Neighbor News
Dance Instructor’s Outstanding Achievement Propels Fred Astaire Southbury to Success at New England Tri-Star
A special highlight was the recognition of our own dance instructor, Zlata Dzhaman, who was awarded First Place Top Female Teacher.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Southbury is celebrating an extraordinary achievement following the New England Tri-Star Championships, held December 11–13, 2025, at the Marriott Quincy Hotel. This prestigious competition is an annual Fred Astaire Dance Studios event and brings together talented dancers from across the region.
Our students and instructors delivered truly impressive performances, earning outstanding placements across all dances. We are incredibly proud of everyone who participated and grateful for the overwhelming effort, dedication, and passion shown by our entire team. The level of excellence displayed exceeded anything we could have imagined.
A special highlight of the weekend was the recognition of our own dance instructor, Zlata Dzhaman, who was awarded First Place Top Female Teacher. Zlata earned this honor for her exceptional Pro-Am performances, dancing with our students and showcasing remarkable artistry, technique, and partnership throughout the competition. The owners, the whole Southbury team, and the students of Fred Astaire Southbury couldn’t be prouder of her remarkable achievement.
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Adding to an already spectacular showing, Zlata captured 2nd Place in Professional American Closed Bronze & Silver Smooth, dancing alongside Glastonbury dance instructor Vasyl Voinarovski. This outstanding achievement is a true testament to her passion, artistry, and relentless dedication, and it made her success at the competition even more exciting and memorable.
Saturday evening featured the competition’s celebratory banquet, where special awards were presented. During this event, Zlata was formally honored for winning the Top Female Teacher Award, a well-deserved achievement that reflects her dedication to her students and her passion for dance.
“Our students put so much time and energy into their lessons,” Zlata shared. “You can’t even describe the feeling of dancing on a ballroom floor in front of hundreds of people, knowing how much you’ve progressed.”
Zlata danced alongside Jim Marcucilli and Francis Rinaldi, proudly representing Fred Astaire Southbury with elegance and distinction. We are incredibly proud of all our students and instructors for their outstanding performances, dedication, and hard work. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to making this competition a truly memorable and successful experience for our studio and our community.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Southbury is conveniently located at Southbury Plaza, 100 Main Street North. To learn more about dancing with us, visit www.fredastaire.com/southbury or call (203) 267-7600.
