Ballroom Dancing and Piano tutor

About Lisa

Hello there!

My name is Lisa, and I'm here to share my passion for music and dance with the world. It lights me up to see my students' progress and their confidence grow exponentially. I truly believe the arts are a wonderful avenue to becoming a better person overall and connecting with one another in an unexplainable but amazing way.

Growing up with strict Russian parents, I was put in piano lessons (very stereotypical, I know) at the age of 5. I wish I could say I picked it up right away and loved it, but I honestly hated it at first. Then, something clicked for me about three years in, and I began playing ALL THE TIME (so much that where my parents before were telling me, "go play the piano," they were now saying "please stop!")

I have continued since then, now having nearly 20 years of playing experience. I taught college-age students beginner and intermediate piano for 3 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, I have instructed younger students (elementary to middle school) whom I babysat.

I absolutely fell in love with ballroom dancing during my college years and did it all: Competed, performed, choreographed, and taught. I competed in various regional collegiate ballroom competitions, making it all the way to the Gold level, where my highest placement was 2nd in the Latin category. I trained with top-rated and highly decorated world champion instructors from Fred Astaire, whose techniques I have adopted in my own teaching. I have been an instructor for 3 years both for large groups and private clients.

I know firsthand that piano and ballroom dancing aren't the easiest hobbies to learn and become good at, which is why I am extremely patient with my students. However, because I truly believe in you, I will consistently motivate and challenge you because I know your potential, and I'd love to help you reach it!

Feel free to contact me with further questions or to get started. I can't wait to watch you learn and grow as a pianist or dancer!