About Us

Kostov Dance Studio is Toronto’s only mobile dance school, offering premium and personalized dance services and instruction in a variety of ballroom, classic and Latin dance styles not limited to but including Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Waltz, Rumba, Tango, Swing, Salsa, Viennese Waltz and Quickstep.  

We welcome dancers of all levels to come and experience the benefits of dance. 

 our world-class instructors are available for special performances, entertainment showcases, workshops, competition judging and speaking engagements. Studio Founder, Stilian Kostov regularly speaks to professional and industry association groups and provides business management consultation and training to studio owners and operators.

Stilian Kostov

Master Ballroom Dancer & Founder of Kostov Dance Studios

It was at the Golden Sands Competition that we stood waiting for them to call our names.  We had mastered our performance, remembering the footwork and gliding through the routine we’d practised countless times. When we walked off the dance floor, I was confident we had won. And I was right. I was 15 years old; this was my first time winning a major dance competition. 

I knew then that I was at the right place doing the right thing and what I've come to learn that I do best.  

More than 25 years later, after having successfully earned international titles including Bulgarian Cup Winner and Open to the World International Champion Athens, I have the privilege to share this knowledge and my passion of Ballroom and Latin Dance with professional performers, individuals and corporate clients around the world. 

In addition to competing, I’ve led, trained and choreographed formation teams in Asia, performed in and judged dance competitions across the U.S. and throughout Europe.  Most recently, I coached and choreographed the Canadian Professional Champions in the American Rhythm category.  

Watching my students excel and reach their full potential brings me back to my early days of dancing, those feelings of accomplishment and personal actualization. As the owner of Kostov Dance Studios, I work with dancers of all levels, helping them to build a strong dance foundation in a supportive and fun environment, which promotes self-discovery. 

Testimonials

Read some of our talented students’ stories below!

Ekaterina Ostroumova

I started dancing because I always felt a passion ignites when I watched other dancers float so effortlessly across the floor. Dancing put me in a state of mind where nothing else mattered except feeling the music and dancing my heart out. That of course helped with stress, anxiety and a million things that are on one's mind throughout the day. It was an escape almost from reality into a beautiful dream that I didn't want to end. 

I enjoyed how much variety Stilian introduced and how we touched on a lot of styles of dancing. That way I was able to see what worked for me and what didn't

The surprising thing about dancing is the fact that a human's mind can absorb so much information and still remember it the next day. There are so many steps to learn and so many styles and to show up next time there is a lesson and be able to do it all and to enjoy it is an amazing feeling.  

The only thing I didn't enjoy is the fact that I had to put dancing on hold due to a crazy busy work schedule. I told myself I will never give that up and I have for a few months. I can't wait to get back out on the dance floor!

Amy Won

Albert Einstein said, "it is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge."  Despite Stilian is being humble about his teaching most of the time, I truly think he has mastered the art of teaching long ago. 

He has a way to bring people out of their fears and focus on working towards their goals.  This is not only evident in my own ballroom and personal journeys but also from the other students in the group classes that I have seen him instructs.  Stilian's teaching process is so settled yet effective that I don't often aware of my growth until I look back and discover how far I have come.   

Victoria Grieve

From my mid-teens through to late my late 20’s I did musical theatre so I guess I was always exposed to some form of dance. But after I got married other things became a priority.  One night in 2010, I received a telemarketing call about a free dance class.  Dancing with the Stars had become a bit of a sensation on tv, so I decided that I’d give this “ballroom” dance class a bit of a try.  6 years later - I haven’t stopped.

For me, the most enjoyable part of ballroom dancing is that it allows you to grow in so many ways.  Forget the physical benefits for a moment  –  but it also challenges and strengthens your confidence, your interactions with others (all ages from 5 to 85) , your thought process, determination and motivation to improve. Even after a long day at work when you are exhausted – 15 minutes into your lesson and all of a sudden you have all the energy in the world and you feel completely rejuvenated.  It’s not like working out a gym – as I've always hated the treadmill and the weights and the squats – this is way more fun!

What surprised me? – well, despite being considered pretty social and an extrovert – I was surprised by how many hang-ups I had.  I guess it was the Catholic School upbringing – but trying to look “sexy” in my mid 40’s – well let’s say all my “sexy faces” looked like I was in dire pain.

I can’t say there is any I don’t enjoy about ballroom dancing – except for the fact that you really can’t ever stop…you go one week without a class and, let’s just say, withdrawal is pretty brutal.

I’ve been taking lessons with Stilian for just over a year now and we’ve danced in 4 competitions. And, I’d say, we are right on track with my progress. Our routines are getting stronger, more advanced and I'm very happy about that.  

Why our students love us

A Supportive and Fun Community

Dancing is a social exercise. Through our group and corporate classes as well as monthly socials you’ll have the opportunity to get out and spend time connecting with your partner and friends and making new connections. We strive to cultivate a community that is supportive and free of criticism, enabling our clients to feel empowered to be their best selves. 

Having an active social life has been shown to result in people feeling generally happier and more satisfied with their relationships and life.

Optimal Well-Being

Dancing is guaranteed to boost your self-esteem and overall well-being. Our students are active: their bodies are moving and their minds are alert. Many report improved self-image and attractiveness, flexibility, coordination and cognitive acuity all resulting in feeling better about themselves. As well, many of our students carry a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with learning a new skill. Their level of self-confidence increases and translates to all aspects of their life.

But one of the biggest health benefits of dancing is happiness. People who dance are more likely to feel inner joy.

Benefits of Dance

Many of our students have discovered great benefits to dance; dance has proven to enrich their lives in more ways than one.

Benefits include but are not limited to:

• Enhanced social interactions

• Team building

• Increased physical activity

• Improved coordination and mental acuity

• Cognitive clarity