Why LaVida?

Natasha is a well-known dancer and educator in the Seattle area whose work blends artistic depth with thoughtful leadership.

She began dancing at age 14 and developed a broad artistic foundation through competitive ballroom, Argentine tango training in the United States and Buenos Aires, and formal study in additional dance styles. Alongside her dance career, Natasha earned an MBA in Management Information Systems and worked in corporate leadership before founding her first studio, Dance InStyle, in 2007 and co-founding LaVida Dance Studio in 2013.

Known for her strategic mindset and hands-on leadership, Natasha is deeply involved in every layer of the studio, including curriculum development, program design, staff training, student experience, marketing, and large-scale productions. Her approach blends artistic integrity with strong operational systems, ensuring that creativity and consistency coexist.

Natasha is driven by growth not only in technique, but in people. She is passionate about creating clear pathways for dancers to progress, empowering instructors to lead with confidence, and cultivating a studio culture where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired. Under her leadership, LaVida continues to expand its programs, elevate its productions, and set a high standard for what a modern dance studio can be.

Over the years, Natasha has naturally stepped into a mentorship role for other business owners and is often approached for guidance, strategy, and consultation. She values supporting fellow entrepreneurs and sharing real-world insights. Committed to giving back, Natasha also volunteers with DECA, a student organization focused on preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for college and future careers.

Often referred to as “Dr. Tango” for her ability to translate complex movement concepts into clear, accessible language, Natasha is passionate about empowering lives through dance and building environments that foster confidence, resilience, and self-expression.

Natasha is a proud member of the Dance Studio Owners Association Inner Circle Mastery program and The Founders Club. She is also a proud mother of two children who dance at LaVida. Outside the studio, she enjoys tea, sunflower seeds, time at the beach, social dancing, audiobooks, meaningful conversations about self-growth, and surrounding herself with like-minded people.

Fun fact: Her former East Coast license plate read MKTHPN, meaning “Make It Happen,” a motto that continues to guide her life and work.

Ali grew up in Southern California and has been dancing since the age of two. She trained with renowned dancers and choreographers from the San Gabriel Valley. Throughout her training, she performed leading roles such as Alice in Alice in Wonderland, Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, and both the Snow Queen and Sophie in The Nutcracker, along with many supporting roles. Ali has performed in 11 productions of The Nutcracker! She also assisted Nichelle Bane for DancePlug, an online dance tutorial subscription, and served as a camp counselor for Eddie Garcia’s CampMe Dance Camp.

Ali began assisting in classes at age 11 and started teaching at 16, continuing until she left for college and during the summers that followed. She recently graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Nutrition and Business and plans to attend graduate school next year to further her nutrition education.

With a deep passion for both dance and teaching, Ali loves helping students discover how movement can positively impact their lives. She enjoys working with dancers of all ages and is trained in Ballet, Contemporary/Lyrical, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern/Horton, and Pointe, with lyrical being her personal favorite for the storytelling it provides.

Outside of the studio, she enjoys golfing, crafting, playing board games, and spending time with friends and family. Ali is thrilled to be part of the LaVida family helping dancers find their own path through dance!

Adinai, with a strong educational background from the renowned dance ensemble "Zhash-Kyyal," brings over a decade of experience in various dance forms, including folk, modern, and jazz-modern. From 2010 to 2022, she honed her skills and cultivated a deep passion for dance, which she now shares with students of all ages.

Outside the studio, Adinai enjoys horseback riding and has a keen interest in psychology, which adds a unique depth to her teaching approach.

Adinai, with a strong educational background from the renowned dance ensemble "Zhash-Kyyal," brings over a decade of experience in various dance forms, including folk, modern, and jazz-modern. From 2010 to 2022, she honed her skills and cultivated a deep passion for dance, which she now shares with students of all ages.

Outside the studio, Adinai enjoys horseback riding and has a keen interest in psychology, which adds a unique depth to her teaching approach.

Alexandra "Sasha" grew up in Vladivostok, Russia. After graduating from high school, she came to the States to pursue a college degree at Seattle University and completed a BS in Finance and Accounting.

Her first experience in dance was back in Russia when her mom took her to her first ballroom and modern dance class when she was 5 years old. Unfortunately, due to several circumstances, her dance schooling had to be put on hold. Later, she turned to martial arts, but her passion for dance never left her.

In her teens Sasha has returned to dance and has been trained in contemporary and latin styles such as jazz, jazz-funk, hip-hop, salsa, bachata. Having a big passion for dance Sasha continues her training, and performs as part of various performance teams locally and travelling other states.

In teaching Sasha is known and appreciated to be very kind but firm instructor with clear explanations and focus on results. She wants to share the knowledge with others, and how beneficial and amazing taking up dancing can be for anyone in terms of learning an art form, health-wise, emotionally and socially.

"Whatever the reason may be for students to learn dancing, I want to help them in their journey, to help them grow and discover something new and amazing about themselves as dance brings out that freedom and brings people out of their shells."

Sasha loves working at LaVida Studio. "It is an amazing place to learn dance. It gives students as well as teachers a great opportunity to progress in their craft and reach their goals."

