to self-improvement, continuous learning, and artistic expression. Start your journey at NIKA Dance Academy today - where passion for dance meets excellence!
Our pride
We are proud to showcase our accomplished alumni, who have made significant contributions to the world of dance:
- Natalia Kuzieva (Kherson, Ukraine and USA)
International adjudicator, coach, and competition organizer.
- Pavel Balykin and Maria Gershenovich ( USA)
Multiple US National champions and finalists. Pavel is the World Pro/Am Ballroom Champion.
- Nathan Murstein ( USA)
Multiple US National champions and two-time Blackpool Junior Festival semi-finalists.
- Gabriel White and Lyubov Morgan (USA)
2015 US National representatives at the World Pre-teen Championships.
- Scott Nicholson and Evgeniya Gorobets (USA)
2014 US National representatives at the World Under 21 10-Dance Championships.
- Yegor Novikov and Katia Zakharoff (USA)
US National finalists and US/UK/British Open RS Professional finalists. Katia is also a choreographer and coach, with routines featured on "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Got Talent."
- Sergey Nekrasov (USA)
World Pro/Am Show Dance Champion with student Nina Nikolova.
- Michael Levenkov and Sabina Zaychikov (USA)
World Pro/Am Ballroom Champions, now competing as a professional couple.
- Maria Shneerson
World Pro/Am Ballroom finalist.
- Felix Sindora and Stefaniia Chudova (USA)
US National Junior Rhythm Finalists.
What we offer
At our academy, we specialize in competitions and are dedicated to helping our students excel both nationally and internationally. However, we also believe in the importance of personal enrichment through dance. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, celebrating an anniversary, going on a cruise, or simply looking to stay active, our experienced instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Gift Certificates Available!
Looking for the perfect gift? Consider purchasing a gift certificate for dance lessons, a wonderful way to share the joy of dance with friends and family.
Expert Coaching for Competitive Dancers
Our directors, Elena Zakharova, Katia Zakharoff, and Michael Levenkov, are available for guest coaching sessions tailored specifically for competitive couples and soloists.
Location
We are conveniently located in Bellevue at 12121 Northup Way, STE 112, situated between downtown and Crossroads - just a 5 minute walk from the Spring District light rail station!
Our Programs Include:
• Group Classes: For children ages 3-4, 4-6, and 7-10.
• Syllabus Competitive Classes: For children ages 7-10.
• Adult Dance Classes: Designed for adults of all levels.
• Private Lessons: Tailored for any age and skill level.
• Championship Level Classes: For children ages 10-14, youth, and adults.
• Weekly Supervised Competition Rounds: Open to all competitive dancers on one of the largest dance floors in the area.
For more details, please refer to our Classes page.
Studio Owners and Partners
Elena Zakharova
Michael Levenkov
Elena Zakharova
Elena is the founder and co-owner of NIKA Dance Academy. She is a Ukrainian 10-dance Champion and a two time organizer of the RDSF National Championships. Since founding NIKA Dance Academy in 1976, Elena has trained dozens of US, Russian, and World Champions and Finalists throughout her career. Many of her students are now accomplished p
Elena is the founder and co-owner of NIKA Dance Academy. She is a Ukrainian 10-dance Champion and a two time organizer of the RDSF National Championships. Since founding NIKA Dance Academy in 1976, Elena has trained dozens of US, Russian, and World Champions and Finalists throughout her career. Many of her students are now accomplished professional dancers, coaches, and adjudicators. Elena specializes in Ballroom dance coaching for professionals and open level amateur competitors, and 10-dance coaching for syllabus dancers. Elena is also the chair of the NIKA Dancesport Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) that promotes ballroom dance and supports young dancers throughout the PNW.
Katia Zakharoff
Michael Levenkov
Elena Zakharova
Katia is the co-owner of NIKA Dance Academy and the highest ranked Latin professional dancer in the PNW. She is a two-time US, UK and British Open Professional RS Latin finalist, International Championships Professional RS Latin finalist, World Cup Professional Latin finalist, Ohio Star Ball Professional Latin finalist, and a London Open
Katia is the co-owner of NIKA Dance Academy and the highest ranked Latin professional dancer in the PNW. She is a two-time US, UK and British Open Professional RS Latin finalist, International Championships Professional RS Latin finalist, World Cup Professional Latin finalist, Ohio Star Ball Professional Latin finalist, and a London Open Professional Latin Champion. She has performed at over 700 competitions throughout her 25 year competitive career, and has trained many US and World Champions and Finalists. Katia's students have performed on “America's Got Talent”, “Dancing with the Stars”, and other nationally televised programs. Katia specializes in Latin and American Rhythm dance instruction for dancers from Advanced Syllabus to Professional level.
