Meet Senior Vice President Aleh Kulyba

Meeting USA Dance’s Senior Vice President.

AI tools for consumers (like ChatGPT) surged popularity in 2022-2023. The advances in computer power, the availability of data, and new algorithms have led to major breakthroughs for many in the world.   All my interviews had been using the speaker option on my iPhone and relying on my memory of the conversation. I was excited and nervous about the interview with Aleh Kulyba because he was to provide Zoom AI Companion during our interview. Being a creative writer, I thought I might be replaced by AI. I have been on Zoom meetings before, but this was my first time using AI Companion.  How many of you readers have used AI Companion, Google Gemini, or ChatGPT for iPhone?

I realized that Aleh gives attention to detail and knows how to use technology.  A patient teacher, Aleh taught me how to use the application.  AI Companion technology automated the administrative task of note-taking and summarized the key points and action items. I didn’t have to take notes while I was interviewing or rely totally on my memory of the conversation. 

Who is Aleh Kulyba?

Born in Russia’s Far East, Aleh later moved to Belarus. His father was with the Military Air Force, and his mother was a pharmacist – neither had a dance background. At age three, Aleh Kulyba took an interest in ballroom dancing when his sister began to dance.  As his passion for dance grew, he competed in Youth Standard and Latin style categories.  Motivated, he won a national title and later represented his country at the European Championships. He also competed in the German Open Championships.

While in Belarus, Aleh earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Computer Science and Economics, and a degree in Physical Education and DanceSport Teaching Education. Transitioning from competing to teaching, he was a dance instructor for the Sigma DanceSport Club, developing innovative training programs for junior competitors. He also worked at the VIP DanceSport Club in Gomel, Belarus, establishing kids training programs and providing personalized support for competitive couples.   

Looking for a new experience and a new dance partner, he moved to the United States.  As Dance Program Director at the New England DanceSport Academy in Westwood, Massachusetts, he introduced classes that bridged dance and gymnastics to attract a diverse range of participants. As a dance instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Jupiter, Florida, he choreographed showcases and competitive routines in accordance with the Fred Astaire Syllabus guidelines.

Aleh is multidimensional.  Enjoying his life in Boston, Massachusetts, he currently works for S&P Global Market Intelligence as a Senior Software Engineer. He loves to use his analytical mind to support business and customer needs.

When not working for S&P Global, he is also a dance instructor who trains USA Dance World representatives in Junior II, Youth, and Adult categories, and has prepared couples to participate in the 2016 Junior Olympics. He loves the movement of dance, watching his DanceSport students improve through a structured testing system that follows competition guidelines, and the social connection that dance provides.

With over 25 years of ballroom dance experience as a competitor, coach, and educator, he is also a World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) Licensed Adjudicator for Ballroom and Latin. Aleh gained his judging experience at WDSF Cambrils, Spain; WDSF World Championship for Latin in Bremen, Germany; WDSF German Open Championship; and WDSF Salaspils, Latvia.

As a member of USA Dance and the prior Education Director, he was offered the Senior Vice President position in May 2025.    Why did he take the position? “I am excited to learn, build new programs, and take on greater responsibilities,” Aleh commented.

Per Aleh, a good leader needs to have the ability to learn and recognize mistakes. He emphasizes taking responsibility for actions rather than just giving orders.  Leaders must acknowledge mistakes and learn from them to be effective.  

As the Senior Vice-President, what plans do you have?  

Future Overall Goal and Structure 

The overall mission statement of USA Dance is to improve the quality and quantity of dance in the United States.  USA Dance operates with approximately 5600 members, of whom the majority are social dancers. USA Dance is largely volunteer-led, with many leaders directly supporting project execution.

Unlike corporations, USA Dance does not have large teams — typically 2-3 people per project.  Giving you a broad overview, USA Dance has a central office with a volunteer staff: President, Senior Vice President, Vice President of Social Dance, Vice President of DanceSport, and Treasurer.  Under the Social Dance Council are  Activities, Events, Communication, Training and Education, Director of Chapter Relations, 11 District Directors, and 150 Chapters from across the United States.  There is also a College Network Director, led by a director and supported by committees.

