About ANNA
Hello and welcome!
My name is Anna Shahbazyan and I am the principal at ASDance for Autism.
I am originally from Armenia and moved to the US in 2001 where I pursued my career as a professional Ballroom dancer while continuing education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) acquiring my BA in Psychology and later earning my Masters Degree. After receiving my MA, I worked in the ABA field first as a behavior interventionist and later as an Adaptive Skills Supervisor for over seven years.
Currently I work with children and teens with Autism and other developmental disabilities (Aspergers, dyspraxia, verbal and visual impairments, MR, CP…) as well as their families through Ballroom Dancing, which in my opinion is the perfect balance between therapy, physical and psychological activity, leisure and socialization.
*Recipient of the Community Service Award in 2016 by NDCA (National Dance Council of America), for contribution to the community (for her work with children with Autism) as an ambassador of dance.
*Advisory Board Member for DanceSport Education (a not for profit organization based in AZ) supporting their mission in reaching out to All children, especially those with Special needs to experience the long term benefits of Ballroom dancing.
*Past achievements - Open Professional Smooth World and Blackpool Finalist, Blackpool (British Open), US National Professional RS Smooth Silver Medalist, US National RS Ballroom Finalist, US National Open Professional Semifinalist.
*Certified dance teacher through USTA (United States Terpsichore Association) - Fellow in Ballroom, Member in Latin, Smooth and Rhythm.
US National Adjudicator License
National Dance Council of America
USTA United States Terpsichore Association
Advisor:
About Alexandra
My name is Alexandra Hopwood, I am originally from Ukraine where I started my path of Ballroom dancing, I spent most of my adult life living in England where I grew up and continued my career as a Ballroom Dancer. I am currently a 3 times UK Closed National Professional Latin Finalist, 2 times British National Professional Latin Finalist and an International Rising Star Professional Latin Semi Finalist. I am a fully certified Ballroom Adjudicator through the Allied Dancing Association, part of the British Dance Council and I am currently working on my US Ballroom Adjudicating license.
Growing up, I only ever saw Ballroom dancing as a competitive sport, however with time I have discovered that it offers far greater benefits to all adults and children in various beautiful ways, from short term to long term physical, mental, and social growth.While teaching in the UK I have had the pleasure to closely work with a couple who performed weekly in various retirement homes for Alzheimers and Dementia patients across the UK, and it was then when I have discovered the beautiful benefits that Ballroom has to offer. Since then I have set on a path to find ways to get involved, expand and grow my knowledge to how best use my skills to help children and adults with various disadvantages to benefit from Ballroom dancing. Once moving to the US I sought out ways to continue my involvement in local communities to continue on my path, which is when I found Anna’s beautiful work, Dance for Autism. I am excited to be a part of her journey and also currently looking to get involved with Ballroom programs for people with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome.
British Closed and UK Closed Professional Latin finalists
ABOUT BRIAN
I have over 20 years experience teaching Ballroom. I l was a professional competitor in American Smooth and Rhythm; however, my passion was teaching, so I started my teaching career in 2001, and even operated my own Ballroom Dance studio in Ohio till i moved. My dedication and professionalism have lead me to many successes, such as being recognized as one of the Top Teachers in our industry, winning World Dancesport Series Top Teacher, the runner up at Dancer’s Cup Tour and finalist on several occasions, as well as the Overall Top Teacher at many of the prestigious competitions held in the USA.
My love for working with teens and adults on Autism Spectrum started in spring 2024, after watching Anna’s work. Now I enjoy working with this community and look forward to All the success stories throughout our journey.
