Maxim Kozhevnikov

Maxim Kozhevnikov is a Russian Latin dancer, choreographer, and judge whose career spans competitive dance, theatrical showdance, and teaching across multiple continents. Born in Nizhny Novgorod, he grew up attending a school for visually impaired children and initially pursued singing before turning to dance. He built his early career as both competitor and teacher in Russia, representing his country in the WDSF Adult Latin system through partnerships with Kristina Maximova (1999–2000) and Irina Naumova (2000–2006).

Kozhevnikov transitioned into the international professional Latin circuit in the early 2000s, becoming especially known for showdance—choreographed theatrical works that expand beyond conventional five-dance competition formats. His official biography documents a series of world and professional showdance titles throughout this period. The most securely documented of his mainstream professional achievements came in 2007, when he and Yulia Zagoruychenko won the United States National Professional Latin championship. Their partnership produced widely circulated exhibition and showdance works that brought narrative and character-driven choreography to competitive Latin vocabulary.

In 2011, Kozhevnikov began a creative and personal partnership with Anastasia Grigoreva, marking a return to sport dance through new performance projects and additional showdance collaborations. From that point forward, his activity broadened substantially to include choreography, judging, international workshops, screen and stage projects, and collaborations with Russian dance organizations. He continues to work as a performer, choreographer, lecturer, and adjudicator on the international circuit.