Michael Novikov & Angelina Novikova

Born near LAX at the exact time his father was dancing at the Emerald Ball, Michael’s connection to dance began almost from the moment he entered the world. He was raised in Upland, California, where he has lived his entire life. Michael began dancing at three with his mother, briefly competed, and returned to dance at age five. His older brother’s Blackpool Under 12 victory became a major inspiration, motivating Michael to pursue his own Blackpool goals and continually challenge himself. The Blackpool Dance Festival remains his favorite venue. Michael is drawn to its history, atmosphere, and the music of the Empress Orchestra. One of his most memorable experiences came when he danced with a partner he had known for only four days and placed second. For Michael, experiences like this reflect his passion for competition and performance. 

Born in Fontana, California, and raised in Upland, Angelina discovered her love of dance at a very young age. She and her brother, Michael, would create dances and put on shows at home when they were just two and four years old, sparking a passion that would grow into a serious commitment. Angelina developed a strong work ethic and a determination to give her absolute best in everything she does. Her ambitious personality drives her to continually improve and challenge herself. She particularly embraces the challenge of competing against older dancers, having never competed exclusively within her own age group. Competing up has pushed her to raise her standards, strengthen her skills, and become a more confident competitor. For Angelina, dance is an opportunity to challenge herself, perform with purpose, and continually strive for excellence.  

Together, Michael and Angelina bring ambition, determination, and a genuine love of Latin dance to the floor. Having grown up together in Upland, California, their partnership is built on a shared history and a lifelong connection to dance. They challenge one another to improve, embrace competition, and continually raise their expectations of what they can accomplish together. Their strong personalities and competitive spirit have created a partnership built on trust, energy, and a shared desire to perform at their highest level. They have earned two national titles, placed second at the 2025 Blackpool Open Worlds Under 14, and reached the UK Open Under 14 semi-finals twice. In 2026, they also won the Embassy & USDC Under 16 division. For Michael and Angelina, every competition is another opportunity to grow, perform, and share their passion for dance.