Students Celebrating Students: Our First “Favorite Social Dancer” Award!
This autumn, something new and special happened at Bachata Studio Tallinn! For the very first time, students voted for their Favorite Social Dancer. Instead of teachers choosing, this award was all about dancers appreciating each other.
The idea was simple: every student could write down the name of the person they most love to dance with at socials. It wasn’t about skill or experience, it was about joy, kindness, and the magic of connection on the dance floor.
The result? A heart-warming appreciation and encouragement across our community.
The Winners
Favorite Social Dancer – Leader: Hiroki Kaminaga
Congratulations to one of the most dedicated dancers in the studio! His hard work is admirable and now others are noticing it as well! Here are some things that other students told about him:
“Dancing with him is just amazing – there’s always such a strong connection. He comes up with really exciting combinations and has great respect for followers.”
“He has the best styling and always new moves that he wants to try 🙂 Never had a boring dance with him!”
“Very respectful, playful and creative. Great musicality as well!”
“Super fun and talented leader.”
“His musicality and technique are on TOP! He is really kind and playful during the dance. Love it!”
“He is an amazing dancer. Has so much confidence in his dance moves, also so much playfulness and dances with such ease. It shows that he really enjoys dancing. He always surprises with new moves, he is also very friendly and positive person.”
“It is visible how he improves and meantime how I improve over the time.”
“Dancing with him is always enjoyable, fun, and a bit challenging. He’s always learning and improving.”
“A person who grows quickly, yet remains kind, dances regardless of followers’ dance level, and always treats others with respect.”
“Devoted dancer.”
Favorite Social Dancer – Follower: Eeva-Liisa Veede
Congratulations to her! She truly lights up the dance floor and inspire others with her energy, care, and joy. Here is what others told about her:
“She’s a very soft follower and it’s always fun to dance with her.”
“Fun, happy, friendly.” “One of the few followers with whom I can bring my whole self to the dance floor. She has the uncanny ability to create a safe space for the leader: whether it’s experimenting, goofing around with musicality or simply improvising! Her frame hits a fantastic balance between softness and groundedness, which makes the whole dance really smooth.”
Feedback Wall
Find here beautiful things students said about students – In alphabetic order!
Aivar Romandi
“He’s fun!”
Aleksei Seppa
“Because he knows where my left foot is, even when I get confused myself. To be honest, dancing bachata with him feels like discovering a new way to communicate.”
“He dances with feeling, leads with precision, and makes his partner feel comfortable. His style is unique, and his attention to detail makes every movement expressive and harmonious.”
“To me, he’s the best bachata leader because every step he takes is filled with intention and connection. He doesn’t just lead — he listens, creates, and makes every dance feel like a shared story.”
Aleks-Daniel J
“Always the best connection”
“Musicality, nice flow, best male follower and also a great lead.”
Anastasia Subina
“She always dances happily with beginners and advanced.”
Anna-Liisa Annus
“While dancing with her, I sense she challenges me with her musicality, never letting me stay and urging me to grow beyond where I am.”
Annaliisa Alla
“Annaliisa shares always positive energy and has good dancing vibe. She is very good dancer and follower and she is very adaptable about new moves. It’s always very easy and enjoyable to dance with Annaliisa.” “Every dance is full of fun and if there is a difficult move then she takes the time to learn it even at socials.”
Anneli Kotkas
“Source of inspiration, joyful attitude.”
Anya Rogalevits
“She is supporting and cooperative and having good vibes.”
Cosimo M
“He’s always been present while dancing. Even when he was still a beginner I could feel that we were in the dance together. He always makes sure to ask me to dance at least once at any social and he dances with everyone, not just his friends or the best dancers or teachers. And he relentlessly keeps putting effort into improving his dance skill not only for himself but for the comfort of his followers too.”
Dmitri Udras
“I’m a complete beginner myself, but dancing with him feels safe and reassuring. He takes into account his partner’s level, yet also encourages trying new things. In addition, he teaches very calmly and clearly whenever I ask for feedback.”
Elena Heinsalu
“I have all the love for female leaders!”
Grethe Rüga
“She always has such a positive energy and you can guarantee many smiles and laughs every time you dance with her.”
Hendrik Kivi
“Empathic, friendly, attentive.”
“Because of musicality, good combos and taking care of the follower during the dance.”
“Respectful, improving every time, perfect connection!”
“Great skills and good vibes.”
Kersti Metsaluik
“Särav ja kiire õppija.”
Kristo Piksar
“Firstly, if I would have only one favourite leader to dance with, I would not bother to dance bachata over 3 years… there are really so different and amazing leaders in our community! But first I came to KRISTO! Just always around, really fun to dance, notices very well his partner, if dance goes well he gives a compliment about details, funny and doesn’t take dancing too seriously, but brave to try new skills. He always has emotion in his face 🙂 and that is a rare quality in Estonia. Big hug!”
“He is friendly and nice. Helps to guide and it’s stress-free to dance with him.”
Liisi Nurmsalu
“She’s magical!”
Maria Russo
“She is very soft when she follows and is able to adjust to the leader she dances with. She puts emphasis on connecting with her dance partner and always smiles when you dance with her. From slow sensual techniques to well rounded footwork, it’s always an amazing time dancing with her.”
“She is the best social dancer with good style and always present
Mia Marin Lilienthal
“For bringing the most joy, energy, and connection to the social dance floor.”
Natalja Kuznetsova
“Natalja is to my mind the best follower who does clearly follow even by unclear signals.”
“She’s such a great follower that I can try any combination with her without stress — even the ones I’m not 100% sure about. The best dance partner for me.”
Oleg Koval
“Very friendly, hard working and handsome.”
“His vibe, soft leading and I like that he does not do crazy things in social!”
Rait Kivimägi
“Love his vibe and he is a good leader.”
Reelika Kuriks
“What passion and warm energy and a good connection that makes a man dance and creates good energy.”
What’s Next
This was just the beginning. At our New Year’s Party, we’ll take it further with more categories. This time, there will even be nominees in each category. Stay tuned for more info soon!
Because at the end of the day, dance isn’t just about the steps. It’s about the people you share them with. 
Hope to see you all to share moments together in our Studio!
Go check out our upcoming events in Bachata Studio Tallinn here!
Hope to see you soon!