Meet Our World Class Instructors

A woman in a shimmering blue and white ballroom dance dress performs a dance in a competition, with a male partner partially obscured behind her, on a wooden dance floor with an audience watching in the background.
A couple performs a ballroom dance in evening wear, surrounded by an audience seated in rows, in a ballroom or dance competition setting.
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A couple performing a ballroom dance, with the woman in a sparkly, fringe dress and the man in a white shirt and black pants.
MAXIMILIANO ALVARADO & PALOMA BERRIOS
ERVINAS VALSKYS & ALEXA SOSNA
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A man and woman dancing ballroom dance on a wooden floor, the woman in a flowing white gown and the man in a black tuxedo, with a blurred audience in the background.
A man and woman celebrate an achievement at an indoor event with a Christmas tree and band in the background. The man holds a trophy, both are smiling, and the woman holds a bouquet of flowers.
A man and woman dancing together, with the man wearing a blue velvet suit and the woman wearing jewelry, in a ballroom or dance setting.
ANDRE & NATALIE PARAMONOV
PETER PERZHU
A man lying on the floor supporting a woman in a horizontal dance pose during a stage performance. The woman is wearing a leopard-print dress with fishnet stockings and tan dance shoes. The man is shirtless, wearing red pants, and is lying with his back on the stage.
MICHAEL NEIL
JONATHON MELENDREZ
A woman with shoulder-length light brown hair smiling, standing in a dance studio with wooden floors and mirrors, wearing a black floral sleeveless dress and pink accessories.
A man and woman dancing together in a dance pose, with the man in black and the woman in a bright pink dress, in a room with a wooden floor and plain wall.
DAWN SGARLATA
PHIL & TANYA PALMA
PAOLO & LIENE DI LORENZO
OLGA BOGDANOV
ALEXANDER & VERONIKA VOSKALCHUK
ANNA BELYAVTSEVA
A female ballroom dancer in a light blue and white dress with rhinestones, performing on a polished wooden floor during a dance competition, with a male partner and other dancers in the background.

OLGA BOGDANOV

Olga Bogdanov is an internationally accomplished professional ballroom dancer, instructor and adjudicator with an impressive competitive career spanning Europe and the United States. Her achievements include a bronze medal at the European Championships, recognition as a Russian Open medalist and World Representative, and the Rising Star Championship at the prestigious Ohio Star Ball.  

At Goldcoast Ballroom, Olga brings her championship-level experience to students through ballroom dance instruction in International Standard and American Smooth, helping dancers develop strong technique, musicality, confidence and performance quality. Her students have earned outstanding results in Pro-Am competition, including first-place finishes across multiple International Standard and American Smooth events.  

Whether your goal is to become a more confident social dancer, refine your ballroom technique or prepare for competition, Olga offers the depth of experience and technical expertise that comes from a lifetime at the highest levels of DanceSport.

Specialties: International Standard • American Smooth • Pro-Am Competition • Ballroom Technique & Performance

Olga and Sasha Bogdanov perform at the Colorado Star Ball, where they placed Second in the Professional Standard division.

Olga and her then-partner Sasha Bogdanov deliver their First Place Professional Rising Star performance at the prestigious Ohio Star Ball.

A couple is ballroom dancing during a competition, with an audience watching in the background.

PAOLO AND LIENE DI LORENZO

Paolo and Liene Di Lorenzo are internationally accomplished professional ballroom dancers, instructors and championship-certified adjudicators whose careers have taken them to some of the most prestigious DanceSport competitions around the world.

Among their greatest achievements, Paolo and Liene became the 2013 United States National Professional Classic Show Dance Champions and were finalists at the 2014 World Professional Ballroom Showdance Championship. They have represented the United States and Latvia at multiple World and European Professional Championships and have earned championship titles and top placements throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and Asia. Their international career has included appearances at renowned competitions such as the British Open in Blackpool, International Championships in London, German Open Championships and Japan Open Championship.  

Both Paolo and Liene are NDCA Championship Certified Adjudicators in International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth and American Rhythm, as well as World Dance Council International Adjudicators. They also hold professional Standard Dance Teacher qualifications earned in Italy.  

Part of the Goldcoast Ballroom instructor family since 2011, Paolo and Liene bring their world-class competitive experience directly to their students through private lessons, coaching and group classes. They specialize in International Standard Ballroom, including Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep, as well as Show Dance, with Liene also teaching Latin and Rhythm styles.  

Whether a student wants to build strong ballroom fundamentals, elevate their technique and performance, or prepare for competition, Paolo and Liene offer the rare opportunity to learn from internationally recognized professionals who have competed, performed and adjudicated at the highest levels of ballroom dance.

