Nikolai Shpakov

Danznik is easily the most remarkable dance space/studio I have EVER worked in and with. The studio physical space is large, gorgeous, is kept spotless and well-managed. There is space free for private lessons whenever the studio is open, even when the entire studio is rented out! They have to run a business but are incredibly accommodating to their teachers, to clients rehearsing, and to private instructors. It is remarkably and truly an inclusive, supportive family. Flexible, they make things work whenever there is any issue. The staff is supportive, positive, and a quite literally a joy to work with. The management and owners are accessible, friendly, and deftly adapt to the ever changing market while continuing to offer core courses and support (to all us OGs) Thank you, Nikolai and John.

This is a friendly, warm, welcoming studio. Multiple ballrooms. Clean, well kept and organized. Sunday morning rounds with live DJ are a great chance to practice and improve on your dance.

Every time I walk around this place, I see things I only dreamed of. The energy Nikolai has carefully curated makes every dance better. Thank you for all the amazing things you think of.. from the easy to use sound systems to all the fresh flowers!

We took lessons at Danznik for our May 2022 wedding with Nikolai and it was an amazing experience! From the start, the whole Danznik team were so friendly and welcoming. Neither my husband nor I had any dancing experience, but we knew we wanted a dance to impress our family and friends at our wedding. Nikolai started with the basics for us - learning the basic box and steps. This was super helpful, and we left the first lesson surprised at how much we learned. Through our other 5 lessons, Nikolai choreographed the perfect dance for us. Simple and easy to remember, but with a handful of WOW moments with dips and ending with a lift! We had so much fun learning our dance with Nikolai. My husband didn’t know if he wanted to take lessons at the start, but it ended up being his favorite part of our wedding! We are so glad we went with Danznik and Nikolai to learn our first dance & highly recommend to all couples getting married!

What a great dancing experience! The instructor Josie for beginner's salsa is amazing, kind, warm and encouraging, as well as patient and informative. Eddie taught me my very first salsa class and helped me to properly learn the foundation steps and was very informative and knowledgeable in knowing many other dance styles. Nikolai helped me register for the first class and was very kind, warm, friendly and accommodating. I felt very welcomed. I would highly recommend this dance studio to others! They also teach other styles of dance such as bachata, tango, swing dancing and more!

We love this studio! Is the best studio in Manhattan in our opinion! 🙏❤️ It’s so welcoming, thank you Nikolai & John for letting us work with you. And the whole team! Lola, Liza in the past as well! Such a great atmosphere!

I absolutely love Danznik Studios. I’ve been dancing at the Hawthorne location for years. What keeps me coming back? The beautiful, huge dance floor kept in pristine condition. The wide selection of dance styles offered, which includes ballroom and Latin, social club dance styles, and Argentine Tango. The top level dance teachers, who nurture both beginning and advanced students, as well as top ProAm competitors. But what keeps me coming back most of all is the kind, caring attitude of owner Nikolai Shpakov and his staff. They work to create an atmosphere where every dancer is supported, and each student progresses at his or her own pace.

Nikolai is an excellent teacher for both adults and children.

We took lessons at Danznik for our May 2022 wedding with Nikolai and it was an amazing experience!! From the start, the whole Danznik team (Nikolai, Liza & more) were so friendly and welcoming. Neither my husband nor I had any dancing experience, but we knew we wanted a dance to impress our family and friends at our wedding. Nikolai started with the basics for us - learning the basic box and steps. This was super helpful, and we left the first lesson surprised at how much we learned. Through our other 5 lessons, Nikolai choreographed the perfect dance for us. Simple and easy to remember, but with a handful of WOW moments with dips and ending with a lift! We had so much fun learning our dance with Nikolai. My husband didn’t know if he wanted to take lessons at the start, but it ended up being his favorite part of our wedding! We are so glad we went with Danznik and Nikolai to learn our first dance & highly recommend to all couples getting married!

Danznik Studios has been an incredible partner in launching and growing our Flow Fridays West Coast Swing social, helping establish it as one of the country's largest WCS social nights. It is important to us to build a social dance experience where first-timers feel comfortable, and the ambiance and layout of Danznik Studios plays a huge role in that. Thank you John & Nikolai!