Martina Kocichova

MARTINA KOCICHOVA, a native of the Czech Replubic, has represented her home country in numerous competitions throughout Europe. After winning the Czech International Latin Youth Championships in 1996, she placed in the semi-finals of the World Youth Championships in 1997, and the UK Youth Open Championships in 1999. In 2002, Martina became the Vice Champion in the Czech Professional Latin Championships. Martina and her new partner, Jan Ondrias, placed 3rd in Professional Showdance (Amer. Rhythm) at the Empire State Dance Sport Championships.Martina studied extensively with such renowned coaches as Ruud Vermey and Peter Maxwell in the International Latin. Her broad and extensive background in other dance styles includes Modern Dance, Hip Hop, Flamenco, and Salsa. Additionally, Martina earned a BA from the University of Brno, Czech Republic, in Sports Regeneration and Nutrition.Martina has worked professionally with the largest dance studios in the Czech Republic, training students in various styles of dance, and preparing them for competition. Akcent Ostrava, one of the largest dance studios, produced a full-length dance piece based on the movie "Bodyguard," in which Martina was one of the featured dancers. Due to popular demand, "Bodyguard" toured throughout the Czech Republic.Teaching and performing on stage and the competitive floor has given Martina the perfect combination and outlet for her love of music and sport. As a coach and teacher, she is able to convey this love and ignite it within her students.