Meet our Teachers!

Our instructors have years of experience instructing in the art of dance. You will be amazed at what we can teach you!

Andrei Abrashin

Studio Owner

Andrei was born in Russia where he began dancing at the age of eight; he excelled in both Standard & Latin and, when he was sixteen, he was invited to join the “Circles of Friends” formation team in Perm, Russia. This prestigious team has many impressive titles, such as European Finalists, World Finalists, and Five-Time Russian Champions. While continuing his training in dance, Andrei also obtained a Masters of Business Administration from the Perm State Academy of Arts and Culture. In 1998 he moved to the United States and began teaching and competing in American Smooth & Rhythm as well as Cabaret. Throughout his competitive career Andrei achieved many notable titles, including three-time National Nine-Dance Champion and North American Finalist for both American Smooth & Rhythm and is now coaching both students and professionals. His favorite things to tell his students are “If you can walk, you can dance!”, and “If I can do it, you can do it!”.

Maria Gavrilova

Dance Director

“It is impossible to control the waves but still possible to learn surfing – that is a motto in my life. Changes are very important and necessary in every person life. That’s why I am always open to new opportunities and challenges, interesting social meetings and exciting projects that bring exciting brightness into my life.

I am goal oriented because without the goal it is very easy to lose the light at the end of the tunnel. I have insight which is critical to having the foresight needed in making decisions.

I can’t imagine my life without art, without the excitement of the stage and spotlights, without the backstage anticipation and without the last 3 exciting minutes of “stomach butterflies”. This is when all my emotions turn to pleasure and satisfaction. I love the audience effect – their applause gives my heart the power and inspiration to move further and ahead. I strive to express myself through art, dancing, fashion, acting, pictures and photos.

I’m exceptionally athletic and motivated giving me the power and drive to achieve success. I enjoy doing research delving into understanding worldly issues and stimulating my knowledge.

The engine that drives my life is to achieve and realize all my dreams and aspirations.

It’s wonderful to learn and never too late. I love the art of dancing and acting and communicating my excitement to the audience.”

Dmitriy Kuzmenko

Instructor

Dmitriy Kuzmenko was born in Moldova, where he began his dance training at the age of 10. He obtained a Masters Degree in Choreography from the National Pedagogical University in Kharkov, Ukraine. He has been a finalist and champion at many international competitions in countries such as Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland. He has also worked as a performer, choreographer, and dance coach on multiple cruise lines around the world, and participated on “Dancing With The Stars” in Istanbul, Turkey, as well as local “Dancing with the Stars” charity events in Buffalo, NY. Since his arrival in the United States in 2012, he has achieved impressive results with his professional partner in the American Smooth, American Rhythm, and Theater Arts styles. He is experienced in teaching students of all ages and levels, and is happy to be a part of the Fred Astaire PBG team!

Andrea Kuzmenko

Instructor

Andrea is originally from Rochester, NY, and began her dance training at the age of 5. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance at various studios throughout Rochester, and began her training in ballroom dance at 14 years old. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University at Buffalo, where she has performed in various departmental productions. Andrea has been a Fred Astaire instructor since 2012, where she began dancing with her partner in American Smooth & Rhythm, as well as Theater Arts. . Their results at various competitions have been impressive, most notably in the Professional Theater Arts division. Andrea and her professional partner performed and taught together aboard the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity cruise ships in the past, and she was also seen dancing on WWE as the valet/dance partner for Fandango, and performed on their live national TV broadcasts as well as Wrestlemania held at Metlife Stadium in 2013. She loves teaching students of all levels, and is excited to be a part of the Fred Astaire PBG team!