Teen Dance Duo Defies Odds, Eyes European Glory

Sandra Oparaocha

Writer

January 25, 2026
5:30 am

Two 13-year-old dancers, one from Ukraine and one from Denmark, have formed a partnership that has already won competitions despite only training together for a few months. The pair is now preparing to compete at the European Championships in Italy this March if they can raise enough money for the trip. A Ukrainian Dancer Comes to Denmark

Alika Teteruk, a 13-year-old from Ukraine, traveled to Struer, Denmark, in November to dance with Folmer Lindgaard Nyborg, also 13. The two young dancers glide across the floor at Balletskolen Holstebro, perfecting their samba steps as their coach counts out the rhythm.

For Folmer, finding the right dance partner wasn’t easy. He had been dancing with a Danish girl until November, but when that partnership ended, he and his coaches began searching for a replacement. They auditioned both Danish and international dancers.

The Right Partnership

Among the candidates was Alika from Zhytomyr, Ukraine. She wasn’t a complete stranger to the coaching team. Folmer’s trainer, Veronika Myshko from Ukraine, had previously worked with Alika at a dance school back home. Meanwhile, Earle Willamsson from the USA serves as the other half of the coaching duo.

After the tryout with Folmer, Alika knew she wanted to dance with him. In fact, she told Veronika directly that she simply wanted to partner with the Danish dancer. The feeling was mutual, and the partnership was born.

Since November, Alika and her mother have been living with Folmer’s family in Struer. The move from Ukraine was difficult, but Alika believes she made the right choice. The two teenagers even spent Christmas together with Folmer’s family.

Language Barriers and English Lessons

Communication posed an initial challenge. Alika’s English was limited when she first arrived in Denmark, though she has improved significantly since then. Folmer admits his English has also gotten better through their partnership.

When asked if dancing with a Danish girl would have been easier, Folmer is blunt. It might have been simpler, he says, but they’re just not as good.

Early Success on the Competition Floor

Despite being together for only a few months, Alika and Folmer have already demonstrated remarkable chemistry and skill. The young pair recently won a tournament in the U16 category, competing against dancers in an older age group.

Their coach Earle Willamsson is thrilled with their progress. He describes their partnership as something that will become absolutely amazing. The dedication both dancers bring to their training is evident in how they move together on the floor.

Interestingly, Alika appreciates Folmer’s demeanor as a partner. She notes that he doesn’t get upset when mistakes happen during practice, which creates a comfortable and productive training environment.

Dreams of European Championship Glory

The next goal for the young dancing duo is already set. They’re aiming to compete at the European Championships in Italy this March. However, attending such a prestigious competition comes with significant costs, and the pair is currently working to raise the necessary funds.

For Alika, reaching the European Championships represents her biggest dream. She’s focused on the work required to make that dream a reality. But Folmer’s ambitions stretch even further. He doesn’t just want to attend the competition. He dreams of winning it.

A Partnership Built on Talent and Determination

The story of these two 13-year-olds reflects the international nature of competitive ballroom dancing. Alika left her war-torn homeland to pursue her passion in Denmark, while Folmer welcomed her into his home and family. Together, they’ve built a partnership that transcends language barriers and cultural differences.

Their coaches believe this is just the beginning. With natural talent, dedicated training, and the right partnership chemistry, these young dancers could achieve remarkable things in the competitive dance world. Whether they make it to the European Championships in March will depend partly on fundraising success, but their determination is already clear.

The young pair continues to train at Balletskolen Holstebro, refining their technique and building the trust that makes great dance partnerships work. For now, they’re focused on perfecting their routines and raising money for their Italian competition. Their journey from strangers to championship contenders in just a few months shows what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.