Instructors
Natalya Vasser
(Ballet, Jazz, & Pilates)
Natalya Vasser started dancing at age 4 with J. Erglis Smatzoff School of Russian Ballet. From there she moved to the American National Academy were she studied ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre. At age 13 she decided to take a break form dancing and try cheerleading. Then she moved on to Moorpark College to earn her AA degree in Dance. Heavily involved with performing arts at Moorpark College, she performed on stage in over 20 major productions. Besides dancing and cheerleading, she chose to be an active member of the student body and became involved in student government. During her final year at Moorpark College, Natalya was elected to serve as President of the Associated Students. After Moorpark she moved onto San Francisco State University where she received her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Dance. Natalya is also a certified Pilates instructor.
Tatiana Schuman
(Ballet and Pointe)
Tatiana is from Montreal, Canada where she started her ballet training at age 8. In 2001 she moved to St. Petersburg, Russia to study and graduate from the Cantilena Ballet School of the St. Petersburg Conservatory. That year she was also an apprentice and member of the corps de ballet of the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory Theater of Opera and Ballet. After graduating from the ballet school she joined the St. Petersburg State Theater of Classical Ballet where she performed in the corps de ballet, coryphées, and as a demi soloist in performances of Swan Lake, Giselle, The Nutcracker, Les Sylphides, and Sleeping Beauty. In 2006 Tatiana returned to North America to share her passion with dance enthusiasts and pre-professional of all ages.
Elena Krifuks
(Salsa & Ballroom)
Elena Krifuks has been dancing since she was 5 years old. After 7 years of rhythmic gymnastics and ballet, she started ballroom dancing at the age 10. She competes at the International Latin Championship and has placed 3rd at the Nationals in March 2005. Elena loves teaching as much as competing and knows many styles of dance including the cha-cha, samba, paso doble, jive, salsa, waltz, tango, foxtrot and quickstep.
Alfie Lewis
(Hip Hop & Breakin')
Alfie Lewis is originally from LA. He has been a hip hop dancer for 20 years. Alfie has worked with some of the biggest artists such as Janet Jackson, Ginuwine, and Mary J. Blige. He has also appeared as regular on Soul Train for the past 10 years. Alfie enjoys dancing and is excited to share all this talents. Alfie has been a part of the Dance In Motion Family for over 5 years.
Danni Kats
(Tap)
Danni has been dancing since she was 5 years old emphasizing in tap Redders Academy of Dance. She grew up on stage performing in musicals and singing wherever she could find a microphone. She most recently attended the Boston Conservatory as a musical Theatre major. She was accepted onto the prestigious tap group "Hoofers" where she toured all around Boston with new and modern rhythms. Since being back home in LA she has had roles in "The House Bunny" and "Bedtime Stories." She continues to follow her dreams and motivate others. She loves teaching and always tries to pass on the inspiration she received from her teachers and mentors to her students. " Dreams were made a size too big so that we can grow into them"
Grisha Todorov
(Cardio KickBoxing)
Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Grisha begun his athletic training as a young boy and competed professionally as a kickboxer since the age of 12. He has won several World Champion and European titles in kickboxing and karate, and is currently recognized by Billy Blanks as the #1 TaeBo Instructor in the national instructors' competition (1st place 2005 & 2006). Grisha is certified by the Private Trainers Association (Tom Prince IFBB Pro), and has been a karate coach for 12 years and personal trainer for 9 years.
Karima Wahid
(Belly Dancing)
Karima is performer and instructor her style of dance is Tribal Fusion Folkloric, Esyptian, Turkish and Persian perforer at the Renaissance Fairs for ten years and teaching for six years.
Leo Padilla
(Hip Hop)
Lauren Persico
(Jazz)
Lauren began dancing at a very yong age in her hometown of Philadelphia. Since relocating to California, she has performed all around the world in a variety of venues, including the national tour of West Side Story, cruise ships, theme parks and magic shows. Some of Lauren's favorite productions include, Can-Can, 42nd Street, Marck and Mabel, Carousel, Seven Brids for Seven Brothers to name a few. Since returing from perforning, Lauren has taught all types of dance around southern Calfornia, as well as personal training. Most recently, Lauren enjoys her volunteer work at the Agoura Hills Anmial Shelter and is very happu to be a part of the Dance In Motion Family!