Silviu Turcan & Julia Nam
Silviu’s lifelong journey in dance began in Moldova at the age of three, when his mother introduced him to ballroom dancing. His first performance took place at the Palace of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, and from that moment, the stage became a second home. Raised in a family deeply connected to dance, Silviu grew up surrounded by movement, music, and performance. His mother and uncle owned a dance studio in Bălți, Moldova, giving him the opportunity to develop his passion in an environment where dance was not simply an activity, but a way of life. This early exposure shaped his dedication to the art and laid the foundation for a professional career that would eventually take him far beyond his home country.
Julia’s journey in dance began at the age of five in Uzbekistan. As a child, she trained in gymnastics while also exploring drawing, singing, and dance, but it was dance that quickly captured her heart. In 2004, Julia and her family relocated to Moscow, Russia, where, at the age of six, she began her formal ballroom training. Her passion eventually led her to the prestigious Moscow State University of Culture, where she broadened her artistic education through intensive study of ballet, folk, and modern dance. This diverse training became an important part of her identity as a dancer, giving her the versatility to combine the precision and discipline of classical dance with the musicality, expression, and individuality of ballroom.
Silviu and Julia first met while pursuing their university studies, where their shared passion for dance brought them together as partners. After competing together in International Latin for two years, they relocated to China and expanded their careers into dance education, teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers. In 2022, they began a new chapter by moving to the United States and embracing American Rhythm. Their transition allowed them to combine their extensive International Latin experience with a style that naturally connected with their personalities and artistic vision. Today, Silviu and Julia continue to grow as both competitors and educators, bringing together their international experience, diverse training, and shared passion to create a distinctive partnership on and off the dance floor.
2026 Emerald Ball — Open Professional American Rhythm — Finalists
2025 Ohio Star Ball — Open Professional American Rhythm — Semifinalists