Tonya & Marsel: World’s only junior Latin dancing couple trained by Yulia Zagoruychenko and Riccardo Cocchi

If there’s one thing that science cannot explain, it’s the unique factor that makes a child prodigy. How does a kid think and operate like an adult? There are various psychological studies about it but no solid evidence. Child prodigies have been seen in fields like science, music, art, sports, and more. Some of the most prominent names in our history were child prodigies, including Blaise Pascal, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Pablo Picasso, and Srinivasa Ramanujan, among many more.

The modern-day prodigies you should be familiar with are 12 year old world-class pianist from India, Lydian Nadhaswaram, world’s first 9 year old to be accepted to a university in Hong Kong, March Tian Boedihardjo, and American musician Ethan Bortnick, who holds the world record for being the youngest solo musician to headline his own tour at the age of 10. Another child prodigy who is making a name for herself is one of the world’s best Latin dancers, Tonya Hoodyakova.

Born on 21st September 2006 in Moscow, Russia, Tonya Hoodyakova is one of the most talked-about dancers in the entire country. Her father is the famous director and producer, Pavel Hoodyakov. Ever since she learned how to walk, Tonya showed an affinity and passion for dancing. Her father was quick enough to realize this talent and worked towards bringing out the best in her. Award-winning Latin Dance Champions Yulia Zagoruychenko and Riccardo Cocchi took Tonya under their wings, training her as a professional Latin dancer. Yulia and Riccardo are two of the most celebrated names in the country, they have trained hundreds of young and enthusiastic dancers. Tonya not only excelled at dancing but also at competing, she went on to win numerous dancesport championships and became a National Latin Champion.

These include the US Open, Boca Ballroom, Millennium Dancesport Championship and many more. Along with fellow dancer Marsel Nikitin from Ukraine, Tonya has been representing the USA as the best Latin Dancer.

Many of us often question why we weren’t born a prodigy, believing that it would make our life much easier. Much to the contrary, being a prodigy is an exhausting task, one which requires discipline and practice. Tonya aspires to break world records in Latin dancing, and she trains hard every day for this goal.