Who we are

W W h h o o w w e e a a r r e e

How Dancing Like A Star was born

Dancing Like A Star Academy opened its doors in January 2021, during a time when society was emerging from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. As professional dancers and teachers, we understood the deep need for human connection, and we felt compelled to create a space where people could reconnect, improve their mental and physical well-being, and bring some excitement into their daily lives. Our vision was to build a community-centered dance studio where everyone would feel welcome.

Since then, we’ve proudly served hundreds of happy students, helping them achieve their dance goals and build lasting memories. We've been named the best ballroom dance studio of Gwinnett and won several prestigious national titles. Beyond our accomplishments on the dance floor, we’re also deeply committed to giving back, participating in charity events to support our community.

 

Slava Visnakovs

Slava Visnakovs began his dance journey at the age of 7 in Latvia, and by 14, he had already claimed his first Latvian National title. This achievement gave him the opportunity to represent his country in prestigious World and European Championships, shaping not only his dance career but also his outlook on life. These experiences broadened his horizons and instilled in him a drive for excellence. The highlights of his competitive career include winning the iconic Blackpool and German Open Championships, along with multiple podium finishes in World Cups and Championships. Slava’s passion for teaching emerged early in his career, and he found true fulfillment in helping others realize their potential. After graduating from Riga Pedagogic Academy, he dedicated himself fully to coaching and, by the age of 27, had already trained several National and International champions, continuing his legacy of excellence both on and off the dance floor.

Philosophy

Slava's vision as a coach has always been centered on guiding each student on their unique dance journey, whether they’re beginners or aiming for championship titles. He believes that dance is not just a skill, but a powerful tool for personal growth. Slava's teaching approach is deeply rooted in prioritizing his students' individual needs. In every lesson, he remains fully engaged, taking the time to truly understand the person in front of him and listen to what they have to say. His passion and intensity in teaching come from a genuine care for his students' growth and development. For Slava, dance and life are interconnected, and this belief is reflected in his teaching philosophy, guiding his students not only in becoming skilled dancers but also in growing as individuals.

Role in the studio

As the head coach of Dancing Like A Star and a certified adjudicator, Slava Visnakovs oversees the educational and creative direction of the studio. His primary goal is to ensure that each student receives personalized and structured instruction tailored to their individual needs. Whether choreographing for events or developing teaching methods to suit specific learning styles, Slava is dedicated to managing the entire process with a focus on excellence. He closely tracks the progress of every student, helping them advance quickly and effectively, whether they are beginners or competitive dancers aiming for top-tier success.

Atile Zukaite

A Journey of Excellence and Purpose By the age of 14, Atile had already achieved what many dancers only dream of—becoming a Lithuanian Champion. Her talent and drive were undeniable, but to keep improving, her family made the difficult decision to move to Spain, where she could dance with a world-class partner. A few years later, her career led her to Latvia, where she reached incredible heights in competitive ballroom dance. Atile earned 4th place at the European Championship, 6th place at the World Championship, and held a remarkable spot in the top 3 of the World Standard rankings.

Her professional dance career

After concluding her professional ballroom dance career, Atile pursued studies in nutrition and health coaching, exploring different paths such as modeling and entrepreneurship. However, her passion for dance never waned. In 2021, the opportunity to open a dance studio in an underserved area reignited her vision. Combining her expertise as a professional dancer with her managerial skills, Atile co-founded Dancing Like A Star—a unique space for ballroom dance lovers to thrive.

Mission that changes lives

For Atile, this isn’t just a business; it’s a meaningful mission that changes lives. She believes that dance helps people combat loneliness, obesity, mental health challenges, and much more. Her dedication to creating a supportive and inspiring community reflects her belief in the transformative power of dance, making her a guiding light for students of all ages and levels.