At the age of 9, Alex Zyrianov became a top-rated ballroom dancer in Europe.  

After competing in many more championships in Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia and other European nations and completing his master’s degree, Zyrianov said he moved to the United States to continue his chosen career as a professional dancer, instructor and choreographer. 

“I am 41 years old, and dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Zyrianov said. “Both of my parents were professional ballroom dancers and owned their own dance studio, so I grew up surrounded by dance. Because of that, I never really spent much time wondering what I wanted to do in life – it felt like a natural path for me.” 

After working as an instructor for others, Zyrianov opted to work for himself and is the owner of Fred Astaire Dance Studios locations in Wilmington and Leland.  

“Opening my own studio was a natural progression in my career,” Zyrianov said.  

He started as an instructor in Durham, working his way up to the role of studio manager in Raleigh. 

“As I gained experience, I realized I wanted the opportunity to build something of my own and create a culture that reflected my values and vision,” he said. 

Zyrianov said he believes anyone interested in dance should give it a try.  

“Many people think they need talent or experience before they can start dancing, but that’s simply not true,” he said. “Everyone starts somewhere. Dance is one of the few activities that combines physical exercise, creativity, social interaction and personal growth. Our ideal client is really anyone who wants to learn. Some students come to us because they have always wanted to dance. Others are preparing for a wedding, looking for a new hobby or simply want a fun way to stay active and meet people. One of the things I love most about this business is that dance can benefit almost everyone.” 

Zyrianov said he has dedicated his life to ballroom dancing and loves sharing that passion with others.  

“We offer private lessons, group classes, practice parties, wedding dance programs and competitive training,” he said. “We teach a wide variety of ballroom and social dances, including waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha-cha, rumba, swing, salsa, bachata and many others. Over the years, I’ve taught students of all ages and experience levels, from complete beginners taking their first lesson to competitive dancers pursuing ambitious goals. My focus has always been helping people achieve results while making the learning process enjoyable and rewarding.” 

The Fred Astaire Dance Studios model aligns with Zyrianov’s beliefs about achieving creative goals.  

“I appreciate being part of a larger team that works toward a common goal,” said Zyrianov. “There are many independent dance studios in the United States, but independence does not always mean freedom and can create inconsistency. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, there are established systems, standards and methods that have been developed over many decades. These aren’t arbitrary rules; they are designed to create the best possible experience for students and to help instructors develop professionally.” 

He said he values the structure and support that comes with that model. 

“More than trophies or titles, I am most proud of the people I have helped along the way. Watching students accomplish things they never thought they were capable of is incredibly rewarding. Over the years, students under my guidance have gone on to become national champions, which is something I am very proud of. Seeing their hard work, dedication and growth pay off at the highest levels of competition is one of the most satisfying parts of my profession,” Zyrianov said. “Whether someone is 18 or 80, there is always an opportunity to learn something new, challenge yourself and have fun. The hardest part is usually just taking the first step.” 

Helping other professionals achieve their goals is important to Zyrianov.  

“I am also proud of building successful studios and helping develop instructors who have gone on to become strong professionals in their own right,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to build a life and business in the United States and to create opportunities for students, instructors and staff members to grow and succeed.” 

Beyond the studio, Zyrianov has begun working with one of the Wilmington area’s deeply rooted industries.  

“I believe that creativity doesn’t stop at the dance floor,” he said. “One of the things I enjoy most is working on creative projects outside of the studio, including film productions. Whether it’s dance, choreography, teaching or filmmaking, the common thread is storytelling and connecting with people. I have been fortunate to work on film productions for major streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon. In fact, I will be traveling to France soon to assist with another project. It has been exciting to contribute to the film industry.” 

See more stories on the area's creative economy: 

Local Musicians Navigate Shifting Scene
 

OPINION: Thalian Hall Invests in Education and More
 

Studio Owner Shares Love of Dance
 

Wilmington’s Writers Converge