Yana Mazhnikova started dancing in Russia at the age of five years old. She went through Music and Choreography school, studying Ballet, Russian Folklore dance, Ballroom Dance, Music, Vocals and Basic instruments. At the age of 16 she decided to concentrate mostly on Ballroom Dancing, participating in local and regional competitions.
In October of 1997, she came to America and continued to actively compete in the Latin American Style of dancing while teaching and competing Pro-Am with the New York Fred Astaire Dance Studio for 4.5 years. In 2002 she became an independent instructor, teaching in many independent studios throughout New York, coaching Cornell University's Ballroom Team, Ithaca University's Ballroom Team and students of Atlantic Ballroom Studios in Brooklyn, NY. Some of her titles are:
*2005 Yankee Classic Professional International Latin Finalist
*2005 US National Professional Rising Star Latin Finalist
*2006 World Cup Professional Latin Semifinalist
*2007 Philadelphia Festival Professional Latin Runner Up
*2007 Emerald Ball Professional Latin Finalist
*2009 US Open Professional Rising Star Latin Finalist
*2009 Third Place Northeastern Open Professional International Latin
*2010 Third Place in Eastern Professional Open Latin
*2010 Florida Superstars Professional Open Latin Finalist
Yana is available for private lessons, pro-am competitions and exhibitions as well as for professional performances. She specializes in International Style Latin and American Style Rhythm. To book a lesson, please e-mail us.
Yana is also a dance gown and costume designer. She has ready-made costumes, and is also available to custom make the gown of your dreams! To visit her website please click here for Dresses by Yana: MAZ-MAZ.