Vasiliy and Marina Vlasov met as teenagers at a ballroom dance academy in Kaliningrad similar to the one they would eventually come to own and operate themselves. Both degreed mechanical engineers, Vasiliy and Marina felt a constant draw to the ballroom dance floor and knew it was the calling they had to follow. Their discipline, dedication and natural warmth fostered a loyal and talented student body that would number 300 at the height of their school’s establishment.
In 2000, Vasiliy and Marina were offered an opportunity to work in the United States. Upon arrival in Jacksonville Fl, they began teaching ballroom and latin dancing at studios throughout the First Coast.
By 2008, Vasiliy and Marina had developed a large enough following to open their own studio. Like many top dancers, Vasiliy and Marina chose to affiliate their studio with Arthur Murray®, a name trusted worldwide. Their eldest son joins them as an instructor at the studio, where they teach for all levels and abilities, including preparing students for competition.
“I believe in dance. I have seen it do incredible things for all kinds of people. I believe ballroom dancing is a cure-all— mentally, physically, spiritually,” says Marina. “Whatever obstacle you have in front of you, dance can help.”
Misha Vlasov has been dancing and competing in International Latin and Standard divisions for more than 20 years. Now, he competes nationally throughout the United States with his students in the Pro-Am division. He is currently No. 1 in the nation in Pro-Am Mambo and in Pro-Am Bronze International Latin with his students. Misha performed in the Jacksonville Florida Theatre in The Community Nutcracker Ballet and The Frog Prince Ballet. He has also performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Circue De La Symphony. Misha recently began a new partnership and is competing in the Open Professional American Rhythm category.
Michael began ballroom dancing at 16 years of age, when he entered ballroom training with a Jacksonville dance studio. While attending college in Ohio, he trained with Arthur Murray® Dance Studios and advanced to enter a career as a ballroom dance instructor. After returning to Jacksonville Fl in 2006, Michael continues to build upon his experience and success as a dance teacher. Trained in rhythm/Latin and standard/smooth dancing, Michael is currently competing nationally and internationally with his students in the Pro-Am division.
Originally from Russia, Pasha has been a Jacksonville resident since 2006. He began dancing at the age of six, under the coaching of Vasiliy and Marina Vlasov. Pasha is trained in all International and American style dances. He has been competing and performing for over 20 years. Pasha is the newest member of our Arthur Murray family and we are very excited to add his knowledge and experience to the value of our studio.
Irina Babina, Dance Instructor
Irina began training in Rhythmic Gymnastics at the age of 9 and took Ballet classesto help benefit her gymnastics career. She successfully competed in many Russian and European competitions. All of her competitive routines included a lot of dance movement in addition to gymnastics elements. While she loved gymnastics, she later realized that her true passion was for dancing. She moved to the United States in 2008, and decided to take her love for dance and turn it into her career. She started her training at Arthur Murray and has made many accomplishments throughout the last year, winning several local Professional competitions. She is constantly working to improve her Professional skill and knowledge, and is always delighted to share this with her students. We are very excited to have Irina as a part of our strong professional team.