George Kastulin
Owner of the Dancingland Dance Studio, Dance Instructor, Teacher and Wedding Dance Choreographer
George Kastulin is an experienced Social Ballroom and Latin (American style) dance instructor and wedding dance choreographer. As a recognized professional in the industry, he brings many years of technical know-how and teaching expertise to his practice. But, most importantly, he does this in a manner that ignites your passion for dancing, unleashing your inner world on the dance floor.
George began dancing at the age of fourteen in Odesa, Ukraine. He quickly fell in love with the international style of ballroom and Latin dancing and the infatuation, glamour, and intense competition it provided. A strong desire to learn how to move gracefully to the music and lead a partner on the dance floor with confidence, ease, poise and control guided him on the dance path. As a result, this kept him returning for more training, devotion, and drive to reach new heights and achieve constant results.
After immigrating to Canada in 2000, George continued his dance and teacher training. Working as a dance instructor with students and building up his instructor-client base secured his respected position on the Canadian Ballroom dance scene.
George has trained in the International (Standard and Latin) and American (Smooth and Rhythm) Ballroom Dancing styles. He continues to attend workshops and dance congresses and study with renowned coaches, keeping him updated and current.
World-acclaimed dance teachers, instructors, and judges have coached him, including JT Thomas, Olga Foraponova Wright, Ann Harding-Trafford, Pierre Allaire, Mireille Veilleux, Denis Tremblay, Pat Traymore, and others.
List of dance competitions that George participated in:
- “The Falls Premier Ball” Rising star American Smooth champion
- “La Classique De Quebec” Rising Star American Smooth finalist
- “DanceSport Montreal” Open Professional American Smooth finalist
- “Maple Leaf Classic” Canadian Closed Professional Finalist
- “The Falls Premier Ball” Professional open American Smooth finalist
- “Crystal Leaf” Professional American Smooth runner-up
- “Dancesport Montreal” Open Professional American Smooth Finalist, Rising Star American Smooth Finalist
- “Can-Am DanceSport Gala” Rising Star Smooth finalist, Open Professional Smooth Finalist
- “Canadian National Championships” NDCCCNC Professional Smooth Finalist
- “Maple Leaf Classic Dancesport Championships” runner-up
Parallel to that, he dances Pro-Am performances with students interested in learning choreographed routines to perform at dance competitions, showcases and charity events.
Wedding Dance Choreography
Another specialty for George is wedding dance choreography and First Dance training.
He takes time to get to know the couple’s personality and synergy. That is the best ground to create a Wedding First Dance that reflects their bond and remains a heartwarming memory for a lifetime.
At the same time, George can help you include your bridal party in the Wedding’s first dance choreography (if you desire).
Moreover, some people like to have a Father-Daughter and/or Mother-Son dance in addition to their reception performances. This exceptional and highly emotional dance will definitely be in your hearts for all time after!
Professional music background.
Finally, a profound understanding of music is one more fascinating fact that influences George’s connection to Ballroom dancing and dance choreography. That comes from him being a professional Oboe player! George earned a Master’s Degree with honours in Arts and Music from Odessa State A.V. Nezhdanova Musical Academy. I also have a post-graduate diploma in Arts from Freiburg School of Arts in Germany. Therefore, this professional background allows George to emphasize musicality, phrasing and timing. As a result, students gain a greater appreciation of musicality, expression and rhythm.
“Ultimately, I love teaching Social Ballroom Dancing because of the opportunity to work with different personalities. Each student desires to dance for their reasons and needs a tailored approach. As a result, I embrace this individuality by encouraging my students to dance naturally and genuinely, from the heart, while emphasizing ballroom basics and technique.” – George Kastulin.
