Gergana Slavova, who grew up in Bulgaria, was just 7 years old when she began dancing. By 11, she was competing along with her partner, Nikolay Kralev.
Soon, they were placing in competitions all over Bulgaria and Eastern Europe—and placing in the top three.
“Ballroom is one of the best things,” Slavova says. “It teaches you how to work as a team with your dance partner. You can compete solely, but most people have a partner. At such a young age it teaches you that you need to work with another person and also how to communicate and form friendships.”
Opening NRG Ballroom
Slavova and Kralev definitely formed a friendship, as they now both live in Tempe and are owners—along with Slavova’s husband Radomir Pashev—of NRG Ballroom
“I always wanted to have my own dance center. That was one of my dreams in high school,” Slavova says. “With looking to the future, it was a natural progression. I love organizing events, so running a business was very natural. All three of us work very well together; we know our strengths and weaknesses. So, we decided to open NRG.”
They opened the studio at the southeast corner of Elliot and Rural Roads in 2018 (it was under a different name and ownership prior), offering private and group lessons for both kids and adults, social dances, workshops, and more.
“At NRG Ballroom, we strive to create an environment where energy equals passion, where effort erases excuses, and where every person can find the dancer within,” Slavova explains.
Creating the Look
Beyond technique, ballroom dance is also about your look. In fact, it is one of the few sports where look is very important, Slavova says.
“You don’t get judged on it, but the more you are put together, the judges also perceive how much you care about your dancing,” she explains, saying that hair and makeup are also important.
As for costumes, she says they are based first on physique.
“Dancers are all different in height and shape, so you have to wear things that will help you look better on the floor and when you move,” Slavova shares. “So, for example, I am 5’ 9” and my waist is not well defined, so I have to choose styles that give more of a defined waist, like a belt or a wavy shape. Dancers who have great legs tend to go for the shorter styles. Other people like to exaggerate with a high cut-out.”
Slavova shares that her favorite dress for ballroom dancing (waltz, tango, foxtrot) that she’s worn is actually her current one.
“I’m not a pink person, but I decided to go for it,” she shares. “It's a beautiful pale pink. It has a lot of 3-D effects, and the skirt is pleated. It looks very glamorous and rich.”
Her favorite dress for Latin was one of her first dresses, which she wore in Bulgaria. It was white with bronze and gold, and had the sequin fringes which were popular at the time—and which also made noise when the person wearing them moved.
“I had the fake, bright orange nails and it was just the look,” she says. “I’m blonde and it was quite striking on the floor.”
Dancing With the Stars and the Phoenix Fall Festival Dancesport
Back in 2007, just a year after moving to the U.S., Slavova, Kralev, and Pashev, on behalf of NRG, became involved with Dancing with the Stars for the Arizona Kidney Foundation.
The event is held yearly, typically in March, and it is a fundraiser for the Arizona Kidney Foundation. It pairs local celebrities with a professional dance teacher, and they perform a dance together briefly at the event.
Slavova works with the celebrity, picking a song, creating the choreography, and practicing. NRG also donates lessons to the charity.
NRG is also involved with the Phoenix Fall Festival Dancesport, where those passionate about Latin and ballroom dance, from kids to adults, compete. The next event, which will be held Oct. 12-13 at Wild Horse Pass Resort, marks their third year organizing it. The first day includes workshops, an evening gala, and a social dance, and the second day is the competition and VIP party.
Passionate About Dance
For Slavova, dance is a part of life. And with NRG, the three owners hope to share that passion with the community.
“You want to exercise and have fun? LET’S DANCE. Tired of sitting at home? LET’S DANCE. You want to try something new and different? LET’S DANCE,” says Slavova.
“We strive to create an environment where energy equals passion, where effort erases excuses, and where every person can find the dancer within.”