Meet the Team
Learn more about the passionate professionals who help make our studio a joyful and welcoming place to dance!
Igor Afonkin
Owner
If you could create a new dance style, what would you name it and what would it look like?
I’d like to create both a morning and evening dance routine: one that energizes and uplifts you in the morning, and another that helps calm your mind and body in the evening.
What’s the strangest place you’ve ever practiced your dance moves?
There’s hardly a place left where I haven’t practiced my moves.
What does dance mean to you on a personal level?
Dancing is my personal bridge to a happy place where you’re free to be yourself, and all the little worries fade away. It’s a simple way to feel truly happy.
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned on your dance journey?
As I have grown from a young little girl dancing into an adult dancer - the most unexpected thing I have learned is how healing dancing is. As a child and now an adult it has allowed me to express in a way that is celebrated. I always can find a dance that will help me get through anything I may be going through (both good and bad). It definitely is my form of therapy.
If you had to choose a song to represent your dance style, but it was a totally ridiculous song, what would it be?
“Creep” by Radiohead. My dance style is not your traditional ballroom style. I grew up learning all forms of dance - from jazz to hip-hop and everything in- between. I now incorporate all these styles in my ballroom. Love it or hate it… It’s me! :)
How has dance changed your life or the way you see the world?
Dancing has changed how I view the world. I see dancing as a universal language. If you look at all cultures you will find that they all dance in some form and when they dance it brings the community together. I know no matter where I go in the world I can connect to others through the art of dance.
Meghan Afonkin
Owner
If your life were a dance style, what would it be and why?
Samba! Since I was born in Brazil, I grew up listening to the Samba rhythm all my life. Samba is such a lively and energetic musical style that when you dance to it, you can't help but feel happy. Samba reminds me to look at things from a lighthearted perspective. The syncopated rhythm makes me think of the unpredictable journey I had moving from place to place when growing up. But despite all the changes that came my way, I tried to keep a smile on my face
and Samba on my feet!
If you could have any animal as a dance partner, which one would you choose and what dance style would you teach it?
It would be a peacock! Peacocks have a keen taste for theatrics with their big and colorful feathers. I personally really enjoy the performance art of dancing, and I get the feeling that peacocks understand that too. I would teach them a Cha Cha because of how confident and playful the Cha Cha allows you to be. Stay on the lookout for a feathery performance near you!
What do you hope students take away from their experience at SOUL Ballroom?
My biggest hope is that people discover that dance is for absolutely everyone. It doesn't matter if you've never danced before. You have people here cheering for you, and there's no expectation to be technically perfect. What I enjoy to see most in my students is their smiles and the confidence they gain over the course of our lessons. I always try to make sure that my students feel safe, comfortable, and excited to be here. To me it's not about who dances the best, but who enjoys it the most!
Victor Cunha
Instructor
Johanna Engebretson
Instructor
What's your go-to dance move when no one is watching?
The entire Jungle Love music video.
If you were a dance shoe, what type would you be and why? (Bonus points for shoe puns!)
A tap shoe because you can hear me coming from a mile away. Tappin’ = Yappin’
If you could share one life lesson through dance, what would it be?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Life's too short to not have fun and move your body in groovy ways.
How did your passion for dance begin, and who had the greatest influence on you?
My passion for dance began somewhat unexpectedly. As a child, I had issues with my back, and my parents enrolled me in a dance studio simply to improve my posture and overall health. What started as a form of physical therapy quickly turned into a deep and lifelong love. Dance became my world.
I've always been drawn to the arts — theater, opera, ballet — they all captivated me from a young age. I think it was this deep appreciation for artistic expression and the desire to create something truly unique on the dance floor that had the greatest influence on me. That connection to art — more than any single person — is what shaped my path and continues to inspire me every day.
What is your approach to teaching young dancers to help them improve and stay motivated?
When I teach young dancers, my approach is a balance of discipline, inspiration, and individual attention. I believe it’s important to build a strong technical foundation, but just as important is helping each dancer connect emotionally to the movement. I want them to understand why they’re dancing — not just how.
To keep them motivated, I focus on setting achievable goals, celebrating progress, and reminding them that growth takes time. I also try to create a supportive environment where they feel safe to take risks, express themselves, and fall in love with the process. Dance should be challenging, yes — but also deeply rewarding and joyful.
If you could describe your dance style in three words, what would they be and why?
If I had to describe my dance style in three words, they would be: expressive, precise, and passionate.
Expressive — because for me, dance is storytelling. Every movement should speak to the audience and evoke emotion.
Precise — because I believe in clean technique and attention to detail; structure is what allows freedom.
Passionate — because I dance with my whole heart. Passion is what drives me, and I think audiences can feel that energy.
Gleb Bannikov
Instructor
What inspired you to start your journey in ballroom and Latin dance?
From a very young age, I was drawn to the elegance, discipline, and storytelling of ballroom and Latin dance. I vividly remember watching my first live competition—how the dancers moved with such grace, connection, and power. That experience sparked something in me. I realized dance was not just a form of movement but a language of emotion and human connection. Over time, what began as curiosity evolved into passion, and that passion has shaped every step of my journey.
What do you enjoy most about performing on stage compared to teaching in the studio?
Performing on stage is where I get to express my deepest emotions without words. It's a space where I can transform and fully immerse myself in the rhythm, letting the music and movement tell a story. There’s a unique thrill in sharing that with an audience—it’s raw, real, and fleeting.
On the other hand, teaching in the studio is deeply fulfilling in a different way. I love guiding students through their own discoveries, helping them break through self-doubt, and watching them grow both technically and artistically. The studio is where transformation begins, but the stage is where it comes alive.
What moment in your dance career will you never forget, and why?
One unforgettable moment was the first time one of my students performed in their debut competition—and won. The pride I felt wasn’t just about the win, but seeing their hard work, vulnerability, and courage come to life on stage. It reminded me why I teach: to empower others to find their own voice in dance.
Personally, another unforgettable memory was representing my country at an international Latin championship. The atmosphere, the level of artistry, and the community of dancers from around the world reminded me that dance is a universal language. It was humbling and electrifying.
Liza Semjonova
Instructor
If you could dance with any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Wonder Woman because she’s powerful and never gives up.
What’s your most embarrassing dance moment that you can laugh about now?
Dancing in tights when I was in a modern dance group in college.
If your life were a dance movie, what would be the title and the theme song?
Title: “New Adventures“ Theme Song: “Hold On I'm Coming” by Sam & Dave
What inspires you to keep dancing and sharing that passion with others?
Watching how happy people are when they dance is my inspiration. I also keep doing it for the exercise.