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‘Dancing with the Stars’ celebrity subs as dance teacher
(by David Jimenez - August 20, 2008)
Maksim Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy, a Ukrainian Latin Ballroom Dance Champion, choreographer, instructor and one of the professional dancers on ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars,” could be found last week working at the Fred Astaire Montville New Jersey Dance Studio.
Known to millions of television viewers as Max who, like Cher and Madonna, goes only by one name, the tall and slender dancer is known for his original dance patterns, technique and sexy good looks to female fans who have also become captivated by the dance program ever since its début.
The television program pairs celebrities with professional dancers who compete weekly by performing a variety of dances, which are critiqued and given scores by a panel of judges. Viewers are then given time to place their votes on their favorite dancers.
Since the show’s inception, Max has appeared four times where he has partnered with actress Tia Carrere, singer Willa Ford, boxer Laila Ali and Spice Girl Melanie “Mel B” Brown.
What brought Max to Montville was an opportunity to help his friends Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina, who are champion dance partners and co-owners of Fred Astaire Montville Dance Studio.
“Max is a good friend to both Naida and me. He was my best man at my wedding,” Ilya said.
This was the second time Max, who is a New Jersey resident, has visited the Montville studio.
“He was also here in July. In both visits he taught all day, finishing with a 45-minute evening group lesson plan for 35 students and guests,” Ilya said.
According to Ilya and Naida’s resume, the couple is considered one of the top professional Latin dance couples in the world today. They have been dancing together for nine years and have toured enjoying considerable success competing in the Latin American style dance.
This year they have won three titles that include: the Ohio Star Ball 2008 Professional Latin American Show Dance Champions, the 2008 North American Professional Latin Championship and the Professional Latin World Masters championship.
The Montville dance studio opened in January 2008. For more information, go to www.fredastairmontville.com or call 973-917-3034.
Photos by David Vnencak
Photo 1: Ilya Ifraimov and Max from “Dancing with the Stars” work with Kathleen Waters during a lesson conducted at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s open house on Aug. 11.
Photo 2: Dancers take to the floor during the Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s open house. Third from the right is Max Chmerkovskiy from “Dancing with the Stars”.
Photo 3: Alyssa Rodriguez and Chris dance together during a lesson.
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