Alexey Smirnov and his dance partner Daria Smirnova started dancing together in 2014 in Moscow. They both used to compete in 10 dance, but have decided to continue their journey in International Latin. Daria started dancing at the age of 5, but Alexey joined the local dance studio in Yaroslavl only at the age of 16. Later in life, he graduated with a master’s degree in Chemical engineering, and Daria is a Bachelor of Sociology with an additional degree in foreign languages. Dancing has always been a passion and serious hobby for them, but originally, it wasn’t considered to become a career. 

In 2016, they opened a branch of Dynamo Dance Club in Moscow. And in 2019, they moved to the US and started working in Arthur Murray dance studios in Orlando. Later on, Alexey and Daria worked in the Fred Astaire Franchise and currently they own Dance Elegance Academy and work independently in Florida.

During their career together, they became WADF European International Latin and Showcase Champions, World Dance Council (WDC) Central and Eastern Europe Championships Latin Finalist, Moscow Championship Showdance winners, and also winners and prize-winners of numerous competitions in Russia and the United States in International Latin, American Rhythm, and Showdance. After switching into the Professional American Rhythm category in 2021, they became finalists in such major events as Emerald Ball, NYDF, Millennium, and Ohio Star Ball.