What is loyalty ? 
And more importantly - does it have an expiration date?


At first, you might think -  “If you’re loyal, that’s forever.” 
But life, and especially the dance world, has a funny way of testing that idea.


When I think about loyalty, I don’t just think about relationships or friendships.
I think about dance couples - about a leader and a follower, two people trying to move as one heartbeat, one rhythm, one team.


And trust me - loyalty in that partnership can sometimes feel even deeper than romance.


So let me tell you my story.
Or actually… stories.


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The Beginning: Two Kids, One Dream


I was six years old when I entered my first competition.
Tiny ballroom shoes, a simple  costume  and a partner who was just as nervous as I was.


From that day on, we became inseparable.


We danced together for eight years - which, believe me, back then (the pre-Internet era!) was almost unheard of.
Changing partners every season was common, but not for us. We stuck together - through everything.


We weren’t just good. We were winning.


 Competitions all around Southern Russia.
 Big events in Ukraine - Mariupol, Kharkov, Yalta.
 And then, the semifinals in Moscow, where the judges didn’t even know who we were - but they noticed us.


That moment still feels like magic. We were kids, but we danced like our lives depended on it. 


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We Grew Up Together - Literally


We saw each other every single day.
We fought, laughed, cried, competed, and dreamed together.
We were more like siblings than dance partners.


Our parents gave up so much for us - weekends, sleep, vacations, money - all for lessons, travel, and costumes.


Our days looked like this:
• School ➜ quick homework ➜ dance studio
• Long rehearsals ➜ competitions ➜ repeat
• Zero free time, but endless laughter and purpose


It wasn’t just about trophies.
It was about the bond we built -  the trust, the teamwork, the unspoken communication that happens only when two people move in perfect sync.


That’s what I thought loyalty meant.


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And Then It Ended -  Suddenly


Eight years of partnership ended with one decision that wasn’t mine.


My dance partner was taken away -  chosen by another teacher for her student, a girl who happened to have a wealthy aunt.


And just like that, our team, our rhythm, our loyalty - vanished.


Quick goodbye. No discussion. 
Just gone.


I remember sitting in my room surrounded by medals and photos -  all the smiles, the victories, the long hours that suddenly didn’t mean much.


I was 14 years old, and I learned that day that loyalty can, apparently, expire.


The tears I cried weren’t just about losing a partner.
They were about losing the team we had built, the loyalty I thought was unbreakable.


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Déjà Vu, Round Two


Two years later - it happened again. Even though success and growth were there! 


Different partner.
Same heartbreak.


This time, the girl who replaced me wasn’t just very wealthy - she was much less experienced.


And I remember thinking, “Is this what loyalty costs? Simply money, and connections?”


It was painful. But it also taught me one of the most important lessons of my life:


“In the competitive dance world, you can be replaceable to others -  but you can never replace yourself.”


That became my mantra.


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What I Learned at Sixteen


By sixteen, I wasn’t just a dancer -  I was a fighter.


I learned that loyalty is rare.
It’s not something you can expect -  it’s something you earn and cherish when you’re lucky enough to find it.


It’s expensive - not in money, but in trust, effort, and heart.


But most importantly, I learned that loyalty starts with yourself.
When you stay loyal to your purpose, your growth, your belief -  no one can take that away from you.


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The Competitive Dance World: Brutal, Beautiful, and Real


The world of ballroom dancing is magical - full of sequins, passion, and applause -  but also full of politics, emotions, and ego.


You learn that:
• Talent doesn’t always win.
• Effort doesn’t always get rewarded.
• Loyalty doesn’t always get returned.


But you also learn:
• How to rebuild when everything falls apart.
• How to keep believing when others don’t.
• How to find joy even when the music stops.


Those lessons shaped not just my career, but my entire approach to teaching.


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How This Story Shaped Me as a Teacher


When I coach my students today, I always remind them - yes, technique matters. Yes, timing matters. But what really matters is your character.


You can lose a partner, but never lose your passion.
You can fall down in a competition, but always get back up with grace.
You can be replaced, but your essence is uniquely yours.


And that’s what dance is about - finding your rhythm again, and again, no matter who’s holding your hand.