“I believe that dance is for everyone and no matter what a student’s background is in dance, no matter what their age or experience, it is possible, rewarding and so beneficial. Sometimes, the hardest part is to make that first step and bring yourself to class. The rest is an interesting and a wonderful journey!”

Sasha and her second half are animal lovers. They have one dog Alaskan malamute Dinku and two cats Kittu and Serwas, who they named after an Olympic ski gold medalist Kelsey Serwa, since they did their first ski green run named after the athlete.

Anna Rose began their dance journey at the age of 6 in Dallas, Texas. Starting with hip-hop, their love for movement quickly expanded to include ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theatre. From ages 9 to 18, Anna Rose traveled across the U.S., from Las Vegas and Los Angeles to Orlando and New York City, competing nationally and earning recognition for their performances. Along the way, they trained under some of the nation’s top choreographers, including Justin Giles, Nick Bass, Chloe Arnold, and Joey Dowling.

At 17, Anna Rose discovered a deep passion for teaching and choreography while assisting their mentors Mandy and Luke Kowlling. Around the same time, they also began working with Studio B in Flower Mound, choreographing for group musical theatre numbers and helping launch a successful private lesson program for students ages 6-17.

In addition to teaching ballet and jazz, Anna Rose is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor, known for blending strong technical foundations with intentional body conditioning.

At LaVida, Anna Rose loves sharing their creativity and passion with dancers of all ages, from the youngest beginners to the most advanced performers!

Outside the studio, Anna Rose enjoys exploring around Washington state parks, spending time with loved ones, and creating more art through painting and drawing.

Diana was born in the beautiful city of Kyiv, Ukraine, and her journey in dance began at the age of six. Dance has always been her passion, and over the years, she has had the honor of becoming a Ukrainian champion and earning the prestigious title of Master of Sports of Ukraine. Her dedication to dance has taken her around the world, where she has competed and triumphed in many international competitions across Poland, France, Germany, England, the Netherlands, and beyond. One of her proudest moments was representing Ukraine at the World Championship 2024 in professional dance.

With over 10 years of teaching experience, she has had the joy of instructing both children and adults, ranging from 3 to 60 years old. Diana’s students have excelled, winning numerous competitions across Ukraine. Watching children grow and develop their skills, as well as helping adults discover the beauty and passion of dance, is incredibly rewarding. She believes that everyone can dance, and it is her mission to show this to each of her students. "Dance is not just about movement; it's about expressing the passion within. I strive to create an encouraging and inspiring environment where everyone can explore their potential and find joy in dance."

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, she is here to guide and support you on your dance journey.

Beyond ballroom dance, Diana is passionate about yoga and enjoy dancing salsa and bachata. When she’s not in the studio, she loves spending time with her family and traveling to new places.

Elena has been passionate about dance for as long as she can remember. She began ballet at the age of four and has since trained in various styles, including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba, Jive, Cha-Cha-Cha, Salsa, East Coast Swing, Bachata, and Merengue. Over the years, she has learned from exceptional instructors and performed in numerous competitions and showcases.

With over 30 years of dance experience, Elena has also taken on roles as a choreographer and instructor. She has taught classes for both children and adults, cherishing the opportunity to watch her students grow and develop their own love for dance.

For Elena, dance is more than just a hobby, it’s a way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She loves how dance transcends language and cultural barriers, bringing people together through movement and music. The joy and freedom she feels while dancing are indescribable, and it’s incredibly fulfilling for her to share that experience with others.

Elena looks forward to sharing her passion for dance with you.

Details coming soon

Irina has been dancing all her life. She started with ballet classes in Ukraine and continued with modern dance until she discovered ballroom dances, her true love! Irina has been trained with world-class Ukrainian and Russian dance instructors who helped her to win local competitions.

Irina worked for Elizarov’s Ballroom Dance Theater, a famous dance theater in Ukraine, which regularly tours Europe and Canada. Since moving to US, Irina has been passionately teaching ballroom and Latin dancing.

Irina loves to share her knowledge of ballroom dancing. And as a parent of two, she knows firsthand the positive effect that learning to dance has on kids. She is certain that kids’ brains develop faster if they are memorizing dance patterns, coordinating their movements, and learning to listen to music.

Irina has a family of two beautiful children. Her daughter is pursuing her passion in ballet and her son in ballroom dance.

Irina grew up in Bellevue, WA where LaVida first started out in the basement of her home. She has spent most of her life dancing at LaVida, beginning from the moment she could walk, through taking her first cha-cha-cha steps, competing in multiple ballroom competitions, and starring in leading dance roles in productions, as well as being a member of LaVida’s Performance and Competition Team.

Irina is a versatile dancer with background in jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and international ballroom and latin dance styles.

She taught dance at Sarodgini Preschool, served as a substitute instructor for various dance classes and has been a camp counselor and dance instructor at multiple summer camps for many years at LaVida. Additionally, she has been holding an administrative assistant role at the studio.

