On July 3, 2025, USA Dance athletes Daniel Kogan and Elizaveta Tsymbaliuk will celebrate their first anniversary as a duo. One year…but what a year it has been!
In just one year, this young couple has climbed onto podiums at numerous competitions, earned medals at the 2025 USA Dance National Championships in both the International Standard and Latin divisions, and claimed the title of United States National Youth 10-Dance Champions. Their remarkable successes even earned them the honor of being invited to represent the United States at the World DanceSport Federation World Championships.
It appears that destiny played a role in forming this remarkable team. Countless factors needed to align perfectly—not just for these two dancers to connect and practice together, but also to dedicate themselves to training and shaping their future, all while facing the hurdle of residing in different states: Connecticut and New York.
Elizaveta Tsymbaliuk (now 17) came to the United States from Moscow, Russia, in September 2023. Although she spoke no English, she was already a confident and decorated dancer, achieving top placements at Russian Nationals, European, and world competitions. She was accompanied by her mother and lifelong coach, Mariia Kurnosova, a world-class professional with over 20 years of experience as a highly successful coach and judge in Russia. There, she trained generations of champions and finalists.
Daniel Kogan (17) was an accomplished young American dancer who had trained under Professional Dancer and Choreographer Ilya Barmotin. Ilya instilled in him a deep passion for dance and a strong work ethic.
On July 3, 2025, Daniel and Elizaveta held their first tryout. This turned out to be an experience that would signify the start of a transformative year for the young couple. However, few could have predicted how quickly they would skyrocket to the top of the United States podiums. Despite their backgrounds, different training, and geographical distance, the couple began training intensely across state lines. Their shared goals outweighed every logistical challenge.
Mariia quickly became one of the key driving forces behind the couple’s development, offering expert coaching, consistent guidance, and unwavering support at practices and competitions. Her vast experience, knowledge, and skills with athletes of all ages significantly contributed to Daniel and Elizaveta’s rapid progress, resulting in their competitive achievements.
Mariia has since joined USA Dance as a certified coach and judge and brings an invaluable depth and refined perspective. Her expertise will greatly benefit all the athletes of this organization.
This story transcends a mere tale of competitive success. It serves as a testament to resilience, passion, and a lifelong commitment to a craft. It is a journey that connects mothers and daughters, coaches and students, and dreamers and achievers.
The duo of Daniel and Elizaveta demonstrates that differing backgrounds, time constraints, and great distances cannot hinder those who are truly dedicated to the art of dance. Keep an eye out for this promising couple on the USA Dance competition dance floor.
Mariia Kurnosova serves as a powerful example of how unwavering professionalism and dedication to one’s craft can endure, even when faced with the challenges of starting anew in a different country.
Their journey is just beginning, yet it already inspires others to dance, believe, and reach for greatness, no matter what.