Paolo and Liene Di Lorenzo deliver their First Place Professional International Standard performance at the Texas Challenge DanceSport Competition.

Paolo and Liene Di Lorenzo perform as finalists at the 2012 CAN-AM DanceSport Competition in Toronto, Canada.

A smiling couple, a woman with dark hair and a man with short gray hair, embracing against a dark background. The woman wears a black lace dress and the man is dressed in a black suit. The woman has rings on her fingers and has her hand on the man's chest. The man is smiling softly, and they both look directly at the camera.
A man and woman dance closely, with the woman in a black sequined dress and heels, and the man in a light-colored tuxedo with a black bow tie, against a plain dark background.
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A man and a woman dance closely together, with the woman sitting on the man's lap, both smiling and looking at each other against a plain dark background.

MAXIMILIANO ALVARADO & PALOMA BERRIOS

Maximiliano Alvarado and Paloma Berrios are internationally acclaimed Argentine Tango dancers, instructors, performers and judges whose career has taken them across South America, North America, Europe and Asia. Dancing together since 1996, they have spent decades developing and teaching both Salon and Stage Argentine Tango, earning recognition for a style that combines elegance, precision and technique with the passion and tradition of authentic Tango.  

Their competitive achievements include First Place in Stage Tango at the 2008 World Tango Championship TREX Games in Busan, South Korea, Second Place at the 2007 World Tango Championship in Buenos Aires, and First Place at Chile’s 2006 National Championship. They were also two-time First Place winners in Fantasy Tango at Latin America Dance Chile.  

Throughout their career, Maximiliano and Paloma have taught, performed and judged internationally, sharing Argentine Tango with dancers across numerous countries and cultures. Their approach draws upon training with respected Argentine Tango masters while preserving the traditions and character learned from experienced milongueros.  

At Goldcoast Ballroom, students have the opportunity to learn Argentine Tango directly from two internationally recognized professionals, developing the fundamentals of connection, embrace, musicality, technique, lead and follow, floorcraft and authentic Tango movement. Whether you’re discovering Argentine Tango for the first time or looking to elevate an established dance, Maximiliano and Paloma bring championship experience and decades of teaching expertise to the dance floor.  

Specialties: Argentine Tango • Salon Tango • Stage Tango • Technique & Musicality • Performance & Competition

Learn more about Paloma & Maximiliano

Two ballroom dancers, a man and a woman, performing on a dance floor. The woman is wearing a sparkly, cut-out dress, and the man is dressed in a black and white formal shirt and black pants.

ERVINAS VALSKYS & ALEXA SOSNA (ERVINAS & LEXI)

Ervinas Valskys and Alexa Sosna, known as Ervinas & Lexi, are internationally accomplished Latin dancers, champions, performers and instructors with an exceptional competitive record. Together, they are three-time consecutive World Champions in Latin American, Blackpool Champions, UK Open Dance Festival Champions, and three-time National Champions.  

Recognized as standout competitors and performers throughout the United States, Ervinas & Lexi continue to compete at an elite level, with recent winning performances including Cha Cha at the 2025 Manhattan Dance Championships and Jive at the 2024 Miami Vibe DanceSport Championships.  

At Goldcoast Ballroom, Ervinas & Lexi offer instruction across all Latin dance styles, giving students the opportunity to learn directly from internationally recognized champions. Their world-class competitive experience makes them an exceptional choice for dancers looking to strengthen their Latin technique, musicality, partnering and performance—whether developing their skills or pursuing competitive goals.  

Specialties: Latin Dance • Competitive DanceSport • Technique • Partnering • Performance

Ervinas & Lexi perform their winning Cha Cha at the 2025 Manhattan Dance Championships.

Ervinas & Lexi perform their winning Jive at the 2024 Miami Vibe DanceSport Championships.

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ANNA BELYAVTSEVA

Professional Ballroom Dancer, Competitor & Instructor

Originally from Russia, Anna Belyavtseva is an accomplished professional ballroom dancer and instructor with over 25 years of international experience. She has competed at the highest levels of ballroom dancing throughout Europe and the United States, earning numerous titles and distinctions.

Anna’s achievements include becoming an Eastern American Champion, United States Finalist, World Semifinalist, and Bronze Champion of the Republic of Azerbaijan. She was also a semifinalist at Russia’s prestigious Autumn Cup in the Professional International Latin division. In 2015, Anna participated in the Russian edition of Dancing with the Stars.

