Sasha Lushnov

Instructor

Aleksandr is a ballroom and latin dancer who started dancing at the age of 4 trained by one of the best coaches in Kyrgyzstan, Zakrjevsky S.P. At age 7 he began his competitive dancing career showing brilliant talent as a younger dancer. He was champion of the Kyrgyz Republic and Silver winner of Asia. He also competed in Russia & Europe while working with the best coaches in the world.

In 2009 he began competing for the U.S and in 2010 became top teacher during Arthur Murray’s International Dance Festival.

Maria Bavyko

Instructor

Maria is an international ballroom and latin dancer. She began dancing at the age of 9, focusing on traditional cultural dances. At the age of 14 she started dancing ballroom and latin. Within months she received top marks in numerous competitions in Kyrgyzstan while working with Zakrjevsky S.P., one of the best coaches in the country.

Maria is now competing for the U.S. and working with the best coaches world wide. During the International Dance Festival of 2010 she placed as one of the top teachers in the company.

Roman Makarov

Certified Instructor

Roman is a member of the World Dance Choreographers’ Association. He is versed in Classical Ballet, Modern Dance, Folk & Historical Dance as well as American & International Styles of Ballroom Dance. Roman has been a many-times Finalist in the Ukrainian National and Moscow World Cup Championships. Roman is certified by the UK Alliance of Professional Teachers & the Kiev University of Cultural Arts - Dept. of Ballroom Dancing. “My career has taken me from the ballrooms of Europe to the United States where I am now pleased to be a member of the Arthur Murray team. It was and is my pleasure to participate in the many competitions and programs with my students and fellow instructors resulting in First place award in the 2007 Empire State Dance Sport Competition, First place award in the 2007 Future Champion competition, Top Solos with my students, Second place in the Dancing with the Stars Tour competition, the Top Teacher Award in the 2008 Manhattan Dance-o-Rama, the Top teacher award in the 2008 Arthur Murray International Dance Festivals, and the 2008 Empire State Dance Sport Championship Top Teacher award. I am also a member of the 2009 National Dance Council of America (NDCA) as a Pro/Am professional competitor.”

Lindsey Ashinoff

Specialist/Instructor

Lindsey first fell in love with ballroom dancing at the age of seventeen, when she became an Arthur Murray student in the Merrick studio on Long Island. Her initial interest started with a desire to dance salsa, which later progressed into a passion for all the ballroom dances. As a student she competed in various competitions placing 1st and 2nd in many dances. Dancing then took a back seat, as she attended the University of Hartford, in Connecticut earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology. One of her many accomplishments in school, was creating a salsa dance team on campus! Upon returning home from school, Lindsey was recruited to become a certified Arthur Murray instructor at the Williston park studio in 2007. Lindsey was thrilled to take this position in order to teach others the joy and fun of dancing, just like she once experienced. Since joining Arthur Murray, Lindsey has had many students receive top student awards at the Manhattan Dance-O-Rama in 2008 and at the Empire State Dancesport Championships in 2009 and 2010. Lindsey has professionally competed at the Empire State Dancesport Championships placing third in the Future Champions Smooth Division. Lindsey’s hard work has also allowed her to travel and compete in Las Vegas, New Orleans and Egypt! One of the many highlight’s in Lindsey’s career was the opportunity to be coached by Karina Smirnoff, and she continues to change people’s lives through dancing every day!

Kristine Renigen

Front Office Manager/Specialist

Arthur Murray has been like a second home to Kristine. Her love of dance started when she first walked into an Arthur Murray Studio and learned her first dance steps at the age of 13. She’s been hooked ever since. She competed for her University receiving top marks and eventually decided to return to her studio and share her passion of dancing with others. She’s competed professionally with her old dance partner in the Future Champion Competition at the 2008 Manhattan Dance-O-Rama as a finalist and is hoping to compete again this year. Kristine takes pleasure in teaching new students the joys of dancing by making it fun, easy, and enjoyable for everyone! Her high energy and laughter makes anyone want to burn it up on the dance floor.

Kristine is also a Certified Core Rhythm instructor trained by its creator Julia and Bob Powers and is excited to bring those classes to the studios as well.

Lukasz Lisowski

Manager

Lukasz Lisowski is a world renowned Professional Ballroom and Latin Dancer. He began his dance career at the age of 9. He was trained in the most prestigious dance schools in the country. He belonged to the theater school gaining a solid background in ballet and jazz. Lukasz began competing around Poland and Europe in the early 90′s taking part in over 150 events and winning many viewers choice awards. In 2002, Lukasz immigrated to the United States to pursue his career in Ballroom Dancing. Beginning his journey in Arthur Murray Dance Studios in New York, he has established, immediately, a great reputation of his name. In 2004, Lukasz became an Arthur Murray International Latin American Champion in New York City. Shortly after his talent was noted by the best coaches in the ballroom industry worldwide, he got an opportunity to train with Espen Salberg, a world Latin Champion, and Brian Watson, also a world Latin Champion. In 2004-2008 he spent representing USA on several world competitions. Lukasz earned many Champion titles, from major competitions in several states such as New York, California, Tampa Bay, Boston, Las Vegas. In 2007, with determination and hard work, Lukasz took 5th place in the open to the world Latin International Division, which is held in England and considered one of the biggest festivals in the world. As a teacher, coach, and choreographer, Luaksz, has a great level of knowledge, experience and expertise in all the aspects of Dancesport. He received several top teacher awards nationwide.

Safwat Gerges

Gen. Manager/Franchisee
Certified Master Examiner/Adjudicator

Mr. Safwat Gerges started with the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Training Class over 25 years ago and two (2) years later, became Manager & Owner of the Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studio in Great Neck, NY.

Over the years, Mr. Gerges competed in many Arthur Murray Dance Competitions and has been decorated with several Arthur Murray “Top Instructor” & “Top Executive” Awards.

Mr. Gerges is now recognized as a Master Examiner and Adjudicator, certified through the World Professional Dance Teachers Association and accredited with the National Dance Council of America. You may observe Mr. Gerges judging many student and professional competitions and he is also the organizer of several popular show-dance and competitive events each year.

Mr. Gerges is General Manager and Franchisee to five Studios in New York & Long Island as well as four Studios overseas. Currently, Mr. Gerges is the Co-organizer of the Empire State Dance Sport Championships.