You can become anything you set your mind to, if you simply believe, apply yourself and never give up. That’s exactly what Oleg Astakhov set out to accomplish in the world of dancing.
Initially receiving star-studded status from the Polish “TV Big Brother” show in 2004 as the first non-Polish participant of the show, there and then, he recognized he could not only entertain but also, add value to people’s lives. What better way to express that except through dancing.
Today, Oleg is an extremely popular internet celebrity on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. With an off the charts viewership, most of his dance videos and tutorials have received more than 36 million views. He teaches his students various Latin American dance moves like the Bachata, Cha Cha, Jive, Lambada, Macarena, Mambo, Samba, Rumba, Salsa, Paso Doble, Polka, Swing, Tango, Waltz, Bachata. He loves connecting with his followers, encouraging and inspiring them to enjoy life to the fullest regardless of the challenges of daily living.
Oleg has taken this connection up a notch by creating the world’s first ballroom dancing app, “Dance with Oleg” established in 2022 for free download. This is all in a bid to help those who want to commit to dancing better without the limitation of access to learning from an excellent dance instructor. In the monthly subscription package, users have the option of choosing from beginner level, intermediate or expert level and can learn at their own pace.
His commitment to helping people through dance has caused him to open different dance studios,Ballroom Dancing LA (2007), Beverly Hills Dance Studio (2010), Vibe Dance Studio (2019) and in 2020, his most recent work of art, the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Arcadia California, the biggest franchise studio in the world.
“It’s not your failures that will define your future, but it’s how you choose to respond to them.” It’s Oleg’s firm belief that no matter the challenges you face in life, keep fighting for your dreams. Despite his Ukrainian roots, he has proven himself to be a resilient learner and highly skilled ballroom dance instructor of Latin American dance moves.
Ballroom dancing is where it is today, thanks to the recent trends in technology and so, influencers must stay up to date. As a serial and social entrepreneur, Oleg is fully aware of the widespread demand for professional guidance. When he can reach an audience, near and far, he uses dance to communicate.
It’s pretty obvious that Oleg’s huge contribution to the world of dance has not only sparked and inspired creativity in different pockets of the world, but has definitely laid the foundation for the next generation to build on.
He’s always thinking of the next big thing and actively pursuing his dreams and encouraging others to do the same. That’s one special feature that sets him apart. No matter the challenge, like a game of chess, he’s always thinking three or four steps ahead. When he combines his love for dancing with his business acumen, the result is a colourful chain of events that leaves everyone positively impacted. It is without a shadow of doubt that there’s still so much we can from this prolific dancer.