Arto began dancing in the age of 9 in Moscow, training with world renowned dancesport coaches including Shirley Ballas, Colin James, Dmitry Timokhin, Slavik Kryklyvyy, and Donnie Burns. He quickly became one of the most distinguished dancers in his category and, with a world class status, began representing Russia internationally. At the age of 18, Arto moved to America where his successful competitive career continued in both amateur and professional divisions. He has trained competitive couples and pro/am students of all ages – many of which have gone on to win national and world titles. He is one of the most sought-out dance instructors in the Bay Area. Arto has performed for Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) as well as with a cast from So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD). Now the proud owner of Genesis Dancesport Studio, Arto continues to perform and compete both professionally and with pro/am students.

Mike Monokandilos was born in Latvia and moved to San Francisco, California, where he began competitive ballroom dancing at the age of 9. Over the next 11 years, he represented the United States in WDSF and WDC world competitions in Moldova, Russia, Italy, Latvia, and France, achieving the highest placement of 22nd at the Youth Worlds in Latvia. He holds 15 national titles across Latin, Standard, and Ten-Dance in both USA and NDCA competitions.

During his time at San Francisco's School of the Arts (SOTA), Mike expanded his dance expertise by studying a wide range of styles at ODC and Alonzo King LINES Ballet, including Ballet, Modern, and Jazz. After high school, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of California, Merced.

Mike is passionate about movement mechanics and technique. He believes that anyone can enhance their proprioception, coordination, and strength through dance, helping them become the best version of themselves.

Irina is a trained professional specializing in Latin American dancing, bringing extensive education, experience and expertise in the areas of dance, teaching, competing and performing. She has trained with world-class coaches and has captured numerous prominent titles across North America, including North American Under 21 Latin Finalist, Canadian Youth and Under 21 Latin Finalist, and Canadian Amateur 10-Dance Finalist. Irina believes that dancing should be a fun, liberating and energizing experience that heightens awareness of the body and creates a unique connection between people. She has previously taught newcomers, wedding couples, competitive dancers, and kids group classes. She loves to share her passion with studio members and feels rewarded seeing how dancing brings joy to people’s lives.

Robert has over 30 years of experience in the International Ballroom and Latin styles of dancing. He began dancing at the age of 7 and is originally from Riga, Latvia. During his amateur career, Robert won multiple championship titles and participated in the hit show, Dancing with the Stars (Dejo Ar Zvaigzni) for one season before moving to California in 2009 and competing professionally. Since arriving the US, Robert has coached and taught dancers of all ages, from youth to seniors and competed in many pro/am competitions across the US. Most recently, Robert has also branched out into the American Smooth category and has competed with students in that style. Robert continues to dance with his partner and wife, Lydia Miner-Voigt.