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Who We Are

Dance With Me is a national network of premium social dance studios specializing in ballroom and Latin partner dancing for adults. Founded by Maks & Val Chmerkovskiy from Dancing With the Stars, we make learning to dance feel exhilarating, not intimidating.
Most adults want to dance but worry they’ll look foolish, feel out of place, or need a partner. We built Dance With Me to remove every one of those barriers. Our first-rate services include private dance lessons, group dance classes, and social practice parties — all designed to build confidence, spark connection, and deliver the best dance experience in the most beautiful studios.
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or ready to take your skills to the next level, our unique approach to personalized dance instruction ensures your needs and desires are met every step of the way.
It’s not just about learning to dance. It’s about feeling healthier and happier, expressing yourself, and becoming part of an incredible community.
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What We Offer

We specialize in making partner dancing accessible and exciting for adults. Our core programs include private lessons, group classes,and social parties,  the three pillars of a complete dance education.
We teach all styles of Ballroom and Latin dance in both American and International styles, plus wedding dance choreography for couples preparing for their first dance.
We also host showcases, provide first-class event entertainment, and offer corporate team-building experiences. All designed to bring people together through the power of dance.
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Why We're Different

Dance With Me’s mission is to make the world a healthier and happier place through dance. Our goal is to create the best dance experiences while making learning to dance fun, easy, and socially rewarding.
What sets us apart is our personalized approach. Every lesson is tailored to your specific goals, taught by rigorously trained professional instructors who work together as a team to put your needs first.
Our students learn in the finest establishments: comfortable, friendly, upscale studios designed to feel as welcoming as they are beautiful. We embrace social interaction and create memorable experiences, whether you’re inside our studios or at one of our spectacular events.

The Team

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Maksim "Maks" Chmerkovskiy

Founder, Trainer, Coach

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Aleksandr "Sasha" Chmerkovskiy

Founder, Partner

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Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy

Partner, Trainer, Coach

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Eugene Livshits

Partner, General Manager

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Leanne Aranza

Partner, CCO

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Tiago Fernandes

Partner, COO

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Ilia Vinikovskiy

Partner, CMO

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Kathy Shapiro

Director of Finance

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Founder, Trainer, Coach

Maksim "Maks" Chmerkovskiy

It is well-known within the DWM Family that if you had asked Maks at 4, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” He would have most likely said an Olympic swimmer or a soccer player. Sports and competition have always run deep in his blood. He is a born athlete. He has trained to be the best for as long he can remember because he understands that success is about hard work and dedication. Maks has always put his all into everything he pursues. Fortunately, he was focused on dancing and his hard work paid off. Today, Maks has grown into being a true gentleman, a renowned choreographer, successful business owner, and national TV celebrity on Dancing with the Stars, but his heart remains with DWM Studios and his family. When Maks was training, he couldn’t afford to go to a performing arts school. Where he grew up, training definitely could have been better, particularly in the management area, and as a result the inception of DWM Studios began. Maks  and his father wanted to create a great environment for kids to train: a studio where students like Maks could be respected, respect one another, and train for the love and passion of dance. It had to be a studio that was both inviting and welcoming and of course, it had to have the best dance instructors. Today, Dance With Me Studios remains a focus for Maks but one that he tries to keep very separate from his celebrity existence. Although his own career has led him to be a world-renowned dancer, DWM Studios is simply his home. The instructors and people who are part of the DWM Family are students he trained himself to become champions and who are as dedicated as him to the studios. So, if you see him here, you won’t find Maks from “Dancing with the Stars,” you will find Maks, a son, a brother, a dancer, and most fitting; an entrepreneur.



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Founder, Partner

Aleksandr "Sasha" Chmerkovskiy

Sasha is first and foremost a father. He has always been passionate and proud of his sons, but considers every member of Dance With Me part of his family. Very early on, he became passionate about the dancing industry. His passion evolved into a dedication to creating a unique dance studio environment. He has put his reputation and future on the line to create something that every person could love. Everyone who knows Sasha will agree that he can be quite demanding. He expects the best of himself and of those around him because he believes we determine our future. Change starts from within! This is why he demands that the DWM family provide the best and most professional dance instruction with the ultimate belief that client service is a cornerstone of his studio. His passion and desire to be the best remain a driving force behind the entire DWM Family. His ultimate vision is to grow the DWM Family across the nation. He believes that there are many like him who love the art of Ballroom Dancing and will appreciate a place where the heritage of dancing is presented in a beautiful ballroom with well-dressed men and women dancing and socializing together, enjoying a simple moment in time.