Within each Chapter, there is a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Directors, and members. Some chapters develop their own documentation, update websites, write social media posts, and create marketing materials.

Using Google tools (Search/Ads/SEO), Aleh’s focus is to provide better search engines for both members and nonmembers. By using relevant keywords and keeping calendars updated, dancers can more easily find local events through Google Search.   

Overview of USA Dance’s Major Projects and Coordination Efforts

The following initiatives reflect the ongoing work being led by the USA Dance Leadership to strengthen USA Dance’s visibility, improve communication and coordination across the organization, and better support members, chapters, volunteers, and event organizers. These efforts focus on modernizing systems, expanding outreach through digital tools, and ensuring that the significant volunteer contributions across the organization are accurately documented and leveraged to support future growth.

Major Projects

1. USA Dance is working to reactivate its Google Ad Grants account, unlocking up to $10,000 per month in in-kind advertising that had gone unused for nine years. These ads will increase online visibility, promote membership, and help the public more easily discover USA Dance programs and events.
2. Work is underway to make it easier for people to find nearby USA Dance events through Google Search, improving access for both current members and prospective dancers seeking local opportunities to participate.
3. A new volunteer platform is being developed for competitions to better estimate and track volunteer hours. This system will document the approximately 10,000–20,000 volunteer hours contributed each quarter, creating valuable data to support grant writing and demonstrate the organization’s community impact.
4. Testing of the volunteer platform is nearing completion, with plans to launch it for competition organizers and prospective chapter leaders to streamline volunteer coordination and participation.
5. Efforts are focused on improving the visibility of American Dancer in Google Search results so that it appears under “Dance publications.” Enhancements will make the publication more user-friendly and ensure it is included in Google Grant advertising campaigns.
6. The Senior Vice President has participated in the development of internal adjudicator examinations, the creation of national social dance events, the Professional Excellence Summit, and the expansion of programs serving college students and senior dancers.
7. USA Dance is developing a more modern organizational “toolbox” to improve how the organization communicates with members, supports events and organizers, and responds more efficiently to member inquiries.

Current Coordination Process

Chapter leaders are being asked to provide social event calendar information to the central office earlier so that the USA Dance website can be updated in a timely manner. This coordination supports Google advertising that directs potential dancers to event listings, rather than relying solely on social media platforms such as Facebook.

To facilitate this process, tools such as Google Workspace, shared calendars, or a centralized web portal are being considered to improve connections between chapter offices and the central office. A designated website coordinator will receive event information and post it to the national USA Dance calendar.

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date event listings is critical. When events are missing or outdated, potential members may become discouraged if they cannot find opportunities in their region and may look elsewhere.

Integration with Marketing

This coordinated approach directly supports the $10,000 monthly Google Grant advertising program by ensuring that search ads lead to accurate, up-to-date event information. The effectiveness of the system depends on chapters, organizers, and committees providing information early enough for the central office to publish it before advertising campaigns drive traffic to the website.

Ultimately, this process relies on strong relationships and clear communication channels between leaders at all levels and the central office to ensure consistent, timely, and effective promotion of USA Dance activities nationwide.

Aleh’s personal view on AI dance lessons

Using AI in dance instructions is not a current organizational priority. However, USA Dance does use AI note-taking for some organizational meetings. 

Aleh is cautious about using AI for dance instruction because a human connection is essential to feel the joy of dance. Dance lessons by a live person provide a social connection that AI cannot replace.  However, AI could potentially help judge technical aspects. It can give instant, data-driven feedback on posture, timing, and alignment.  AI helps organize information, making it accessible and useful. It is important that data input be accurate and ethical to obtain the best possible information output.

Aleh, what would you like to say to our readers?

“I wish you a Happy Holiday season filled with the joy of dance!” said Aleh. “Please submit your ideas to me at senior-vp@usadance.org. Share your talents, and volunteer to help with your local chapter.” 

Writer’s note.

It was an honor to meet Aleh Kulyba, Senior Vice President of USA Dance. His visionary leadership, in-depth knowledge of technology, and dance history will help to give USA Dance and American Dancer visibility.