Our Dance Instructors
Sergey Malko
Executive Director, Choreographer, Head Coach Malko Performing Arts Academy
Sergey holds a World Dance Council certificate in International Latin and Standard. He is also professionally trained and holds the qualification of Teacher of the Ballroom Sports and professional choreography.
Ricardo Salazar
Ballroom and Latin Dance Instructor/Coach
Ricardo Salazar grew up in a professional ballroom dance family. As a second generation dancer, he started dancing at age 7 and began teaching at age 14 with his family’s studio, Salazar’s Dance Studio. Eventually becoming the Director of Salazar’s Dance Studio, he has trained many of the instructors that teach in the greater Sacramento area. Dance styles he teaches include American Ballroom and Latin, Salsa, East Coast and West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop.
Christine Comer
Christine has been teaching dance for 8 years, specializing in wedding dance and ballroom social dance training. She began dancing at age 8, and trained in ballet for 6 years. She is DVIDA certified in the ballroom and rhythm dances, including waltz, tango, foxtrot, swing, rumba, cha cha and more! She enjoys bringing out the love of dance in her students, and is available to help you get started on your dance journey!
Leslie Dickason
Leslie’s love of ballroom dancing began in 2011 when she took a social dancing class at UC Davis. From there she jumped head first into dancing, taking as many classes as she could, including joining the award-winning Spirit In Motion Dance Company, a ballroom and Latin formation dance team directed by Gwen Burton Luke. She held a leadership position in the dance company for 11 years, including recently being elected captain.
In 2019, Leslie enrolled in the Professional Ballroom Teacher’s Academy teacher training program under the instruction and guidance of Gwen Burton. She trained at the professional level in 17 different partner dances as a leader and a follower, specializing in American Smooth, Rhythm, and Club. She graduated from the program in 2021 and continues to contribute to the program as a teaching assistant.
Her students always look forward to her weekly group classes and expanding their dance ability in private lessons. She enjoys the creative process of creating and teaching choreography for couples for showcases, performances, competitions, and weddings. Leslie’s upbeat and bubbly personality keeps private lessons and classes lively! She enjoys sharing her passion for dance and performing any chance she gets.
