Today we’d like to introduce you to Igor Afonkin
Igor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Owners of SOUL Ballroom – Igor & Meghan Afonkin Igor Afonkin – I have been always drawn to the artistry of dancing since a young age. Being raised in Russia many families would put their children in ballroom dance classes to learn not just dance skills, but also life skills. It was through my dance training in Russia that I learned how to express my feelings and creativity while also learning teamwork, how to respect the opposite gender, and how to learn healthy discipline that applies to so many areas of my life now.
I can easily say that dancing changed my life for the better and that brings me to where I am today.
Now that I have been able to make this my career for the past 15 years, I have witnessed so many people’s lives change for the better because they were introduced to this beautiful art/spot. What is most rewarding is being able to witness people of all ages transform into the best version of themselves through dancing. It’s so much more than just learning to dance. It gives people confidence, community, and health.
It was through dance that I was able to meet my wife, Meghan. We were proud to become the United States Champions in 2019, but the biggest accomplishment that we take the most pride in is our marriage and our two children. I am now proud to own SOUL Ballroom – a safe place where the community can come and explore the gift of dance.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think with any journey you take there will always be obstacles, but without that, it will never shape you into who you are today. Of course, at a young age, I dealt with the obstacle of being a male dancer. Although it was much more common in Russia, kids will be kids and I still received some backlash. The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was moving to the United States in 2007.
I moved here with little money, no job, and very knowing very little of the English language. After working many different manual labor jobs, I stumbled upon a Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Chicago. It was there that they gave me my first chance at a dance career. They trained me in not only dancing but also in business. As a professional dancer moving up the ranks many obstacles presented themselves.
Many of them were what many trained athletes go through such as injury, long training hours, etc. I would say the biggest obstacle was maintaining a balanced home life with a young child and traveling almost every weekend for competitions with my wife.
Opening up SOUL Ballroom presented other challenges. I am now wearing a different hat as a business owner, but every challenge has brought me growth and I wouldn’t change anything about my journey thus far.
We’ve been impressed with SOUL Ballroom, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our Mission: To awaken the SOUL of every individual through dance, movement, music, and community.
The ballroom dance world is unlike anything else you will experience. It is a world that you can step into and become anyone you wish. It is easy to transform into the characters and dancers that others see you as or that you may see through images and media. At SOUL Ballroom, we believe that each individual has a story and already has a character deep down inside of them. It is our goal and mission to use learning to dance as a tool to discover who you are and give you the confidence and the ability to express from your SOUL.
Why should I dance?
Wedding dances.
A new hobby.
A fun way to exercise.
A great way to connect (or re-connect) with your partner.
To improve your social life.
To bring your dancing skills to the next level.
Services: 1-on-1 lessons. The fastest way to learn is to enroll in private dance lessons. Whether you take lessons alone or with a partner, you will have your instructor’s undivided attention. It is here where your instructor will create a tailor-made dance program to fit your specific goals.
Semi-Privates: Our Semi-Private lessons are designed to cater to dancers who enjoy the camaraderie of learning with a partner or a small group while still receiving individualized instruction. Here’s what sets them apart:
Group Classes: Learn to dance in a group class setting. No partner is necessary.
Social Dance Parties: Open social dancing is just what it sounds like. Open to the public, no partner required, and is social. Many of the group classes are followed by an hour or more of social dancing, where you can practice what you learned in the class, try some new moves of your own, or simply observe and socialize with fellow dancers.
All levels share the floor from beginner to advanced. You may even spy on a few professionals who come out to have some fun as well. Social Dances are a great opportunity for you to apply what you have been learning in your private lessons. We turn down the lights and turn UP the music for a guaranteed good time!
SOUL Kids. SOUL Ballroom is the Twin Cities premier studio for kids’ Ballroom and Latin dance, offering private and group instruction for children ages five and older. Allow us to give your child an appreciation for music, movement, and dance while having fun and staying healthy. Through the art of dance, your child will learn teamwork and develop discipline, self-confidence, communication, and social skills.
Grace, poise, manners, balance, and strength are a few of the other added benefits that will be useful throughout their lifetime. Let your children make new friendships and enjoy camaraderie in a beautiful, safe, friendly, and encouraging environment. Private lessons may be scheduled during studio business hours. Youth group classes are held in the evenings and weekends for various experience levels. (See SOUL’s Calendar).
Rent our space: We offer the perfect venue for your special event, and renting our Soul Ballroom Dance Studio comes with a range of incredible benefits that will make your occasion truly unforgettable.
We have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as positively impacting someone’s life.
Pricing:
- Intro Special – 1 private lesson and 2 group classes for $49
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soulballroom.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulballroom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulballroom/
