Staff

We would love for you to visit the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Greenville, SC and meet our staff. We brag about our American and European trained Instructors and we take pride in their knowledge and instructional expertise!

	Ihor Pylyay Ihor started dancing in his hometown of Poltava, Ukraine in 1992.  He was competing in the International Style, showing outstanding results in both Ballroom and Latin dance programs and becoming either a winner or finalist for numerous National and International dance championships.  He studied at Poltava University with a major in choreography.  Ihor was the National Ukrainian Champion in 1999 and was awarded the title of Master of Sport of Ukraine in 2004.   Ihor is a certified instructor in both International and American Styles and with his knowledge, experience and great personality, you will enjoy dancing to the fullest extent.
	Misty Renfro-Childs Misty is a certified dance instructor and professional competitor.  She is a winner and finalist of multiple dance competitions throughout the United States and has been awarded numerous teaching awards.  Misty’s professional focus is to provide a fun and easy learning experience to her students.  Her passion is help couples grow in intimacy through the “Magic of Dance” as well as helping gentlemen realize their full potential as leaders on the dance floor.
	Andrey Mironov Andrey has successfully danced in numerous Regional, National, and International dance championships.  As a member of the Formation Dance Team, he represented Ukraine at the European and World Formation Dance Championships.  Andrey has been dancing since he was 7 years old and is a very gifted instructor with his own unique and charming style.  He is a graduate of Poltava Teachers University with a Masters Degree.  Andrey is respected by his students for his cheerful personality and professional teaching skills.  He will help you to develop and enjoy your dancing, whether you are a beginner or advanced student!
	Katherine Wicker Katherine is a very successful dancer and instructor.  She started dancing at the age of 3 with Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary, later switching to Ballroom and Latin dancing.  She is a two time Freddy Award recipient – the highest level of professional recognition at the Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios.  Katherine is a focused, persistent, and hard working person. Her attentiveness and caring devotion aid her in being a wonderful dance instructor, helping all students, no matter what level, in becoming more skilled and to enjoy all benefits dancing has to offer.
	Dmytro Naumov Dmytro has 27 years of experience in both Ballroom and Latin dancing.  He is a winner of The Super Cup of Ukraine as well as many major National and International championships.  Dmytro enjoys the success of coaching top ranking couples both in Europe and the United States.  He holds the International Adjudicator degree with the World Dance Council.  Taking time to dance internationally, to teach and to judge, Dmytro travelled to Germany, Holland, Great Britain, Hungary, Poland, Italy, and Czech Republic.  He is also one of the top dance instructors among the Fred Astaire Dance Studios of North America.
	Maryna Lievina Maryna began dancing at five years old.  She is a graduate of Poltava Art Academy, majoring in Choreography.  She is a winner and medalist of numerous Ukrainian championships.  Maryna also represented Ukraine at major International events in England, Germany, Poland, and Czech Republic.  Maryna is a member of W.D.C. and N.D.C.A. and a certified instructor in American Style and International Style.  With her skillful guidance you will feel very comfortable either making your first steps on the social dance floor or polishing your advanced moves.
	Nickolai Scherban Nickolai is the manager of Fred Astaire Dance Studio. He is also a certified dance instructor in both American Style and International Style.