Vlad Astafiev & Aleksandra Kozlowska

Vlad Astafiev began his dance journey in Ukraine at the age of nine. From an early age, he competed extensively across regional, national, and international events, progressing through the Juvenile, Junior, Youth, and Amateur divisions and achieving numerous victories along the way. In 2009, Vlad moved to the United States to pursue his professional career. Since becoming professional, he has continued to develop through several partnerships and has established himself as a prominent competitor on the international dance floor. A three-time World Masters Professional Open Latin finalist, Vlad brings extensive experience across both International Latin and American Rhythm to his current partnership with Aleksandra “Ola” Kozlowska. Outside of dance, Vlad enjoys traveling, watching movies, and reading, interests that provide balance to a life dedicated to competition, performance, and continuous growth. 

Born in Warsaw, Poland, Aleksandra “Ola” Kozlowska began her ballroom training at the age of ten. She represented Poland at international competitions throughout the Junior, Youth, and Amateur divisions, competing in both International Standard and Latin and studying with some of the world’s leading coaches. In 2003, Ola moved to the United States to pursue her professional career and continue performing, competing, and teaching. Her career has since expanded across multiple styles, including International Latin and Standard, American Rhythm and Smooth, Salsa, and Bachata. Ola is a former U.S. Open Professional Bachata Champion and Salsa runner-up, as well as a multiple-time international finalist. Beyond competing and teaching, she has developed a creative passion for costume design, creating ballroom costumes for herself and other dancers. 

Vlad and Ola currently compete together in the Professional Open American Rhythm division, bringing extensive international experience and a diverse range of dance backgrounds to their partnership. Their combined careers span International Latin and Standard, American Rhythm, Salsa, and Bachata, giving them a broad artistic foundation from which to develop their partnership. Since joining forces in May 2025, they have quickly established themselves as a couple to watch on the Pro Rhythm circuit, competing extensively throughout the United States and internationally. In just 15 months from the beginning of their partnership, they competed at 55 events, showcasing their extraordinary commitment to training, travel, and performance. Their recent success includes Professional Rhythm championships in Nashville and Quebec, as well as a finalist placement at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival. Together, they continue to pursue new challenges and opportunities on the international dance floor.