Areté Dance Center

Areté Dance Center specializes in adult dance instruction across multiple genres in a welcoming environment. The studio teaches ballroom and Latin dances including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Cha Cha, Jive, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Salsa, Bachata, and Swing. They also offer adult ballet classes covering classical to contemporary styles with focus on technique, choreography, and musicality; Strength and Stretch classes; and dance fitness combining Zumba and LaBlast.

All new students begin with the Intro to Ballroom Series, a 4-week once-weekly class that teaches fundamental musicality, counting, and basic technique before progressing to group classes or private lessons. The studio rotates between pairs of dances each month—currently Waltz and Swing, or Foxtrot and Cha Cha. This structured approach ensures that learners at all levels build the same foundation, whether they aim to dance socially or competitively.

Private lessons are available one-on-one or for couples, with the studio recommending one to two lessons per week for steady progress. New students receive a discounted introductory 45-minute lesson. The team emphasizes that private lessons increase learning speed by at least five times compared to group classes alone. Lessons can be taught in English, Russian, or Spanish.

The studio hosts annual student showcases for all levels, similar to Dancing with the Stars format, and runs workshops and special events throughout the year. Competitive training is available; instructors help students prepare for competitions where they can test skills against dancers from other studios. The studio also offers wedding dance coaching to create natural-looking routines for couples, and club dancing lessons for salsa, swing on cruises, and other social dance styles.

Instructors include owners Kris Kuvshynov (trained at Juilliard School, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and Ohio State University with a BFA in Dance Performance) and Yuriy Kuvshynov (former assistant at Foothill College, now teaching International Standard and International Latin). Master coaches Dima and Olga Sukachov are former United States Professional Rising Star Champions and Grand National Finalists. Other instructors include Mark Scolieri (known for expertise in partner dancing, teaching and judging in the Bay Area), Yegor Zhukov (multiple U.S. National Finalist, Under 19 Ohio Star Ball Champion, WDC-AL World Championship Team Match representative), Alejandra Serrano (competitive debut in 2019 International Grand Ball showdance, recent first-place winner and standing ovation recipient at Dancing with the Doctors fundraiser in Florida), Arthur Nabok (Blackpool China Rising Star Champion, Ukrainian Ballroom Champion, USA National Finalist, college degree in kinesthetics and dance coaching), MacKenzie Soldan (trained in tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and International Standard/Latin), and Nathan Zaytsev and Alisa Bankova (master coaches, U.S. National Youth Champions, U.S. National Under 21 Champions, WDC-AL European and World Champions).

The studio is located at 979 Fremont Avenue in Los Altos and operates 10am–10pm daily. It serves students from Los Altos Hills, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Atherton, and San Jose. The studio offers rental space: the Large Studio at $200 per 45 minutes (or $100 with Early Bird/Night Owl pricing 6am–10am or 10pm–midnight), and the Small Studio at $70 per 45 minutes (or $35 with Early Bird/Night Owl pricing).

Arrive 10 minutes early to complete intake paperwork. Wear comfortable athletic wear such as yoga pants or track pants (no jeans on the ballroom floor); bring socks for your first class as street shoes are not allowed on the indoor dance floor. You do not need a partner—instructors rotate students in group classes, and in private lessons the instructor acts as your partner. Eat a light meal or snack beforehand to maintain energy. The studio has free public parking available behind the building.

The studio is led by owners Kris Kuvshynov (Juilliard and Ohio State University trained) and Yuriy Kuvshynov (formerly of Foothill College). Master coaches include Dima and Olga Sukachov (former U.S. Professional Rising Star Champions) and Nathan Zaytsev and Alisa Bankova (U.S. National Champions). The teaching team includes Mark Scolieri (known for expertise in partner dancing and judging), Yegor Zhukov (U.S. National Finalist, Ohio Star Ball Champion), Alejandra Serrano (competitive dancer and recent Dancing with the Doctors first-place winner), Arthur Nabok (Blackpool Rising Star Champion, trained in kinesthetics and dance coaching), and MacKenzie Soldan (trained across multiple styles). All instructors are committed to thorough, artistic instruction focused on technique and student progress.

The Intro to Ballroom Series is specifically designed for beginners; if you can walk, you can dance, and no prior rhythm or dance experience is required—the studio teaches music fundamentals and counts from the start.