Ivan Sovetov & Valeria Mkrtchian

 Ivan began dancing at the age of five in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where he established himself as a highly accomplished competitor. During his Russian career, he reached finals at regional, national, and international events and earned the title of Master of Sport of the Russian Federation. His achievements included becoming a North-West Federal District champion in both Ballroom and Latin and reaching the finals of the Russian Championship in Latin and 10-Dance, as well as the German Open in 10-Dance. A major turning point came in 2016, when Ivan moved to the United States and began building a professional career in the American dance industry. He joined the Syracuse Fred Astaire Dance Studio as a teacher, where he met Valeria. Today, Ivan balances an intense teaching schedule with nationwide travel and competition, continuing to pursue excellence across multiple dance disciplines. 

 
Valeria also began dancing at age five in Russia, falling in love with ballroom from her very first practice. Her early competitive career included major achievements throughout Europe and Russia, including winning Russian Championship Team competitions. She became a finalist at the Blackpool Dance Festival and Austrian Open in Latin, placed third in 10-Dance at the German Open, and earned second place in Latin at the Italian Open. Valeria also reached finals in Ballroom, Latin, and 10-Dance at the Russian Open Championship and earned the title of Master of Sport of the Russian Federation. In 2016, she moved to the United States, where her professional journey eventually brought her to the Syracuse Fred Astaire studio and into partnership with Ivan. She continues to combine high-level competition with a demanding teaching career and nationwide travel. 

 
Ivan and Valeria arrived in the United States in 2016 and began their professional partnership after meeting as teachers at the Syracuse Fred Astaire Dance Studio under the guidance of Vlad Ivanov. Although they had never danced together in Russia, they quickly developed a successful partnership in the United States. Their versatility spans Professional Latin, American Smooth, 9-Dance, and Show Dance, allowing them to compete and perform across multiple disciplines. They have built an impressive record, including United States National Professional 9-Dance and Ohio Star Ball 9-Dance titles, multiple Fred Astaire National and World 9-Dance and Show Dance Championships, and major American Smooth finals and victories. In addition to competing, they teach hundreds of classes each week while traveling extensively across the country. Their goal is simple: keep achieving, improving, and propelling their partnership forward.