Today we’d like to introduce you to Ekaterina Derevleva.
Hi Ekaterina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in dance began when I was a little girl growing up in Russia. Before I ever stepped onto a ballroom floor, I was a competitive gymnast. I loved the discipline, movement, and artistry of the sport — but after an accident, my mom decided I needed a safer activity. She enrolled me in a ballroom dance class, thinking it would simply be something gentle and fun.
I still remember that first lesson — the music, the rhythm, the connection. Something inside me just clicked. I never imagined it would become my life’s path. In fact, I had no idea then that I would one day become a professional dancer, let alone make it my career. Dance simply found me — and step by step, it became my world.
As my love for the art grew, I earned my Master’s Degree from a Pedagogical University, which gave me the tools to teach, inspire, and connect with people on a deeper level. My professional journey took me from small local studios to some of the most prestigious stages in the world. I competed in both International Latin and International Ballroom divisions, representing the United States and earning titles including U.S. National Professional Ten Dance Bronze Medalist and World Ten Dance Finalist. In 2024, I achieved one of my proudest milestones — becoming the Professional American Rhythm National Dance Vision Champion.
But my greatest fulfillment comes from sharing this art form with others. Teaching and mentoring people through dance has become my true purpose. That passion led me to open Ballroom Dance Academy in Jacksonville, Florida — a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the beauty and confidence that dance brings.
At Ballroom Dance Academy, we teach all four major styles of ballroom dance — Smooth, Rhythm, Standard, and Latin. Our students range from as young as four years old to over eighty, proving that it’s never too early or too late to start dancing. I’m incredibly proud of the family we’ve built — a community of students, teachers, and professionals who support and uplift one another every day.
Our studio is home to multiple Pro/Am National Champions in various styles and age divisions. Among our most recent champions are Marilyn Pearson, the current National Champion in the American Smooth Division with her teacher Sergey Izyumov, and Dawn Archer, the Vice Champion in Latin with her teacher Vladislav Robatsenko. Seeing our students achieve such success — whether it’s mastering their first waltz or winning a national title — brings me immense pride and joy.
In addition to leading the Academy, I organize the Florida Fun Mini Match and Showcases, events that celebrates not only competition, but the pure joy of dancing together. It has become one of the most anticipated and uplifting gatherings in our community, uniting dancers from all levels in a spirit of artistry and connection.
Today, I continue to travel across the United States, coaching both professional and Pro/Am dancers. Every dancer I meet reminds me why I began — because dance transforms lives. It builds confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging.
Looking back, I never planned this journey — but I am so grateful it found me. What started as a safer alternative to gymnastics became my passion, my career, and my family. My studio family — my students and teachers — are truly the heartbeat of everything I do. Together, we keep moving, growing, and dancing forward — one step at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not — it has not been a smooth road. When I came to the United States over twelve years ago, I arrived with one suitcase, a dream, and a passion for dance. I didn’t know what the future would look like, but I knew I was willing to work for it.
Those first years were some of the hardest of my life. I started from scratch — no family here, no financial support — just determination, faith, and love for what I do. I worked day and night, teaching, training, and building my path step by step. There were moments of exhaustion, uncertainty, and even fear, but there was also a deep fire inside me that never let me give up.
Like many athletes and artists, my journey was filled with sweat and tears, but also with incredible growth and gratitude. Every challenge taught me something about perseverance, humility, and strength. I learned that success doesn’t come from luck or talent alone — it comes from consistency, hard work, and heart.
And I didn’t do it alone. I’m deeply grateful to the people who believed in me and helped me along the way — Susan and Bob Cruickshank, Dmitry Podolskiy, Brent Hyskell, Maxine and Mark Pearson, Pavel, Volinskiy, Samuel da Silva, Emily Bergman, Aleksei Alekseev, and many more. Each of them played a part in my story and left a mark on my journey.