Michael Levenkov
Michael Levenkov
Michael Levenkov
Michael is a professional ballroom dancer and coach. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, but raised in Kirkland, WA, Michael began his ballroom dance journey here at NIKA Dance when he was 8 years old, and has been part of the NIKA family ever since. He has competed for over 15 years across the US and internationally, and currently competes i
Michael is a professional ballroom dancer and coach. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, but raised in Kirkland, WA, Michael began his ballroom dance journey here at NIKA Dance when he was 8 years old, and has been part of the NIKA family ever since. He has competed for over 15 years across the US and internationally, and currently competes in the Professional International Standard division with his partner Sabina Zaychikov. Michael’s students have become US National Finalists and World Pro-Am Finalists in multiple categories and age levels. Michael coaches both Standard and Latin dance, teaching couples, soloists, and Pro-Am dancers alike. He currently heads the Adult Social Dance program at NIKA Dance. When he’s not in the studio, Michael enjoys doing cardio, reading science fiction, and learning about finance.
Independent Teachers available for lessons at NIKA Dance
Obi Sindora
Sabina Zaychikov
Obi Sindora is a Latin dancer who’s been competing for over seven years, both nationally and internationally across different age categories. He currently competes in the Under 21 and Open Amateur divisions with his partner Vicky Lin. Alongside competing, Obi’s been growing as a coach for the past four years—teaching and dancing with stu
Obi Sindora is a Latin dancer who’s been competing for over seven years, both nationally and internationally across different age categories. He currently competes in the Under 21 and Open Amateur divisions with his partner Vicky Lin. Alongside competing, Obi’s been growing as a coach for the past four years—teaching and dancing with students in Mixed/Am events at competitions. Obi coaches both Standard and Latin, working primarily with kids and teens. He’s passionate about helping others find their voice through dance and hopes to inspire the same love for it that he’s found in himself.
Sabina Zaychikov
Sabina Zaychikov
More info coming soon!
Vicky Lin
Vicky has been training in ballroom dance for over 8 years. She has competed across the United States in both Standard and Latin, and currently competes in Latin dance in the Under 21 and Open Amateur divisions with her partner Obi Sindora. Vicky coaches both Standard and Latin, working primarily with kids and teens. She loves to see her
Vicky has been training in ballroom dance for over 8 years. She has competed across the United States in both Standard and Latin, and currently competes in Latin dance in the Under 21 and Open Amateur divisions with her partner Obi Sindora. Vicky coaches both Standard and Latin, working primarily with kids and teens. She loves to see her students grow and improve, both in dance and in life. Outside the studio, Vicky spends her free time painting - it’s her favorite way to relax and express her creativity. Vicky is really looking forward to meeting more people who would like to experience the joy of dance!
Nicky Lin
Nicky started her dance career at age 6 and has since become an accomplished competitor in both Latin and Standard ballroom dance. She is a US National Finalist and has performed at many competitions throughout the United States. Currently pursuing professional status in Latin dance, Nicky coaches both Standard and Latin dance, and works
Nicky started her dance career at age 6 and has since become an accomplished competitor in both Latin and Standard ballroom dance. She is a US National Finalist and has performed at many competitions throughout the United States. Currently pursuing professional status in Latin dance, Nicky coaches both Standard and Latin dance, and works with students of all ages. In her free time, she loves exercising, playing volleyball, and competing in track and field.
Sergey Nekrasov
Pink Lemon Dance
Sergey Nekrasov
More info coming soon!
Nalini Dance
Pink Lemon Dance
Sergey Nekrasov
More info coming soon!
Pink Lemon Dance
Pink Lemon Dance
Pink Lemon Dance
More info coming soon!
Tatyana Ischenko
Pink Lemon Dance
Pink Lemon Dance
More info coming soon!