By Nanette Wiser
DANCE KING
Twenty-five years ago, Ivan Grigorov left Bulgaria to pursue his dream of living in the United States. Since then, Ivan, the owner and lead instructor for Dance Passion Studio in St. Petersburg, strives every day to bringthe joy of dancing to everyone. As a painfully shy youth in Bulgaria, Ivan discovered dancing at the age of 12 as a way to build confidence and make friends; his talent won him awards on the competitive the ballroom dance circuit. After completing university in Bulgaria, Ivan ran a computer animation company by day, still dancing competively at nights. In 1998, he immigrated to Tampa where he worked at the St. Pete Fred Astaire studio for 10 years, becoming a top national instructor and eventually a manager. In 2017, Ivan opened his own studio, Dance Passion on Central Ave. The pandemic nearly destroyed the business, but he has reopened the studio and Dance Passion is reintroducing beginners and training competitive dancers in social dancing (salsa, hustle, swing, etc.), country dancing, line dancing, amateur and competitive ballroom, and everything in between. He frequently choreographs first wedding dances, father/daughter dances, competitive routines and quinceañera showcase dances. For Ivan, dance is therapeutic, and the reward comes from teaching. “When people see what they can achieve, I make their day. For everyone it’s different – that’s what I love. Even for myself, when I have a hard day, after 10 minutes of dancing, I change. I feel better. I’m smiling. I’m enjoying it doesn’t matter what happened that day. It’s easier to manage it. It’s easier to move forward.” The first class is free, and they host regular dance parties. dancepassionfl.com
SONGBIRD HOMECOMING
In July, The James Museum and American Stage Theater Company presented the Bistro Award Winning show “From The Soul” starring Broadway’s Blaine Krauss (Hamilton, The Cher Show, Kinky Boots, The Great Comet). The show has been sold out in New York City’s 54 Below and Joes Pub and featured this acclaimed St. Pete native who graduated Pinellas County Center for the Arts, Gibbs High School. It was his first live performance in St. Petersburg in 10+ years since he left for the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Krauss is currently starring in Hamilton as the standby for both Hamilton and Burr. He was thrilled to be part of the second season of Pose while appearing in The Cher Show on Broadway. Prior to that he was seen as Lola in Kinky Boots shortly after making his Broadway debut in the smash hit Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. He traveled the world as Simba in The Lion King and starred in the Radio City Summer Spectacular. Krauss regularly performs with symphonies around the globe and is a regular performer at Feinstein’s/54 Below.
THE FACTORY
What a gem! In addition to Daddy Kool Records, Heiress Gallery, artists’ studios and Second Saturday Art Walk, this vibrant artistic haven offers dance classes and hosts two fab events in August. On 8/12, Keep St. Pete Lit hosts a book sale, there’s a live storytelling night and The Bula Burua Gallery has its monthly Fine Art & Rose. They are in Building 7 of The Factory St. Pete, next door to The Fairgrounds St. Pete Museum. Complimentary parking is just behind the building. On 8/19, The Freakin’ Warehouse Party is a night of underground Progressive House and Techno: DJs, Bliss Lounge, flow performers, local vendors, and special guest Austin Pettit. thefactorystpete.com
