NIKA INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY, founded in 1976 by renowned dancer and choreographer Elena Zakharova in Penza, Russia, started out as a youth dance program and has since evolved into a prestigious and globally recognized dance school. In a significant milestone year, 2004, the program was adopted by studios in the United States, propelling its dancers to national and international competitions where they achieved remarkable success, including becoming US National finalists and champions, as well as World Open finalists and champions.

The impact of NIKA is evident in the accomplishments of its alumni, many of whom have gone on to become accomplished professional ballroom and Latin coaches and adjudicators in the United States, Russia, and other countries. Additionally, they have found success as performers and choreographers for popular television shows such as "Dancing with the Stars" in the US and Russia, "America's Got Talent," "Oprah," and more.

NIKA alumni include…

• Natalia Kuzieva (Kherson, Ukraine)- International adjudicator, coach and competition organizer
• Alexander Muratov and Kseniya Putko (Russia)- Norway and Dutch Open champions. Kseniya was also a professional dancer on “Dancing with the Stars” Russia
• Alexander Muratov and Elena Markelova (Russia)- Russian Open champions
• Pavel Balykin and Maria Gershenovich (Russia and USA)- multiple US National champions and finalists. Pavel is also World Pro/Am Ballroom Champion
• Stepan and Olga Pogorelsky (Samara, Russia)- Russian National Professional Ballroom finalists, coaches, adjudicators and competition organizers
• Nathan Murstein and Polina Dickenson (Seattle, Washington- USA)- multiple US National champions and two time Blackpool Junior festival semi-finalists
• Gabriel White and Lyubov Morgan (Seattle, Washington, USA) - 2015 US National representatives to the World Pre-teen Championships
• Scott Nicholson and Evgeniya Gorobets (Seattle, Washington, USA) - 2014 US National representatives to the World under 21 10-dance Championships
• Yegor Novikov and Ekaterina Zakharoff (Russia and USA)- US National finalists, US/UK/British Open RS Professional finalists. Ekaterina is also a choreographer and coach, her routines have been showcased on TV’s “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Got Talent”
• Sergey Nekrasov (Russia and USA)- World Pro/Am Show dance champion with student Nina Nikolova

While our focus is primarily on competition and supporting our students in achieving national and international success, we also take pride in offering a diverse range of social programs for personal enrichment. Whether you have a wedding or anniversary approaching, are planning a cruise, or simply want to dance for everyday exercise, our experienced teachers are here to assist you. Gift certificates for any number of lessons are also available, making them a perfect gift for your loved ones.