Celebrities hit the dance floor on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” along with well trained, professional dancers such as EC’s very own Anna Trebunskaya, 28, undeclared major.
“I’ve been dancing since I was seven. My inspirations are probably my mom because she’s also a professional dancer and has been for almost 30 years,” Trebunskaya said.
Trebunskaya auditioned with about 60 other professionals to compete in “Dancing with the Stars” and she was one of the few that was chosen and has competed in seasons 2, 5, and 6.
“I wasn’t able to do the first season because the celebrity that I was partnered with backed out of the competition, but (I) was able to do the second season with Jerry Rice,” Trebunskaya said.
This passionate, yet talented dancer, was not only a competitor in “Dancing with the Stars;” she was also a teacher who had very little time to coach her partner.
“For ‘Dancing with The Stars,’ we get about five days to prepare. Some challenges with dancing with a celebrity are that they don’t know what they’re doing; it’s completely out of their comfort zone. We need to make sure they look good in five days when they really need 3 months,” Trebunskaya said.
For the past nine years, Trebunskaya’s main style of dance has been International Latin. She has competed in numerous competitions around the world, including her native country, Russia.
“I’ve competed professionally for about nine years in the U.S. in major competitions like the U.S. Championship in Florida and America’s Ballroom Challenge in Ohio which was shown on PBS,” Trebunskaya said, “Preparations include having a partner and normally (having) like five different routines and (being) on the same level; you get two or three months to prepare.”
Celebrities aren’t the only students of Trebunskaya, she and her mother have many more in their studio that they’ve opened up in Hermosa Beach called “You Can Dance.”
For people who are interested in ballroom lessons from Anna and her mother, can visit the Web site http://www.ycdstudio.com/ and check-out the special offers.
“Classes are $16 a person for each class and the private classes are at $79. We have classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,” Trebunskaya said.
This talented dancer gives the impression that she has very little time on her hands as she speaks of preparations for competitions and coaching students, but nevertheless she believes it would not only be important, but beneficial to study at EC.
“I’m taking CIS 13 which is a basic computer class because, as you know, everyone needs to know some computer skills. I’m also taking theater which is a lot of fun and will help (me with my performance)on stage,” Trebunskaya said.
These are the first classes Trebunskaya has taken here at EC and hopes to have enough time to take more classes that’ll fit her busy schedule.
“I’d love to take more classes like in the summer, but right now at this point my work is my priority and if I have to travel a lot it wouldn’t work out,” Trebunskaya said.
Trebunskaya hopes to accomplish her dream of becoming a U.S. champion and will not let anyone stop her from reaching those dreams, including herself during times of frustration.
“I get frustrated with myself all the time, especially when you hear something a coach tells you 100 times and you still can’t do it, but you never give up, a dancer who gives up might as well retire,” Trebunskaya said.
For more information on Anna, readers may visit the Web site http://www.jonathanrobertsdancer.com/ and get a glimpse of Anna’s season on “Dancing with The Stars.”
