Dasha Sushko

Born: January 28, 1984
Hometown: Ufa, Russia
Current location: Old Bridge, New Jersey
Current status:

WDC World Class Adjudicator
NDCA Adjudicator (A+ B+ C+ D+ E+)
Dance Studio Founder & Owner
Professional Competitor
Certified Dance Instructor
Choreographer
Lecturer
Entrepreneur

Dasha Sushko is a former Professional Ballroom dancer, specializing in the International Style Standard and Latin divisions. She is the founder and owner of Ballroom Dream Dance Studio located in South River, New Jersey (USA). Dasha is not only certified as a dance instructor and adjudicator under the National Dance Council of America (NDCA), but also under the World Dance Council (WDC) as an adjudicator as well.

Contents [hide]

1. Overview
2. Life After a Competitive Career
- 2.1 A Love of Ice Skating
- 2.2 Coaching Outside the Ballroom Dance World
3. Accomplishments
- 3.1 Professional Competitor
- 3.2 Amateur Competitor
4. Dance Partners
5. Instructors
6. Entrepreneurship
7. Photo Gallery
8. Video Gallery
9. References

Overview

Dasha (Darya) Sushko was born in the city of Ufa, the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan, in Russia. She began her dancing career at the age of six and fell in love with Ballroom Dancing from the very first lesson. She danced competitively in Russia for 14 years, achieving outstanding results in both the International Style Standard and Latin divisions. Dasha became a 5-time Champion of the Republic of Bashkortostan in three different programs: International Style Standard, International Style Latin and 10 Dance among Juniors. Later on, she and her dance partner, Alexey Zemskih were rated among the 10 best couples of Russia in the Latin division at the National Championship among Amateurs.

At only 12 years old, Dasha began teaching younger dancers, in addition to training every day. Teaching and coaching became her second passion after dancing competitively.

In 2005, Dasha came to the United States of America where she continued both dancing and teaching. She started competing on a Professional level with Vladimir Popov. Together, they achieved many top placements in major dance competitions around the U.S. in the Professional Ballroom (Standard) Division.

Life After a Competitive Career

In 2011, Dasha finally established her dream and became the founder and owner of Ballroom Dream Dance Studio located in South River, New Jersey (USA). Dasha continued teaching and choreographing Ballroom Dancing for children, teens, and adults and also started to dance competitions with her adult students in the Pro-Am division.

Dasha specializes in Competitive as well as in Social Dancing, coaching many top dancers in her studio. Her students participate in dance competitions and perform in numerous social and charity events and shows throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Dasha has raised many great Junior dancers who have become USA Dance National Champions!

Currently, Dasha is concentrating on her studio, teaching and coaching Ballroom and Latin Dancing to adults and children, as well as judging dance competitions and championships all over the world. Dasha is not only certified as a dance instructor and adjudicator under the National Dance Council of America (NDCA), but also under the World Dance Council (WDC) as a World Class Adjudicator as well. She has judged many prestigious National and International competitions, which have included the World Championships in Paris, the European Championships in Ukraine and Russia, as well as the United States Nationals. Dasha is also a member of the Professional Dancer's Federation and the United States Terpsichore Association.

A Love of Ice Skating

One of Dasha’s other passions and hobbies is figure skating. The love of figure skating began when she was taught to skate by her mother at six years old. She has always loved this activity and wouldn’t miss watching any big Ice Skating Championship or Olympic Games on TV. Who knew that she would have a chance to work with 2-time Ice Skating Olympic and World Champion, Evgeny Platov. In 2010, Dasha began working with Platov’s students, coaching them Ballroom and Latin Dancing.

Coaching Outside the Ballroom Dance World

In 2017, Dasha also began coaching Ballroom Dancing to Laurie Hernandez, Gold and Silver Medalist of the 2016 Summer Olympics and winner of Dancing With The Stars. They met in 2016 when Laurie and her DWTS partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, used Ballroom Dream for their practices before the Show.

Accomplishments

Has over 23 years of teaching experience
Danced competitively in Russia for 14 years
Began teaching younger dancers already at the age of 12
Founder and owner of Ballroom Dream Dance Studio
Her students have won countless USA Dance National Championships
Has judged many prestigious National and International competitions, which have included the World Championships in Paris, the European Championships in Ukraine and Russia, as well as the United States Nationals
Worked with 2-time Ice Skating Olympic and World Champion, Evgeny Platov, coaching his students in Ballroom and Latin Dancing
Has coached Ballroom Dancing to Laurie Hernandez, Gold and Silver Medalist of the 2016 Summer Olympics and winner of Dancing With The Stars