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Let’s Talk About You


Have you ever lost something - or someone - that made you question your worth?


Maybe a friendship, a job, or a dream that didn’t go as planned.
We all have our version of that story.


But remember - what defines you is not who leaves your side, but how you keep moving forward.


Whether it’s dance or life, you’ll always find a new rhythm.
Sometimes slower, sometimes faster - but always yours.


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The Dance of Loyalty


Today, when I look back, I’m grateful.
Those early heartbreaks made me stronger. They taught me to recognize true loyalty when it finally does show up - in dance partners, friends, and loved ones.


And most of all, they taught me to never stop believing in myself.


Because that’s the kind of loyalty that never expires.


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 If you’re ready to find your own rhythm -  whether it’s your first step or a comeback - join me for a trial class!
 amaliabaroyan.com/contactamalia.html


 Check out my 5-star Google Reviews to see what other dancers say about their journey with me.
 Follow me on social media for real stories, dance tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from the studio.

Spring is here, which means flowers, sunshine, and… wedding dance prep is in full swing! As a dance instructor, wedding season is one of the most exciting (and sometimes chaotic) times of the year for me. I get to meet incredible couples, hear about their love stories, and help them create one of the most memorable moments of their big day: the first dance.
Now, let’s get one thing straight. A wedding dance isn’t just a little two-step before the dinner gets served. It’s a performance. Not in the Broadway, lights-camera-action kind of way, but in the “this-is-our-moment-to-shine” kind of way.


So, why do people even do a wedding dance?


Honestly? I think it’s a mix of tradition, excitement, and a chance to show off, in the best way possible!
It’s the moment when all eyes are on you. Not because you have to impress anyone, but because your guests are witnessing something sweet, personal, and beautiful. It opens the evening with love, rhythm, and maybe even a few laughs (especially when the groom adds a little unexpected flair).

When couples come to me for their trial class (which you can book, link at the bottom), I don’t just throw some steps at them and call it a day. I ask questions. A lot of them.
• What’s the vibe of your wedding?
• Do you want romantic, funny, dramatic, or chill?
• What kind of music do you both love?
• How do you want your guests to feel watching you?


This is your performance. It should feel like you. I always guide my couples with music suggestions, timing, and tempo, but I want the song to mean something to them. That’s what makes a wedding dance unforgettable.
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The challenge: Dancing with zero experience (and limited time!)


Let’s be real. Most couples who come to me for a first dance have never danced together before. Some have never danced, at all. And wedding prep is already a whirlwind. Between seating charts, fittings, and cake tastings (yum), dance lessons can feel like just another thing on the checklist.


That’s where I come in with my magic wand (aka years of experience, intuition, and patience).

I think about:
• The bride’s dress, can she move in it?
• The space on the dance floor, how big or small?
• The time they have, are we working with three months or… three days?


Yes, I’ve choreographed a full wedding dance for complete beginners with just 2-3 days of prep.
Yes, it was a success.
Yes, I really do this, and my Google Reviews can back me up!

One of the trickiest things is not even the dancing, it’s the communication. When you’re tired, stressed, and your partner keeps forgetting the steps, things can get heated. But I’ve seen it all. I know how to balance the energy, give both people space, and gently guide them back to enjoying the process together.

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My own wedding dance… a 3-chapter surprise

Let me share something fun. My husband and I had a wedding dance of our own, of course!
But even I didn’t expect it to turn into a three-part performance.

Here’s how it went:

Chapter 1: A slow romantic section, something soft and dreamy.
Chapter 2: A cheeky Latin twist, because, well, we couldn’t resist.
Chapter 3: A final surprise with a funky rhythm that had people clapping along.

Now here’s the funny part: My husband said, “Babe, I want this and that, and you just do your trick. Let’s impress the whole yacht of people.”
And yes, our wedding was on a yacht.
And yes, we had about 70 guests, many of them were DJs, musicians, festival lovers. Basically, a crowd with VERY good taste in music.


So picking the song? That was the hardest part. I’ve helped dozens (maybe hundreds) of couples pick their wedding dance songs. So choosing something that felt unique and personal for us, especially with that audience, was intense.