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Partner, Trainer, Coach

Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy

  Ballroom legend and choreographer Valentin Chmerkovskiy joined the cast of professional dancers on Dancing With the Stars in 2011. Having accomplished all he could in the world of competitive dance, the 14-time US National Champion and two-time World Dance Champion quickly rose to stardom, becoming one of the show's fan-favorites for impeccable performances that showcased not only immense talent and creativity, but an undeniable charisma to match. Valentin is also the first—and only—American to ever win the IDSF World Championship. Since his TV debut, the Ukrainian-born dance champion continues to steal the hearts of fans—both on and off the dance floor. Val has expanded upon his talents as a dancer, choreographer and instructor to create an empire that inspires others through the art of dance. Valentin co-founded Dance With Me Studios, one of the nation's leading Latin and Ballroom dance studios, where he also lends his expertise as the venue's Art Director. The success of the first studio ignited a passion for teaching his craft, leading him to develop Dance With Me Juniors, a program he designed to keep kids healthy, focused and active. Val is also a classically trained Violinist, having performed in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center as a concertmaster of the ISO Youth Orchestra. Philanthropy is also important to Valentin who supports numerous children's and educational charities including Children's Hospital; and as an ambassador for Pencil's of Promise, Val has helped build two schools in Ghana. Born in Odessa, Ukraine Valentin immigrated to New York at eight years old and grew up in Brooklyn. He is fluent in Russian and English. Val has toured the country with the phenomenally successful Dancing with the Stars: Live!...a 40-city national tour, and recently completed his 50-city Confidential tour with brother Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd. In his tenure on Dancing with the Stars, has won two Mirror Ball Trophies with Actress Rumor Willis and Olympic Gymnist Lauire Hernandez.
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Partner, General Manager

Eugene Livshits

Eugene discovered a passion for dance at an early age when joining Maksim and Valentin at Rising Stars Dance Academy. After a successful Junior and Youth dance career, Eugene had enrolled at Pace University to study finance and economics. Eugene always excelled at math and finance. A self-proclaimed “numbers guy,” his passion is finding trends and patterns through mathematics.  Eugene has been an intricate part of the foundation of Dance With Me, being the first manager of the first Dance With Me dance studio in Ridgefield, New Jersey in 2005. Eugene is currently the General Manager of Dance With Me dance studios, and organizer of all Dance With Me professional competitions.  Eugene is known for his outgoing and sociable personality. He loves to meet people and takes pride in spreading joy and positivity of dance!
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Partner, CCO

Leanne Aranza

Music and dance became a passion for Leanne at a young age. Sparked by her mother’s early dance career and her father’s long-time work in bands, Leanne started performing with her dad and sisters before the age of 10. By 18, she was Director of Music and Arts for a large ministry while continuing to pursue her love of dance. In 2008, she moved to Nashville and discovered the joy of ballroom dancing. With intense training and quick progress under a 7-time world champion, Leanne decided to make dance her life pursuit. In early 2012, to advance her professional career, she moved to New York City to work and train with more of the top dancers in the world. She is certified in American Rhythm, American Smooth, and Latin, and competes in all styles. Leanne loves teaching and has a deep passion for people. It is her desire that every student, whether dancing competitively or socially, will gain more joy and pleasure than ever imagined from their ballroom dance experience.  
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Partner, COO

Tiago Fernandes

For the last 18 years, Joao Tiago Fernandes has been studying and developing his passion for dancing with some of the world’s top dance legends. He has competed throughout Europe and has won multiple National Championships. Tiago was a member of Dancing with the Stars in his native country of Portugal, and was a choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance! Sharing his knowledge of the fascinating world of ballroom dancing with his students is his biggest pleasure. Tiago lives by his own quote: “Just by breathing, you are filling up your body with music, embrace yourself and dance. Dancing is the most pure celebration of life!”  
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Partner, CMO

Ilia Vinikovskiy

Born July 16, 1990, in Kiev, Ukraine, he began his journey as a Latin dancer at 8 years old. When he was 12, he won his first national championship in the Ukraine.  Ilia was only 15 years old when he was invited abroad to represent Poland and to study with top world teachers. Over the next few years he lived in various European countries such as England, Denmark, Italy, Hungary and Norway to train with top teachers and study Latin American dancing. His intense professional career led him to be very well recognized in the world of Latin dance. He has trained with world champions such as Bryan Watson, Carmen, Hans Galke, Lene and Colin James, Carolyn Smith and Graham Oswick, just to name a few.  
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Director of Finance

Kathy Shapiro

Kathy is one of the most caring and selfless people you will ever meet, and a favorite of all Dance With Me employees and students. Having one of the most important roles in the company, Kathy makes sure all of the Dance With Me finances are in order.      

Social Dance Parties

Dance & Connect

  • Step into a world of rhythm and connection at our Social Dance Parties. These events are all about fun, music, and dancing together
  • Whether you’re looking to practice your moves or simply enjoy a night out, our parties provide a welcoming space for dancers of all levels.
  • Experience the joy of movement and community as you mingle, dance, and create lasting memories on the dance floor.
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Wedding Dance Lessons

Your Perfect First Dance

  • Make your first dance a cherished memory. Our Wedding Dance Lessons offer personalized choreography tailored to your style and comfort level.
  • Work closely with our expert instructors to learn smooth routines that capture the romance and excitement of your special day.
  • Whether you envision a classic waltz or a modern routine, we’re here to help you shine on the dance floor.
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Group Dance Classes

Fun & Engaging Sessions

  • Join our energetic group dance classes that blend instruction with social fun. Perfect for making new friends while learning exciting routines.
  • Our experienced instructors guide you through various styles, ensuring that every session is both educational and exhilarating.
  • Whether you’re new to dancing or a seasoned mover, these classes offer a collaborative space to grow and express yourself.
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Private Dance Lessons

One-on-One Instruction

  • Experience personalized attention in every session. Our expert instructors work with you one-on-one to hone your skills and explore your unique dance style.
  • From technique and timing to creative choreography, every lesson is crafted to help you reach your full potential on the dance floor.
  • Ideal for beginners and experienced dancers alike, our private lessons offer a supportive environment where your progress is the priority.
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