Bio

Elena Samodanova is an international multi-award winning artist, originally from Russia, who has worked extensively throughout Asia, United Kingdom, Australia, North America and Europe. Elena has judged, choreographed, danced and mentored across the world. In 2018, she made her American Television debut as a choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance, both for Academy Week and the Final Four. This year, she also opened her own dance studio in West Hollywood. While the main focus of Pro Dance LA in Latin and Ballroom lessons for kids, she and her teachers are invested in all ages and styles.

Some of Elena's major credits include being a Judge and Choreographer on Russia's version of Dancing With The Stars, touring North America with Dancing Pros Live and creatively assisting Gleb Savchenko on the UK's Strictly Come Dancing. Elena also appeared on Dancing With The Stars in Bollywood aka Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, to great acclaim - as the first Russian to be cast in the show.

Prior to these accolades, she has worked on the Australian versions of both Dancing With The Stars as well as So You Think You Can Dance.

Elena also holds the highest credentials and qualifications to teach in Russia, Hong Kong, Australia and England. She has won the 4 major dance titles down under. As a result, she represented Australia on the World Dance Championship; reaching Top 10 world ranking in Latin American with WDC. Her international championship titles also include being the Australia Professional, Asian, Japanese, Singaporean and England Champion.