Ballroom 0 to 1:

My Journey in Heels and Harmony

When I first stepped into Fred Astaire Studio Downtown, I didn’t know a chasse from a contra check. I came with curiosity and a dancer’s soul but zero ballroom training. Now, just a few months later, I find myself gliding across the floor in satin shoes, counting rhythms under my breath, preparing for my first showcase in late June. From 0 to 1 may sound like a small step, but for me, it’s been a transformation—body, spirit, and mind.

The journey has been equal parts discipline and delight. Under the expert guidance of world-class instructors, I’ve immersed myself in both smooth and Latin styles: the regal lines of the Waltz, the flirtatious syncopation of the Cha Cha, the subtle tension of Tango, and the heart-thumping pulse of Rumba. Each step has taught me to listen: not just to the music, but to my partner, my body, and the room itself.

What makes this chapter even more exhilarating is the creative influence of Tatiana Seliverstova, our choreographer and coach who also happens to grace the Broadway stage in Take the Lead. Working with Tatiana has elevated our training from repetition to artistry. Her movement vocabulary fuses storytelling with technique, and she brings the same cinematic elegance to our rehearsals as she does to the stage. I’m positive that my dance partner and I would be delighted to bring such a creative mind to the stage this summer.

I’ve already begun competing internally at Fred Astaire, which has helped sharpen my precision and performance instincts. But the showcase in June feels like something more. It’s not just a debut. It's a declaration. Of how far I've come. Of what can grow when dedication meets inspiration.

From zero to one. From unknown to unforgettable. The ballroom has given me more than steps. It’s given me presence, power, and a new rhythm to carry into everything I do.