Jon Stojan
Image credit: Roman Shabanov
Roman Shabanov, a distinguished figure in the international disco dance community, is set to revolutionize the American dance scene by introducing and nurturing this electrifying and globally competitive art form in the United States. Disco Dance, governed at the highest level by the International Dance Organization (IDO), is a fast-paced, athletic, and performance-driven style that has captivated audiences across Europe. The IDO, recognized in 90+ countries and affiliated with national Olympic committees, is the world’s most prestigious governing body for competitive dance.
Roman’s deep roots in IDO competitions as a European Champion and Vice World Champion position him as one of the few individuals uniquely qualified to bring this discipline to U.S. soil and raise American dancers to the global stage. He transitioned his career from a champion competitor to a visionary coach and choreographer over two decades which underscores his commitment to cultivating the next generation of champions.
When Roman Shabanov first stepped into a dance studio at eight years old, he was making a lifelong commitment to an art form that would take him from Russia’s national stages to global acclaim. His approach is to train the next generation of champions from the ground up with world-class coaching, innovative choreography, and vision for excellence.
He received the title of European Champion in Disco Dance (2015, Sweden), Vice World and Vice European Champion (2011), and multi-time Russian National Champion, Roman holds more national and international. As a VIP judge at over 20 international competitions across 10 countries, a member of the Russian National Disco Dance Committee, and a coach of over 50 national and international champions, Roman has become a living blueprint for what elite-level disco dance can achieve.
Yet, despite the thriving scene in Europe, Disco Dance remains an underrepresented art form in the US. Roman said that this is a huge opportunity because there is so much untapped potential here. American dancers have the athleticism, artistry, and drive. It is just a matter of exposure, education, and access to the right training. That’s precisely where Roman’s mission begins.
Roman’s story is one of early passion, relentless discipline, and a natural flair for performance. His foundation was built on ballroom, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and modern dances that give him the versatility that now defines his signature choreographic style. At just 15, he fully immersed himself in the high-octane world of Disco Dance to quickly make waves on the international circuit. By 18, he had claimed the titles of Vice European and Vice World Champion.
Roman became the first male dancer from Russia to break into the top tiers of Disco Dance on a global stage. He earned the respect of international federations and redefined the role of Russian athletes in the sport. He won numerous national and international titles across solo, duo, and freestyle categories between 2008 and 2018.
As a thought leader, he has trained 40+ national champions and 10+ international champions, including 2023 IDO World Champions Simon Gustafsson Svensson & Paulina Rosenkvist of Sweden. His protégés span from Russian national team members to top-tier finalists across Denmark, Norway, and Belarus.
A holistic philosophy that integrates technical mastery, performance artistry, mental preparation, and strategic stamina makes Roman’s coaching so effective. He said that rather than steps and routines dancers need confidence, conditioning, and clarity on how to perform under pressure. That’s where champions are made.
Image credit: Roman Shabanov
Roman has led elite training programs at top studios, like Dance Center Örebro (Sweden), Star Dance Studio (Finland), and Victory Dance Club (Norway). He also hosts high-impact workshops and camps across Europe, including the Belarus Super Camp, where he has taught every year since 2019.
Now, Roman is bringing this expertise stateside, determined to put the US on the map in international Disco Dance. His US expansion plan is to train American dancers for IDO World Championships, establish standardized Disco Dance curricula in American studios, educate US judges on IDO criteria, and launch high-profile events to generate visibility.
He said that there is so much creative talent here but the goal is to bridge the gap between US performers and the global community. He wants to give dancers in America the same access to elite coaching, choreography, and international platforms that he helped build in Europe.
Roman’s approach is already attracting US dance studios and international adjudication bodies. His elevating talent, combined with his global reputation positions him uniquely to lead this cultural exchange.
Roman’s influence goes beyond coaching. As a former member of the Russian Disco Dance Committee, he helped author reforms that made the sport safer, more inclusive, and financially accessible for beginners. He drove changes, like removing risky acrobatic moves for youth dancers, implementing slower tempos for novice categories, and revising costume guidelines to reduce costs. Due to these changes, the beginner participation rate increased by 25% across Russia, which is proof of the real-world impact of thoughtful leadership.
Roman organized five national-level Disco Dance competitions and four major dance camps between 2019 and 2024, where he brought in international talent and fostered cross-border collaboration. His advocacy for structured development has helped define career paths for new dancers, choreographers, and judges.
One of the most critical challenges that Roman encountered was when he suffered a severe injury during the opening minute of a World Championship performance. It was so painful and it shook everything he had built physically and emotionally. But through dedicated physical therapy and deep inner work, he returned to the stage two years later in a duo with his student Ekaterina which was a turning point.
He said that it reminded him of why he started and why he kept going. His journey was all about helping others find their strength, their voice, and their place on stage.
Roman Shabanov’s goal in the United States is to establish a premier national training hub, get Disco Dance recognized in major festivals, and one day, see it included in Olympic-level competitions. He envisions a cross-cultural network of elite dancers, coaches, and judges who drive the evolution of the art form together.
Roman said that Disco Dance is not just entertainment, but it is a sport and an art that deserves its place in America’s cultural landscape.
Through mentorship, innovation, and cultural exchange, Roman Shabanov is training the next champions and next generation of leaders, creators, and global ambassadors for Disco Dance. His work is already reshaping the stage and in the US, the spotlight is just beginning to turn.