Yuriy Simakov

Overview

As a competitor, Yuriy won numerous International Ballroom DanceSport competitions throughout Germany, Russia, Poland, Moldova, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria. He also graduated from the Kharkov National University of Art with a major in Dance.

In Ukraine, Yuriy founded the Ballroom Dance Studio “Evrika”. His students became winners of several National and International tournaments throughout Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic (in the Juvenile & Junior divisions), as well as in England at the Blackpool Dance Festival in the Junior division. Yuriy was also the organizer of the International Ballroom DanceSport Competition "Severskiy Donets" in 2001 and 2002.

Yuriy Simakov and partner Oksana Klyuchnyk came to the United States in 2003 to help develop Ballroom Dance in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area. Their relationship later blossomed into marriage. Not only did they become the owners of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham, NC, but the couple now brings their knowledge and excellence to the Triangle area in North Carolina.

Yuriy is also a highly-talented choreographer with an exceptionally unique style. He also excels in the business side of the dance industry, and is available for staff and manager training.

Accomplishments

• Ukrainian National Champion at the age of 12
• Won numerous International Ballroom DanceSport competitions throughout:
• Germany
• Russia
• Poland
• Moldova
• the Czech Republic
• Bulgaria
• Holds a Major in Dance
• Kharkov National University
• “Evrika” Dance Studio, Ukraine - Founder
• Students became winners of several National and International tournaments throughout Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic (in the Juvenile & Junior divisions), as well as in England at the Blackpool Dance Festival in the Junior division
• Organizer of the International Ballroom DanceSport Competition "Severskiy Donets" (2001, 2002)
• Fred Astaire World American Smooth Finalist
• Fred Astaire World Rising Star American Smooth Champion
• Fred Astaire National American Smooth Finalist
• U.S. Rising Star American Smooth Champion: Carolina Classic (2007)
• U.S. Rising Star American Smooth Finalist:
• Heritage Classic - 3rd Place (2007)
• Millennium DanceSport Championships - 2nd Place (2007)
• Atlanta Open - 4th Place (2007)
• Carolina Classic - 2nd Place (2008)
• Heritage Classic - Finalist (2008)
• Manhattan Dance Championships - Finalist (2008)
• Open American Smooth Finalist:
• Puerto Rico - 2nd Place (2006)
• La Classique du Québec, Canada - 3rd Place (2007)
• Millennium DanceSport Championships - Finalist (2007)
• Atlanta Open - Finalist (2008)
• Nashville Starz Dance Spectacular - Finalist (2008)
• Mexico, Open to the World - Finalist (2008)
• Awarded Fred Astaire Top Teacher at the Regional & National Levels
• Awarded National Top Teacher at the United States Dance Championships
• Published in newspapers and magazines including:
• Herald Sun
• News and Observer
• Skirt

Dance Partners

• Oksana Klyuchnyk

Entrepreneurship

• Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham, NC - Owner, Instructor
• Certified Dance Instructor
• Member Degree - Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Inc.
• Choreographer
• Professional Competitor
• Certified - Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Inc.
• Adjudicator for the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) specializing in:
• American Smooth (Championship Certified) - Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Inc.
• American Rhythm (Championship Certified) - Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Inc.
• Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Inc. - National Dance Board Member