But we made it work.

We had 7-8 mini sessions, carved out just enough time in between the chaos of planning, and created something magical.
And guess what? People still talk about how well my husband danced. I made sure to highlight him as the Leader, but of course, I had to sprinkle a little “Amalia” sparkle in there too!
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Here’s what I’ve learned from years of first dance prep:
• Your first dance is not a competition. It’s a moment of connection.
• Less is more. A simple, clean routine with confidence always wins over overly complicated choreography.
• Song choice matters. It sets the tone. Pick something that moves you both, even if it’s not on a “wedding playlist” on Spotify.
• It’s okay to laugh. Some of the best moments in wedding dances come from little hiccups and improvisations.
• The journey is as special as the moment. The giggles during lessons, the learning curve, the way you start moving as a team, that’s all part of the magic.

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Thinking about your own first dance?

Whether you’ve got months to prepare or you’re 10 days out and panicking, don’t worry, I’ve got you.

Book a trial class with me, and we’ll talk about your vision, your music, and how to make your first dance feel effortless and beautiful.
Also, check out some of my past couples and their stories on social media (you’ll find laughs, love, and maybe a little inspo too).
And don’t forget to take a peek at my 5-star Google Reviews, because yes, I really do make miracles happen.

Your first dance doesn’t need to be perfect.
It just needs to be yours.

See you on the dance floor!

When people first start dancing, especially as leaders, they usually have one of a few goals in mind:

• Impress their partner with smooth moves and confident dips.
• Become the life of the party, catching eyes with their effortless style.
• Boost confidence, improve posture, and develop better body awareness (especially if they have a desk job).

No matter their motivation, they all discover the same incredible benefit—dancing is more than just moving to the beat. It’s about leadership, connection, and communication.

I’ve worked with countless leaders over the years, and I can confidently say that great leadership in dance (just like in life) isn’t about controlling or forcing—it’s about guidance. You’re not dragging your partner from point A to point B. You’re inviting them into the movement, making it feel natural, easy, and—most importantly—fun.

What Makes a Great Dance Leader?
Through my experience coaching leaders, I’ve identified a few key qualities that separate an okay leader from a great one. The good news? These qualities aren’t something you’re born with—they can be learned and developed over time.

Here’s what every strong leader needs:

• Dedication – Showing up consistently, even when progress feels slow.
•  Commitment – Sticking to the learning process instead of chasing quick fixes.
•  Discipline – Practicing regularly, even when no one is watching.
•  Patience – Giving yourself time to grow instead of getting frustrated.
•  Trust in the Process – Understanding that talent is only 10% of success—the rest comes from work and belief in yourself.

Here's a real life story of success. I have a student—let’s call him A Student—who walked into my class with zero dance experience. No rhythm, no previous training, nothing. But here’s the difference: he followed my plan.

He didn’t rush the process. He practiced the details. He trusted me when I told him that the small things (hand placement, weight transfer, subtle shifts in energy) would eventually make a huge impact.

And guess what? They did.

Now, my other students—some of whom have more natural ability—watch him in class and ask:

“How is he so smooth?”
“Where did he learn all these cool combinations?”
Recently, A Student showed a dance video from our class to a new friend. Without knowing he was a student, the friend casually asked:  “Oh, are you a salsa instructor?” 

That’s the kind of transformation I love to see. It proves that becoming a great leader isn’t about talent—it’s about learning the right details, practicing them, and believing in yourself.

The Difference Between “Leading” and “Dragging” is a common mistake new leaders make is thinking they have to control their partner. They try to push, pull, or steer them aggressively into the right moves. This usually leads to:

•  A tense partner who feels forced into every step.
•  A choppy, robotic connection with no flow.
•  A leader who looks (and feels) stressed instead of confident.

Great leading is the opposite—it’s about guidance. Instead of dragging your partner through the dance, you:

•  Give clear signals – Use body movement and gentle cues, not force.
•  Respect the connection – Pay attention to your partner’s response.
•  Lead with confidence – Uncertainty in your own movement creates confusion.
•  Stay relaxed – A stiff leader creates a stiff partner. Relaxation makes everything feel smoother.

