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Alex Maslanka
Professional Ballroom & Latin Dancer, Choreographer, and Founder of Scottsdale Dance Lessons.
Alex Maslanka is a distinguished ballroom and Latin dancer who has made a significant impact on the dance community in Scottsdale, Arizona. Since relocating to Arizona four years ago, he has worked with dancers of all ages and skill levels, drawing from his extensive training with world-class professionals, many of whom are world champions.
He has trained with Nino Langella, Andra Vaidilaite, Allan Tornsberg, Vibeke Toft, Barbara McColl, Klaus Kongsdal, Arunas Bizokas, Katusha Demidova, Richard Tonizzo, Claire Hansen, Karina Smirnoff, Anna Pelypenko, and many more in the Latin and Ballroom world.
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Alex’s impressive career includes prestigious titles such as Canadian and North American Champion. He has placed as high as 11th in the International Latin category at the Blackpool Dance Festival in the UK—one of the most prestigious competitions in the world.
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He has also been a semi-finalist at the International Dance Festival in the UK and a finalist in the Fred Astaire category at the World Championships in Paris, further solidifying his reputation on the global stage.
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His dancing has taken him all over the world—including France, Latvia, Moldova, the Netherlands, and the UK—where he has trained, competed, and performed at international events.
As a highly sought-after instructor, Alex built strong relationships with his students, guiding them to success in their dance journeys. He worked with both adult and youth competitors across multiple categories, including Pro-Am divisions in International Latin, Rhythm, Standard, and Smooth. His students traveled and competed throughout Nevada, California, Arizona, and Canada, achieving strong results. They also earned multiple top placements in group show routines at notable competitions across Arizona.
Beyond competition coaching, Alex is a renowned choreographer, creating over 30 performances each year—ranging from pro-am routines with students to large group numbers featuring top dance professionals. His work has been showcased at prestigious events such as the Mercedes Gala in Scottsdale, symphony performances in Northern Arizona, and exclusive private events attended by hundreds.
Alex is not only a mentor but also a leader in the dance community, organizing and hosting top-tier events. His dedication to teaching extends to special initiatives; for over a year, he worked with the Arizona Autism Charter School, helping children with autism learn and enjoy dance. In February 2024, Alex and his student performed a special routine at a charity event for the school, contributing to an effort that raised half a million dollars.
In addition to his expertise in ballroom and Latin, Alex has an extensive background in commercial dance, training with industry leaders and touring the country with Tremaine Dance Conventions as their National Dancer of the Year. He has been named Dancer of the Year at several major dance conventions in the U.S. and has won countless scholarships to Millennium Dance Complex and other top commercial dance schools in the country. Throughout his career, Alex has trained closely with Tony Bellissimo, Meghan Sanett, Tiffany Maher, Jeff Amsden, Laurie Johnson, and many other top professionals in the dance industry, further refining his skills and expertise. His unique experience has allowed him to mentor young commercial dancers, many of whom are now traveling the country, winning major awards and earning scholarships at top ballet institutions worldwide.
Alex’s talent and presence have also led him to appear in television shows, music videos and commercials, including Degrassi, Canada: The Story of Us, Collision Course, Sport Chek. He has been featured on the news numerous times, promoting dance events and collaborations. Notably, he appeared on a Florida news channel for a Step Up 3 promotion, alongside Twitch (Stephen Boss), Briana Evigan, Delaney Glazer, and other renowned dancers.
Arina Maslanka
Operations Manager, Client Experience, and Business Development at Scottsdale Dance Lessons
Arina Maslanka is the Operations Manager of Scottsdale Dance Lessons, where she oversees client experience, scheduling, instructor coordination, and day-to-day operations with a strong focus on organization, quality, and care.
Originally from Ukraine, Arina has a background in Journalism and Communications, with a focus on media marketing and public relations. After relocating to the United States four years ago due to the war, she turned a major life transition into an opportunity to build something meaningful and community-driven.
Within her first year in Arizona, Arina founded Krasivo Cleaning, a successful residential and commercial cleaning company built on trust, consistency, and strong values. Her goal has always been not only to provide exceptional service, but also to create real job opportunities in a supportive and empowering environment.
Alongside her entrepreneurial work, Arina has always had a passion for dance. After meeting Alex, she fell in love with Argentine tango, which quickly became something they both deeply enjoy. She also enjoys dancing Arizona two-step with him from time to time and has come to love it more than she ever expected.
At Scottsdale Dance Lessons, Arina plays a central role in bringing everything together. She manages client communication, scheduling, instructor coordination, and the overall day-to-day experience of the business. From first inquiry to final lesson, she is the one making sure everything runs smoothly and at a high standard. She takes pride in creating a seamless and welcoming experience for every student and is deeply involved in every part of the business as it grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer private or group ballroom dance lessons?
Yes. Scottsdale Dance Lessons offers private ballroom dance lessons for individuals, couples, and small groups, as well as group classes and specialty workshops. Private sessions allow for tailored instruction, while group settings provide a fun, social learning experience.
Do you train competitive dancers — including kids and couples?
Absolutely. Scottsdale Dance Lessons works with youth dancers, amateur couples, and adult competitors, providing high-level coaching for performance, technical development, and competition readiness. The structured yet supportive approach helps dancers grow quickly while enjoying the process.
Can we hire you for performances or live dance shows?
Yes. Scottsdale Dance Lessons is available for professional dance performances, entertainment bookings, and live stage shows, either as a solo act or with additional performers. For weddings, galas, or private events, reach out to discuss availability and performance options.
Do you compete in Pro-Am ballroom dancing?
Yes. Scottsdale Dance Lessons instructors actively train and partner with Pro-Am students for local, national, and international ballroom competitions. Students have competed at top events such as the People’s Choice Dancesport Competition, Desert Classic, NV Ball, and more, gaining confidence and achieving success on the competition floor.
Do you have experience hosting dance events or showcases?
Yes. Scottsdale Dance Lessons has organized and choreographed a variety of dance showcases and studio events. These experiences give students of all levels the opportunity to perform and celebrate their progress in a fun, encouraging environment, whether on stage or in a more intimate setting.
Do you offer student showcases or performance opportunities?
Absolutely. Students at Scottsdale Dance Lessons are regularly invited to participate in showcases, mini-recitals, and live performance events. Whether performing solo, with a partner, or as part of a group, instructors guide you through the preparation so you feel confident and proud of what you’ve achieved.
We're Currently
Booking New Students
Scottsdale Dance Lessons is currently accepting students from all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to improve your routine, get ready for a special event, perfect the first dance at your wedding, or just to have some fun – contact us to get started with personalized dance lessons in Scottsdale today.