Currently, Irina is pursuing her associate's degree and high school diploma as a full-time running start student at Bellevue College in addition to her studies at Interlake High School.

"Why do you dance in so many styles? Don't you get tired? I often get asked. For me, dance is like different languages. Each style has its own vocabulary of moves with different emotions and elements. It has become my favorite tool to communicate ideas and create art. I love dance and never tire of it, as working on myself always pays off in terms of both my mental and physical health. I believe dance is an open canvas where anyone can create their own masterpiece, regardless of their background. While executing a polished piece requires practice and technique, everyone can learn to move to music, just as anyone can learn to speak."

Irina aspires to continue growing as a teacher, fostering a safe, creative, and enjoyable environment where movement feels like home for everyone.

Although dance is a big part of her life, Irina also loves to travel, camp, and spend time with family and friends, whether trying out new hobbies, visiting new places, or enjoying long conversations.

Julia began taking ballroom dance classes at the age of 6 and performed in various shows across Ukraine. When she moved to the US, Julia discovered her passion for Latin dance, especially for salsa and bachata, and today, you may find her in various social dancing events in the Seattle area, as well as performing at Salsa Congresses across the country.

Julia received a Bachelors degree in Education, and she uses her expertise in giving her students the best fundamentals skills to help them shine at social dancing events, as well as perform stunning dance numbers.

Julia got her husband hooked on dance, and she teaches him salsa and bachata. They have two wonderful children.

Natalie is originally from San Clemente, California, where she began dancing at the age of three and entered the competitive dance world at six. She has extensive training in Vaganova ballet, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip-hop. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers such as Mandy Moore, Ade Obayomi, Travis Wall, Dennis Caspary, and Derrick Schrader, and she performed in Dee Caspary’s opening routine for Countdown’s National Competition. As a junior competitor, Natalie also appeared on the nationally televised show Dance Moms and was recognized with numerous convention scholarships, including Tremaine Dance, WestCoast Dance Convention (where she was a scholarship finalist), and Countdown Dance Competition as a teen soloist.

In high school, Natalie was a dedicated member of her dance team, serving as both soloist and captain, and helping lead her team to nine national championships. She continued her dance journey at the University of Washington, where she was a member and later captain of the UW Dance Team. Under her leadership, the team earned their first-ever medal at UDA Nationals in the Gameday category.

Natalie began assistant teaching at the age of 11 and quickly discovered her passion for sharing dance with others. She has been teaching ever since and is now in her third year of teaching in the state of Washington. Alongside teaching, she choreographs competition routines for high school teams across the country.

Outside of the studio, Natalie works as a CNA and recently graduated from the University of Washington. She plans to return to school to pursue an ABSN program and eventually become a registered nurse specializing in children with muscular dystrophy, a cause close to her heart.

Natalie loves sharing her passion as a teacher, choreographer, and mentor at LaVida, and looks forward to continuing to grow alongside her students while building lasting connections with them and their families.

Raj More, the dynamic Salsa Dance Instructor and multifaceted artist, has not only made his mark on the dance floor but has also left a lasting impact through his community engagement. Raised in rustic India and introduced to Salsa by a close friend, Raj's journey has been marked by his dedication to both dance and the well-being of his community.

Raj's commitment to making a difference is evident in his track record of organizing fundraisers. He's used his passion for dance as a platform to raise funds for various charitable causes, uniting the Salsa community in Baltimore for a greater purpose, before moving to Seattle.

Raj is known for his vibrant presence at dance socials, helping create inclusive and welcoming spaces where dancers of all backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared love for Latin dance. These events are a cornerstone of the local dance scene, fostering connections and friendships that extend beyond the dance floor.

One of Raj's most significant achievements is the establishment of his very own Baltimore Congress. This annual event grew to become a highlight in the Latin dance calendar, attracting top talent from around the world. Through the congress, Raj has brought renowned instructors, performers, and enthusiasts together, further enriching the cultural tapestry and providing a platform for Salsa enthusiasts to learn, connect, and dance.

With his magnetic presence, musicality, DJing skills, and community involvement, Raj More isn't just a dance instructor; he's a true ambassador of Salsa and a catalyst for positive change. Whether you're a novice or an experienced dancer, Raj's classes promise an enriching journey into the heart of Salsa, where you'll dance to the rhythm of life, all while contributing to the betterment of your community. Join him and be a part of a dance movement that extends far beyond the dance floor!

Raj is renowned for his dynamic teaching style, making Salsa lessons an exhilarating experience. His classes blend precise technique, creative flair, and cultural immersion. Enthusiastic students of all skill levels flock to learn from him, mastering intricate footwork while tapping into the soulful core of Salsa.

In his free time, Raj continues to hone his craft, exploring other Latin dance styles such as Bachata and Merengue. He firmly believes that dance serves as a universal language, transcending barriers. His journey as a DJ has taken him across international borders.

With his magnetic presence and unwavering devotion to Salsa, Raj invites you to embrace the rhythm of life. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, Raj's classes promise an unforgettable voyage into the heart of Salsa.

Join him and let the music set your spirit free!

Details coming soon