When Zahar Dragomirov first heard Latin music, he didn’t know the steps. He didn’t even know the rhythm. But he felt it — a pulse that called him to move. That spark led him from curious beginner to passionate teacher, determined to share salsa not just as a dance, but as a cultural connector.

Zahar’s path to Des Moines was anything but ordinary. Originally from the former Soviet Union, he came to the U.S. as a political dissident. Years later, his living room on 26th Street became the unlikely birthplace of a new community movement — one fueled by music, shared learning, and open doors. Intent on removing competition from the equation, Zahar began collaborating with other instructors to create an inclusive environment where everyone could dance, connect, and grow together. Through intentional outreach and a commitment to authenticity, he has become an active driver of this collaborative movement, uniting people of all backgrounds through the universal language of dance.

Meanwhile, Maideli Garcia — a former educator from Sioux City — grew up surrounded by music and dance woven into her cultural celebrations. Salsa and bachata brought her new dimensions of joy and creative expression. When she met Zahar, she immediately recognized his unique talent for teaching dance as an immersive cultural experience, blending historical context with expressive movement. She encouraged him to expand his vision, making dance accessible to more people and inviting the community to embrace its cultural depth, taking the movement to new heights.

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Building a Movement, Not a Competition

Together, Zahar and Maideli founded 26th Street Latin Dance, transforming their initial classes into a thriving cultural hub. Their workshops and events go beyond teaching steps — they tell the stories behind the music, tracing salsa and bachata’s roots through cultures, struggles, and triumphs.

Their classes are more than lessons. They’re a meeting place for cultures, where salsa and bachata are taught alongside the rich histories and traditions that shaped them. Each dance step becomes part of a larger story — one about resilience, connection, and joy.

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From 26th Street to the CultureALL BALL

As CultureALL Ambassadors, Zahar and Maideli share their passion with audiences across Iowa. 

At the CultureALL BALL on September 20, they’ll be teaching an introductory Dominican bachata lesson — inviting guests to join the circle, learn together, and leave the night feeling more connected than when they arrived.

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Because for Zahar and Maideli, dance is more than movement. It’s a way of life — one that builds bridges, celebrates differences, and brings people closer with every step.

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Bring your friends and join them on the dance floor: events.humanitix.com/cultureall-ball