Tatiana Banko

Danznik, Nikolai, and especially my ProAm Partner, Tatiana Banko have collectively re-inspired my love of dance and taken me to a whole new level. Technically excellent, patient, encouraging, the right balance of discipline and support, I offer my highest recommendations to anyone considering the social joy or the sport than is Ballroom Dance!

With enthusiastic gratitude I will gladly praise the exceptional and superior Pro Am program at Danznik, in large part the beating heart and bedrock foundation of Danznik. And, if one tracks results at local and regional competitions, one will quickly see how overrepresented Danznik Pro Am competitors shine in the volume of both their quality and award winning performances. Thus, mine is hardly lone or superfluous praise. When I first started to learn to dance over 8 years ago as an unofficial extension of my grief therapy following the death of my son Andrew, I had no idea what to expect. I was fortunate to be introduced at various levels to about 13-14 different formal styles of dance by my pro at the time at another studio, other pros, and several group instructors of various abilities. When COVID shut everything down, I had only just started to explore and prepare for International Latin competition. As the world regrouped and reopened, it was more than good fortune to discover Danznik Studios in my process to seriously pursue my Pro Am ambitions. It is hugely understated to say that I was blessed to be accepted as a student by the widely recognized, indisputably world class pro and teacher, and more than likely the very best Pro Am teacher and partner in captivity today, Tatiana Banko. Yes, we have had success in competitions, but perhaps my biggest lesson is how to use such events to overcome issues within myself, as much or more than other competitors on the floor. Tatiana is forever challenging me to become a better and more improved dancer in many areas, in a constantly evolving journey of personal challenge and growth. In all of the styles of Pro Am offered, you will regularly find superior and personally responsive pros. If Pro Am is an emerging interest or a full blown passion or yours, you will be hard pressed to find a better garden in which to grow than Danznik.

Danznik Studios offers first-class teachers. I avidly pursue Pro/Am lessons & competitions with Nikolai Shpakov and Tatiana Banko. They give much thought into what I need to do to continue growing. I have seen this kind of detail and dance teaching from all the teachers who work at the studio. The same is true of all their group classes. If you are pursuing social dancing or want a group setting to enhance your individual growth, you will find these group classes a real a real plus. The studio itself is clean, bright, and has a superb floor on which to dance. See you there!

This is a high level studio! I have been training sll my life and with other studios like Dancesport and You should be dancing, Pierre Dulaine, and others. I have startted again after years becsuse I have been so inspired by these people. My whole life has changed because i believe again. Super teachers like Anton, Tatiana, Nikolai,Sonia ...you will not meet better and their encouragement has meant everything to me! New York ! Try this studio!