Anastasia (Nastia) Lion-Lokshina
World Champion | Russian Champion | WCS All-Star
About Me
Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, I started my movement journey with gymnastics as a child – which gave me the body control and flexibility that now define my dance style.
At 20, I discovered hustle (the Russian name for Discofox) and fell completely in love with partner dancing. I developed my own distinctive style and quickly rose through the competitive ranks, becoming a 2-time Russian Champion.
In Moscow, I became co-owner of two major dance schools. I first met Daric at one of his workshops in 2007. We reconnected in 2012, decided to become dance and life partners, and founded the YouDance school together in 2013. Today we’re based in Switzerland, teaching from Lausanne.
Today, I’m a 2025 World Champion, WCS All-Star dancer (the highest competitive level), and together with Daric, we teach and inspire dancers across Europe and Russia.
Beyond dance, I’m also a professional wedding photographer, bringing artistic vision to both my photography and my dancing.
Competition Achievements
World Championships
- 2025: WORLD CHAMPION – IDO World Discofox Championships (with Daric)
- 2024: Vice World Champion – IDO World Discofox Championships (with Daric)
Russian Championships
- 2009, 2010: Russian Champion Absolut (2x)
- 2008, 2009: Russian Champion Jack & Jill (2x)
- 2010, 2011: Russian Champion “Champions Cup” (2x)
Swiss Championships
- 2015, 2016: Swiss Champion – Discofox (with Daric)
West Coast Swing
- All-Star Dancer – Highest competitive division
- 2017: 1st Place – Anchor Festival, Advanced+ All-Stars JnJ
- 2017: 4th Place – Swing Dance America, Champions JnJ
- 2017: 2nd Place – Scandinavian Open, All-Stars JnJ
- 2017: 3rd Place – Italian Open, Open Strictly
- 2017: 3rd Place – French Open, Open Strictly
- 2012: 1st Place – WestieFest, WCS Intermediate (with Daric)
International
- 2011: 1st Place – International North Cup, JnJ
- 2012: 2nd Place – International North Cup, JnJ
Where I Teach
Regular Classes
- K’Danse – Lausanne, Switzerland (weekly)
- Tanzschule Joy – Bern, Switzerland
International Festivals & Events
- Euro Dance Festival – Germany
- MoveOn Events
- Hot Winter in Siberia – Russia
- Moscow Westie Fest – Russia
- French Open WCS
- Italian Open WCS
YouDance School (Co-founder)
- Moscow: ~130 students
- Lausanne: ~70 students
Background
Origin: Moscow, Russia (now living in Switzerland)
Early Training: Gymnastics
Languages: Russian (native), English, French, German
Dance Styles: Hustle/Discofox, West Coast Swing
Other Work: Professional Wedding Photographer
Roles: Dancer, Instructor, Judge, Choreographer
My Teaching Philosophy
“Dance is emotion. My gymnastics background gives me the technique, but what I want to share is the feeling – the connection with your partner, the expression through movement, the joy of moving to music.”
I believe every dancer has their own unique style waiting to emerge. My job is to help you find it while building the skills to express yourself freely.