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Marina Fridmanovich
Marina Fridmanovich, 36, founder of the Elite International Dance Studio (now Elite Dance Company) which was located in Mount Pleasant, SC.
Marina grew up in her father’s dance studio in the Siberian town of Krasnoyarsk . At the age of four she began intensively studying, training and competing in the top Ballroom Dance arenas. She spent her childhood in her father's dance studio that captured her imagination and her heart. Her father continues to coach dancers, hosts dance competitions and serves as a judge in numerous dance competitions throughout Europe and Russia. She moved to Charleston, SC in 2004 at 19 to pursue her dreams. Her passion, discipline and drive for dance have continued throughout her life and became the source of inspiration to open Elite Dance Studio in 2010. A champion & finalist in many ballroom dance national events, she has a love for competition and a commitment to Dancesport, a competitive ballroom category that demands top athletic and mental focus. Wanting to share her passion and knowing that basics are the key to success, Marina is excited to instill the technique and form taught throughout her Russian training with students at Elite! Her commitment to helping others doesn't end with teaching, she also gives back to the community by working closely and making donations to non-profit organizations like Pet Helpers, Chase for the Cure, MUSC Charity and the Charleston Animal Society, Charleston Youth Development, and the ARK Alzheimer's Family Support Services. |
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Edward "Shi" Johnson
Edward “Shi” Johnson’s first inspiration to dance began with Michael Jackson. From Myrtle Beach, SC, Shi has studied Michael Jackson vigorously since he was 12 years old, and his passion for dance has only grown since then. He has won most-talented in every talent-seeking contest in which he has participated. He loves dancing, choreography, and teaching. He was head choreographer in the Myrtle Beach High School show choir. He has choreographed and co-choreographed numerous award-winning performances at College of Charleston and helped other performers perfect their dance techniques. Shi believes that the essence of Hip-Hop stems from the freedom of expression found in its cultural roots. Illustrating that Hip-Hop has no bounds, he incorporates Michael Jackson, ballroom, tap, modern, Latin, KRUMP, break-dance, and various other styles into his repertoire. Shi brings technicality, versatility, and creativity to the table. He strives to teach the fundamentals of Hip-Hop which cannot be captured through imitation. |
Sarah Sharpe
Sarah was introduced to Ballroom dancing a few years ago to learn how to formally dance at her siblings' weddings. From then on, she fell in love with dancing. She had been social dancing at Elite Dance Studio when Marina recruited her to join ELITE Dance Team. "I really love the team. It's been a great way for me to dance in a professional atmosphere, yet have a great time. I'm not as experienced as some of the other members, but everyone is really encouraging and by joining the team, I have also learned a lot and made some amazing friends." Sarah is also a horse trainer and compete at National level in Dressage. "I make choreography for my horses to 'dance' to, haha, so no wonder I fell in love with Ballroom dancing!"
Sarah was introduced to Ballroom dancing a few years ago to learn how to formally dance at her siblings' weddings. From then on, she fell in love with dancing. She had been social dancing at Elite Dance Studio when Marina recruited her to join ELITE Dance Team. "I really love the team. It's been a great way for me to dance in a professional atmosphere, yet have a great time. I'm not as experienced as some of the other members, but everyone is really encouraging and by joining the team, I have also learned a lot and made some amazing friends." Sarah is also a horse trainer and compete at National level in Dressage. "I make choreography for my horses to 'dance' to, haha, so no wonder I fell in love with Ballroom dancing!"