Nikolai Tarasov

Nikolai Tarasov is originally from Murmansk, Russia, where his dancing journey began after he fell in love with a classmate and wanted to dance with her. Growing up, he developed a strong appreciation for theater and the arts, interests that naturally complemented his passion for ballroom. Nikolai competed in both 10-Dance and Latin, becoming a 10-Dance USA Champion before ultimately focusing on Latin. His competitive career eventually brought him to the international dance scene, where a meeting with Sarah in Blackpool became a major turning point. Before coming to the United States, Nikolai also studied psychology at university, adding an academic dimension to his artistic career. Today, he is based between San Francisco and Los Angeles, continuing to compete, teach, and pursue ambitious goals in professional Latin.

Sarah Nolan was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, where her passion for dance began unexpectedly when she was cast as Cinderella in a school play. That experience sparked a lasting love of performance and led her toward competitive ballroom. Sarah later moved to England, spending almost two years living with her coach and training intensively in London. She competed in both 10-Dance and Latin, earning national titles in New Zealand before choosing Latin as her primary discipline. A defining moment came when she met Nikolai in Blackpool in 2015. After beginning a long-distance relationship, they eventually relocated to be together, and started their dance partnership in 2016. Today, Sarah combines her international training and competitive experience with a love of performance, while sharing her life in California with Nikolai and their puppy, Mia.

Nikolai and Sarah met in Blackpool in 2015 and spent approximately six months in a long-distance relationship before moving in together. In 2016, they began their partnership, bringing together their extensive international experience in 10-Dance and Latin. As amateurs, they became three-time Amateur Latin finalists and Blackpool Dance Festival Rising Star Vice-Champions, while also reaching finals and semifinals at major competitions across the USA and Europe. They turned professional in 2021 and quickly established themselves among the leading Professional Latin couples in the United States. Now based between San Francisco and Los Angeles, they continue to compete and work together while pursuing their goal of making an even greater impact on the USA dance scene and internationally. Their partnership combines international training, competitive ambition, and a shared commitment to continual growth.