After moving to the United States in 2015, Anna continued competing professionally in Ten-Dance, Showcase, American Rhythm, and American Smooth. She also spent five years teaching at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Norwalk, Connecticut, where she coached students of all ages and levels, competed with Pro-Am students, and choreographed performances for local Dancing with the Stars events.

Now based in South Florida, Anna offers private lessons in Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Bachata, Argentine Tango, Waltz, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Foxtrot, Hustle, and more. With over a decade of full-time teaching experience, she welcomes beginners and experienced dancers alike, including students without a partner through personalized Pro-Am instruction.

Anna speaks five languages—English, Spanish, German, Serbian, and Russian—and brings a wealth of international experience and passion for dance to every lesson.

A couple performing a ballroom dance on a wooden floor, with the woman in a white gown and the man in a black tuxedo, surrounded by a blurred audience.

ALEXANDER & VERONIKA VOSKALCHUK

Alexander and Veronika Voskalchuk are internationally acclaimed professional ballroom dancers, champions and instructors who have achieved some of the highest honors in competitive DanceSport.

Their outstanding career includes becoming U.S. Open Professional Ballroom Champions, World Professional Classic Show Dance Champions, and two-time U.S. National Professional Classic Show Dance Champions. They are also three-time World Professional Ballroom Master Champions, five-time U.S. National Professional Ballroom Finalists, and have ranked among the Top 12 Professional Ballroom couples at the World Championship.  

Alexander and Veronika have also captured titles at many of America’s major DanceSport competitions, including the Ohio Star Ball, Millennium DanceSport Championships, Capital DanceSport Championships, Heritage DanceSport Championships and Grand National DanceSport Championships, among numerous others.  

At Goldcoast Ballroom, students have the opportunity to learn from dancers whose technique, artistry and performance experience have earned them recognition at the highest levels of professional ballroom competition. Their extensive championship experience makes them an exceptional choice for dancers looking to refine their International Standard technique, partnering, musicality and performance, from developing dancers to serious competitive students.

Specialties: International Standard • Professional Ballroom • Classic Show Dance • Competition Training • Technique & Performance

Alexander & Veronika deliver their First Place performance at the 2017 Capital DanceSport Championships.

The Famous Barbie Dance by Alexander & Veronika Voskalchuk

Watch Alexander & Veronika on YouTube →

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ANDRE & NATALIE PARAMONOV

Andre and Natalie Paramonov are internationally acclaimed professional Latin dancers, champions, instructors and choreographers with a partnership spanning more than two decades. Originally beginning their careers in the former USSR, they formed their partnership in St. Petersburg, Russia, where they graduated with highest honors in dance performance, teaching and choreography.  

Their extraordinary competitive career includes becoming three-time U.S. National Professional South American Show Dance Champions (2013, 2014 and 2015), World Professional South American Show Dance Champions, five-time undefeated Canadian National Professional Latin American Champions, and Asia-Pacific Professional Latin American Champions. They have also been U.S. National Professional Latin Finalists and U.S. National Rhythm Bronze Medalists.  

Known for their energy, passion and innovative choreography, Andre and Natalie have appeared on television, including America’s Ballroom Challenge, and have built an impressive reputation as teachers and choreographers. Their experience extends beyond competitive ballroom: they choreographed Russian productions of My Fair Lady and West Side Story for the National Russian Conservatory.  

At Goldcoast Ballroom, students have the opportunity to learn from two professionals who have reached the highest levels of competitive Latin dance. Their combination of championship experience, technical expertise and performance artistry makes them an exceptional choice for dancers looking to develop their Latin and Rhythm technique, musicality, partnering, choreography and performance skills.

Specialties: Latin American • American Rhythm • Show Dance • Competition Training • Choreography & Performance

André & Natalie perform a medley of their dances at the Atlanta Dance Classic.

André & Natalie perform one of their championship-winning Show Dances.

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PETER PERZHU

Peter Perzhu is an accomplished professional ballroom dancer, champion, coach and instructor with an outstanding record across American Smooth and American Rhythm. Born in Kazakhstan, Peter began dancing at just six years old and went on to build a highly successful professional career in the United States.  

Among his major achievements, Peter became a four-time U.S. Professional 9-Dance Champion from 2010–2013, a two-time U.S. Professional Smooth Champion, and a U.S. Professional Rhythm Finalist from 2010–2013. He also captured the Open Professional Smooth Championship at the prestigious Ohio Star Ball in 2013, along with titles and top placements at numerous other major competitions.  

As a professional coach and instructor, Peter works with dancers of different levels and experience, helping students strengthen their ballroom technique, movement, partnering and overall quality of dancing while working toward their individual goals.  

