About Werner Figar
Werner Figar is an International Latin dancer who has been Austrian Champion 3 times, placed in the top 30 of the WDSF (World DanceSport Federation) and the top 31 of the WDC (World Dance Council) World Championships. He also recently performed on Dancing with the Stars Austria, partnering Christine Kaufmann, renowned actress and former wife of Tony Curtis.
Werner started as a gymnast at the age of 5, but when he was 8, he was inspired to dance by the movie Dirty Dancing. He started competing with his sister with whom he was 3 times Austrian Amateur Latin Champion! When he was 18, he decided pursue other dance styles and learned modern, ballet and jazz. He performed in many musicals in Europe such as West Side Story, then he moved to New York City to study modern dance at Alvin Ailey. After completing the program at Ailey, he was invited to join the Elisa Monte Dance Company and toured all around the globe. In 2009, he fell back in love with competitive ballroom dancing and has continued to push the boundaries in International Latin dancing! |
About Shimkiri
Shimkiri was an inspired dancer at the age of 3! Throughout her childhood, she took ballet, tap and gymnastics. While in college, she continued her inspiration for dancing with ballroom and Latin dancing. As she finished college, she continued pursuing Latin dancing through competing, where she won several titles including the title of Edison Ballroom Champion, and trained with many world-renown coaches and champions, including Lynn Harmen, Graham Oswick, Vibeke Toft, Espen Salberg, Sammy Stopford and Shirley Ballas. When she and Werner met and fell in love, they decided that to dance and compete together was a dream that was too good to miss! They have been competing nationally and internationally together ever since.
In addition to specializing in International Latin, Shimkiri is also certified in American Rhythm. Whether you are a beginner, a competitive Latin dancer, a social dancer, or getting ready for your wedding dance, Shimkiri is excited to share her knowledge and love of dance with you! |
