Interview: Alex Romanov

– Where did you live before coming to Austin?

 Before coming to Austin, I lived in Russia, in the Kazan city, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russia).

 My story of moving to the United States began in Washington DC.  From there I went to northern Wisconsin, Milwaukee.  As a result, for the last two years I have been living in warm Austin.  During my dancing career in Russia I have achieved high professional results: bronze medalist of IDSF Open World standard, winner of All-Russian competitions, champion of the Republic of Tatarstan and multiple champion of Kazan.  Also, I was active in social activities and was a participant in television show projects, republican and city events, brought up young students, being a certified coach in sports ballroom dancing.  I was the founder and owner of the dance studio “Romano”

– What are you doing in Austin?

 I continue my professional dance career with my professional partner Anna Blagodyreva.  More recently, we launched the “A&A Dance Project” campaign, which aims to develop and popularize ballroom dancing among children and adults in the United States and especially in Texas.

– Please tell us a little more about your future plans

 The “A & A Dance Project” company, of which I am the owner, is planning a series of different events and projects this year.  Some of them are in cooperation with the Russian Cultural Center in Austin and school “Sputnik”.  So far, I can only say that a lot of interesting things await you this year.  Follow the announcements in social networks.

– Tell us about your family

 I have a beautiful daughter, Evangelina, or, as she loves, just Eva, who turned 7 this year.  This is the person who makes me live, create, create and believe in the future.  Eva is my ideal and a hero with a capital letter!

– How has your lifestyle in the United States changed?

 I think my whole life has completely changed.  Something is for the better, some is not.  But what has changed is very big. 

– What are your hobbies?

 Strange as it may sound from my side, but I love fishing.  In the trunk of my car I always have a fishing rod and tackle.

 Truth be told, I haven’t found a really good place to go fishing in Austin in two years.  And I love to travel, of course.

– Do you travel a lot?

 Because of  my profession, I have the opportunity to travel a lot both in the territory of the United States of America and beyond its borders.  Among other things, this is a great opportunity to get new emotions, impressions and inspiration.

– Tell about your favorite movies and books

 I love films that make you think about life.  Unfortunately, such films can be counted on your fingers.  As for books, to my great regret, I have never had a favorite.

 Such films from a series of films that make you think, for example, such a film as The Butterfly Effect.  As for just light films that warm the heart, this is probably Harry Potter and all parts of the Lord of the Rings.

 Among the books, I choose the scientific literature.

– Do you think Austin need a Russian Cultural Center, and would you like to participate in the events?

 Yes, it is definitely needed.  This is a great place where children can keep practicing the Russian language, find new friends and learn a lot about Russian culture and traditions.

 As for the events of the Russian Cultural Center, as I mentioned above, there are certain plans to collaborate in the future …

– What else would you like to tell our readers?

Looking forward to seeing you and your children at dance lessons and events.  See you on the floor!

 

Contact information:

Alex Romanov

Tel. 413-391-4573

E-mail: 020582alexdance@gmail.com

 

Interviewer: Viktoria Romanova

Editor: Olga Falkowski

Publisher: Russian Cultural Center