So here me when I say, "Dance (and Leadership) Is for Everyone". One of my favorite things about dance is that anyone can learn it. I’ve worked with students of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels. I’ve seen people who swore they had “two left feet” become confident social dancers.

The secret? They learned to trust the process.

Dancing can look complicated from the outside, but when you break it down into small, manageable details, it becomes comfortable—even effortless. The key is:

• Knowing the right details – Small things (like hand placement, timing, and posture) make a huge difference.
• Practicing consistently – Even just 10-15 minutes a day can create visible improvements.
• Trusting your instructor – Sometimes, we see potential in you that you don’t see in yourself (yet).

I’ve proved this time and time again, and I’ll keep proving it—because I believe in my students, even when they don’t believe in themselves.

Want to Learn How to Lead Like a Pro? If you’ve ever watched great dancers and thought, I wish I could do that, the good news is—you can! All it takes is the right guidance and a little bit of practice.

​Want to give it a try? Book a trial class with me here:

Have you ever found yourself moving to music without even realizing it? For me, dance is everything—it’s how I express myself, how I connect with others, and, let’s be honest, how I have fun. My husband? Well, he’s no professional, but he’s got some serious moves when the music hits. The funny thing is, we come from completely different worlds of music (electronic, funk, and hip hop music festivals,) but somehow, when the beat drops, we find our rhythm together.
One of our favorite things to do is hit up parties or electronic music festivals. Picture this: neon lights flashing, the bass shaking the ground, and a crowd of people just vibing. My husband and I can’t help ourselves. We dive into the music and start dancing. But here’s the twist—while everyone else is grooving to the beats, we’re throwing in some Latin moves. A cha-cha here, a salsa spin there. It’s like blending two worlds, and honestly, it’s a blast.
Of course, it’s not always perfect. My husband, being the free spirit he is, throws in some goofy twists and turns that have no connection to the music. He steps on my toes, and we miss a beat here and there, but we just laugh and keep going. That’s what makes it so much fun. People around us start noticing, and before we know it, they’re clapping, cheering, and sometimes even joining in. It’s the best feeling.
A Night to Remember
There was this one rooftop party in Dubai over at Monkey Bar—the kind where the music is so loud you feel it in your chest. The DJ was spinning some wild techno tracks with some Arabic flavor, and my husband decided it was the perfect time to pull me into a salsa routine. The beat had nothing to do with salsa, but who cares? We twirled, we dipped, and yes, he stepped on my toes (again). We were a little off-rhythm, but instead of stopping, we leaned into it. We laughed so hard, and that’s when people started circling around us.
One couple came up and asked how we managed to blend such different music with Latin dance. Another person told us they’d always been too shy to dance but felt inspired watching us. That moment wasn’t about perfect choreography; it was about letting go, being yourself, and connecting with others. It’s the kind of magic that happens when you just let the music take over.
What Dance Teaches Us
These moments have taught me so much about dance and about life:

1. Dance Is for Everyone: You don’t need the perfect song or the perfect steps. Just feel the music and move. It’s that simple.
2. Mistakes Are Part of the Fun: Whether you’re a pro like me or a freestyle champ like my husband, mistakes are going to happen. Laugh them off and keep going.
3. Dance Brings People Together: There’s something about dancing that breaks down walls. You don’t need to speak the same language or know the same steps—just move together.
4. Have Fun: At the end of the day, dance isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about feeling good and enjoying the moment.

Let’s Dance Together
If you’ve ever thought about dancing but felt too shy or unsure, let me tell you this: You can do it. Whether it’s salsa, ballroom, or just finding your own groove, dance has a way of bringing out the best in you. And I’d love to help you get started.
Ready to take the first step? Book a trial class with me here. Let’s make some magic on the dance floor.
For more fun stories and tips, follow me on social media. And don’t forget to check out my 5-star reviews from people who’ve discovered the joy of dance with me. https://g.co/kgs/pDsd1Sr
Dance isn’t just about steps—it’s about stories, connections, and feeling alive. So, what are you waiting for? The music is calling, and the dance floor is yours. (OMG, me and these quotes today...)