Weddings, Ballroom, Latin & more!
Meet Our Staff
Ivan - Founder
This Bulgarian descendant has made his dancing career a priority. His computer science education could not compete with his love for dance and a desire to share and teach his passion for dance to students of all ages. Ivan began dancing as a child in Bulgaria to overcome shyness. It worked! After moving to the U.S. and becoming an American citizen he gave up a career in technology to become a highly rated dance instructor and studio manager in the Tampa Bay Area. During his 35 years of dance he has very successfully competed worldwide both in the pro/am and pro divisions and has performed locally.
Some of his accolades include:
Top Guest Getter, 2011
Top Teacher Award – Fred Astaire World Dance Competition, Puerto Rico, 2014
Most Lessons Taught in Tampa Bay Area, 2014
First Place Professional Smooth Division, 2015
Today, Ivan is the owner of Dance Passion Studio in Saint Petersburg. Being proud of his dance journey and accomplishments. Mr. Grigorov encourages his staff to always strive for excellence while sharing their joy and knowledge of dancing.
Kate - Instructor
Kate is a talented dancer with training in a variety of styles, from ballet and contemporary to salsa and bachata! She started ballet at age 3, and began training in the Vaganova Ballet method while dancing with the Madison Ballet Company. When she moved to Florida in 2017, she began training in modern contemporary styles and jazz. While attending the University of Florida, she discovered a love of Latin social dancing, focusing on LA Salsa, Casino Rueda Salsa, Dominican Bachata, and Modern Bachata. She is the proud founder of AscenDance Salsa Company, where she teaches guest workshops and choreographs performances for the members.
She has taught workshops at various studios across Florida and has performed at various festivals and congresses. She is a regular in the Latin dance scene, so if you go dancing, you’ll probably see her! Kate focuses on the technique, etiquette, and safety of partner dancing, and she believes that dance should be a space for everyone to learn and have fun!