At Goldcoast Ballroom, students have the opportunity to learn from a highly decorated professional with championship-level experience in multiple American ballroom styles—making Peter an excellent choice for both social dancers looking to improve and competitive students seeking high-level coaching.

Specialties: American Smooth • American Rhythm • 9-Dance • Competition Training • Ballroom Technique & Performance

Peter & Alexandra Perzshu, two-time U.S. Professional American Smooth Champions, perform at the 2019 Millennium DanceSport Championships.

A male dancer lying on the floor supporting a female dancer in mid-air during a dance performance, with an audience watching in the background.

MICHAEL NEIL

Michael Neil is an accomplished professional American Rhythm dancer, competitor and instructor who has competed at the highest levels of ballroom dance in the United States. Together with his former professional partner Danielle Wilson, Michael became a North American Showdance Champion and established himself as one of the country’s leading American Rhythm competitors.  

His competitive achievements include becoming a four-time United States Championship finalist, a three-time World Rhythm finalist on America’s Ballroom Challenge and a United States Cabaret finalist. These accomplishments led to numerous invitations to perform, teach and coach throughout the United States.  

Michael began dancing in his late teens and went on to build an extensive career in professional competition, performance and instruction. His experience at the championship level gives students the opportunity to learn from an instructor with a deep understanding of American Rhythm technique, musicality, partnering and performance.  

At Goldcoast Ballroom, Michael teaches private lessons, working with students who want to develop their dancing, strengthen their technique and become more confident and expressive on the dance floor.  

Specialties: American Rhythm • Showdance • Ballroom Technique • Partnering • Performance

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JONATHON MELENDREZ

Jonathon Melendrez is an award-winning competitive dancer who trained and taught at Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios. He won bronze (3rd place) in American Smooth and American Rhythm at the Fred Astaire Grand Nationals.

He owns Melendrez Dance Studios, serving Broward and Palm Beach Counties, and has choreographed hundreds of wedding first dances. He’s a 9-time award winner on The Knot, with 8 Best of Weddings awards (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2026) and a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Jonathon teaches salsa, bachata, cha-cha, waltz, West Coast Swing and more, with fun lessons that build confidence and help couples shine on their big day.

Specialties: West Coast Swing • Salsa • Bachata • Waltz • Cha-Cha • Wedding First Dances

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DAWN SGARLATA

Dawn Sgarlata is an experienced West Coast Swing dancer, competitor and instructor with more than 30+ years devoted to the dance. She has competed throughout the United States in numerous swing competitions, earning placements in Jack & Jill and Strictly Swing competitions and competing at the All-Star level.  

A GPDIA-certified instructor at the Intermediate level, Dawn developed her expertise through years of training with leading dance professionals. Her combination of competitive experience and extensive training allows her to help students strengthen their West Coast Swing technique, connection, musicality and confidence on the dance floor.  

Dawn has also been a longtime part of the Goldcoast Ballroom West Coast Swing community, hosting Saturday night West Coast Swing parties featuring classes taught by Dawn and visiting professional instructors from around the country.  

Whether you’re learning West Coast Swing or looking to advance your skills, Dawn brings decades of experience and a genuine passion for the dance to her instruction.

Specialties: West Coast Swing • Jack & Jill • Strictly Swing • Technique & Connection • Social Dance

Dawn Sgarlata performs with Robert Cordoba in the All Star / Pro Strictly Swing Event.

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A man and woman dancing together in a dance studio, the woman in a pink ballroom dress and the man in black shirt and pants, smiling as they hold each other for a dance pose.

PHIL & TANYA PALMA

Phil and Tanya Palma are experienced professional ballroom dance instructors specializing in Ballroom, Latin, Swing and Hustle, teaching dancers from complete beginners through advanced levels. Together, they bring decades of dance, teaching and performance experience to their students at Goldcoast Ballroom.  

Phil has more than 20 years of ballroom teaching experience in South Florida. Throughout his career, his students and studio have earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Top Studio Award. He teaches both competitive and social Ballroom and Latin styles and has trained dancers who later went on to become instructors themselves.  

Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Tanya brings 25 years of musical and physical training to her ballroom instruction. Her teaching style emphasizes a relaxed, enjoyable environment designed to build confidence while helping students progress beyond their expectations.  

Together, Phil and Tanya are especially skilled at helping beginners, newcomers, couples, singles, groups, teens and wedding couples become comfortable and confident on the dance floor. Their approach goes beyond learning steps, emphasizing connection, communication and becoming a comfortable, enjoyable dance partner.  

Specialties: Ballroom • Latin • Swing • Hustle • Beginner Dance Lessons • Wedding Dance Instruction • Social Dancing