Today, I’m surrounded by an amazing team and community — Charles and Carissa Norris, Sergey and Oksana Izyumov, Mary Thomas, Adriano Camardese, Marilyn Pearson, Stacey Kennington, Tatiana Noll, Mark Marcoux and my current partner and fiancé Shandor Shtefil — all of whom continue to inspire and support me every day. And, of course, my mom in heaven, whose love and strength still guide me in everything I do.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every challenge shaped who I am today and led me to a life surrounded by people, passion, and purpose. It wasn’t easy — but it was worth every single step.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Ballroom Dance Academy, we specialize in providing top-level instruction for dancers of every age and experience level — from complete beginners taking their very first steps to advanced competitors preparing for national championships. Our philosophy is that everyone deserves access to world-class dance education in a warm, supportive, and inspiring environment.
What truly sets our studio apart is the quality of our instructors. Every teacher on our team is not only a certified professional but also an active national champion or finalist who brings real competitive experience and artistry into the classroom. Our students learn directly from the best — people who live and breathe ballroom dance every day.
We teach all four major styles of ballroom dance — American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, and International Latin — offering both private lessons and group classes, as well as social practice parties, showcases, and professional coaching. Whether a student’s goal is to dance for fun, prepare for a wedding, or compete nationally, we provide the structure, guidance, and motivation to help them grow.
Our facility in Jacksonville is one of the largest and most beautiful ballrooms in North Florida, featuring a stunning oak wood dance floor and over 5,000 square feet of open space designed specifically for movement and inspiration. We take pride in creating an atmosphere where students feel like they’re part of something special — a community built on respect, creativity, and joy.
I’m especially proud of the incredible achievements of our students and instructors. Our studio has produced multiple Pro/Am National Champions in different styles and age categories — from children to seniors — and we continue to see our dancers shine at competitions across the United States. But even more meaningful to me than the trophies is the transformation I see in people — their confidence, posture, and happiness growing with every lesson.
What sets us apart most is the combination of excellence and heart. At Ballroom Dance Academy, we don’t just teach people to dance — we teach them to believe in themselves, to express emotion through movement, and to find joy in every step. That’s what makes our work so rewarding, and why I feel grateful every day to do what I love.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Who Also Deserves Credit
I truly believe that no one achieves success alone. My journey has been shaped by the incredible people who believed in me, supported me, and walked beside me through every stage of this adventure.
When I first came to the United States with nothing but a dream and one suitcase, I was surrounded by a few kind souls who gave me strength when I needed it most. I am deeply grateful to Susan and Bob Cruickshank, Dmitry Podolskiy, Brent Hyskell, Maxine and Mark Pearson, Pavel, Volinskiy, Samuel da Silva, Emily Bergman, and Aleksei Alekseev, who each, in their own way, played an important part in my early journey. They offered opportunities, friendship, encouragement, and belief — all things that meant more to me than they could imagine at the time.
As my path grew and the Ballroom Dance Academy came to life, new people became part of my dance family and helped shape what it is today. I owe tremendous gratitude to Charles and Carissa Norris, who have stood by me with loyalty and dedication, to Sergey and Oksana Izyumov for their professionalism and talent, and to our students and champions — Mary Thomas, Adriano Camardese, Marilyn Pearson, and Stacey Kennington, Mark Marcoux and many more — who inspire me every day with their commitment and love for dance.
And of course, I am endlessly thankful for the person who now shares this journey with me both on and off the floor — my fiancé and dance partner, Shandor Shtefil. His passion, creativity, and belief in me have brought new energy and joy to everything I do.
Finally, I must mention my mother in heaven, whose love, sacrifice, and spirit have guided every step I’ve taken. I feel her presence with me in every success and every moment of strength.
Every person who has touched my journey — mentors, teammates, students, and friends — has helped me become who I am today. Ballroom Dance Academy is not just my business; it’s the result of all of us coming together through shared effort, respect, and love for the art of dance.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bdaballroom.com and www.floridafunminimatch.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballroom_dance_academy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558608148649 , https://www.facebook.com/katarina.derevleva/
