meet Elena.

Born in Northern California, Elena has been a student of various movement arts for most of her life. After 13 years of competitive gymnastics, she briefly explored ballet, modern, and contemporary. While in college, she decided to try Latin ballroom after seeing her favorite Olympic gymnast compete on the show Dancing with the Stars. This began a love of partner dancing that brought her to salsa, bachata, and finally Brazilian zouk. In 2017 she began training with a wide range of instructors while simultaneously growing the Brazilian zouk scene in Oakland, CA, where she hosted weekly classes and events until 2020.

In 2021, Elena moved across the US to Washington DC. She currently resides there as an instructor at the District Zouk dance school. She also loves to travel, teaching classes and DJ-ing at Brazilian zouk events all over the world.


Elena is best known for her bright personality and fierce performances, especially in choreographies and Jack & Jill competitions. In addition to her love of the stage, she is also a BZDC-certified judge.


Some of her more notable achievements and accolades include: 


When she learned how to bejewel her own costumes for ballroom competitions, the nickname “Rhinestone” emerged. Now, it's a reference to her inner sparkle when she's dancing. Elena's platform of self-confidence and body neutrality has become a core element in her teaching philosophy. Above all, her greatest hope is that people of all body types feel empowered to dance and find their shine as well!