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Ivan Kudashev & Ksusha Sokolova

Ivan was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia and began dancing when he was 10 years old on the "Impuls Formation Team" until he was 19 years old. With the "Impuls" team, Ivan became the Russian National Vice Champion, placing in the final of the European Championship and made it to the semi-final of the World Championships. 

Ksusha was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia and began dancing at the of age 5. At the age of 14, she joined Ivan at the "Impuls" team. One day, right before an important performance, Ivan`s partner on the team got sick. To make sure the team was not let down, the coach decided to put Ksusha and Ivan together. Their "tango"was phenomenal and perhaps was the beginning  of their story. These were unforgettable emotions and the couple immediately felt great connection with their first touch. 

After this incident, their opportunity to dance together came to an end as they  went their separate ways. Ivan began to study at the Academy of Culture and Arts, and Ksusha successfully performed with another partner. Eventually, they both ended up at the Academy of Culture and Arts and after Ivan became her tutor, a partnership blossomed not only on the floor, but off the floor as well. In 2014 they turned professional and have had a steady rise ever since.

In 2017, Ivan and Ksusha moved to the United States and quickly became the Fred Astaire National Showdance Champions! 

Together, Ivan and Ksusha are: 

  • 3rd place: 2016 Dutch Open Professional RS Latin Championships 
  • 3rd place: 2015 Russian Nationals Professional Latin Showdance Championships
  • 3rd place: 2014 European Professional Latin Showdance Championship (WDSF PD) 
  • 3rd place: 2015 World Professional Latin Showdance Championship (WDSF PD) 
  • 2017 Fred Astaire National Showdance Champions
  • 2nd place: 2017 USA Open Professional RS Latin Championships 
  • 2018 New York Dance Festival Professional RS Latin Champions 
  • 2017 Ohio Star Ball Professional RS Latin Champions 
  • US National Professional RS Champions
  • US National Professional Show dance Champions
  • UK Professional Latin RS Finalists
  • US Open Professional Latin Finalists
  • Ohio Star Ball Professional Latin Finalists
  • World Professional Latin Showdance finalists

The couple continues to dance and grow in the industry and the great results speak for themselves!