Dance like no one is watching, but let’s face it, they do.
Originally from Poltava, Ukraine, Nickolai Scherban began dancing competitively at age seven. By 17, he opened LION Ballroom Dance Studio for children. For a decade, the studio was one of the top studios in Ukraine, with two National Ukrainian champions, and winners and finalists of major international dance competitions in Germany, U.K., Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and more.
Seeking new opportunities, Scherban immigrated to the United States in 2000. He first made his home in Durham, North Carolina, where he began working in a local dance studio. After four years, Scherban decided he was ready to plant deeper roots and pursue his dream of opening his own studio in America, and he began exploring potential locations.
During a visit to Greenville, South Carolina, he immediately knew that he wanted to make the city his home. So, in 2004, he made the move and found a small commercial space for lease in the Regency Square shopping center in Greenville where he launched his dance studio, Carolina Ballroom.
With the success of his studio, which grew to nine instructors hosting dance classes and showcases for clients over 18 years, Scherban knew it was time to seize the growth opportunity in 2022. With help from Regions Bank’s SBA Lending team, he was able to purchase land in the Greenville suburbs to build his own studio.
“We created a slogan at Carolina Ballroom: Dance like no one is watching, but let’s face it, they do. Take dance lessons,” Scherban explained, and he signs off his correspondence with a jovial “Have a nice dance.”
This love of dance and its artistry is evident throughout the new 9,000-square foot studio, which boasts a 5,500-square foot professional spring dance floor, nearly double his previous location. In addition, the facility has a teacher’s room, lunchroom, student changing room, offices and a conference room. The professional sound system creates an environment pulsating with energy for clients and staff alike.
Specializing in ballroom, Latin, swing and wedding dance instruction, Scherban and his instructors host private lessons Monday through Friday, public dance on Thursday nights, and regular events and competitions.
From the Cha-Cha to Bolero to the Foxtrot and East Coast Swing, Nikolai and his dancers at Carolina Ballroom exude the passion, excitement, and love of dance that draws in crowds young and old.Edie Carroll, Regions SBA Specialist for Georgia and South Carolina
“From the Cha-Cha to Bolero to the Foxtrot and East Coast Swing, Nikolai and his dancers at Carolina Ballroom exude the passion, excitement, and love of dance that draws in crowds young and old,” said Edie Carroll, Regions SBA Specialist for Georgia and South Carolina.
Carroll is part of the Regions team that Scherban worked with in securing financing for the new facility. Shcherban initially came to Regions through his local branch where he met then branch manager Kendra Stout. She was able to introduce him to Commercial Banking Solutions relationship manager Darren Messer and ultimately to Carroll with the SBA Lending team.
“The new facility has positioned Carolina Ballroom for growth, allowing Nikolai to not only retain his existing staff, but hire additional dancers,” noted Carroll.
Scherban intends to add six to eight new, highly trained dancers now that he has the space to expand the offerings.
“The Regions team was very helpful and very diligent in making sure the process went smoothly and was completed with great quality,” said Scherban of his experience.
Carolina Ballroom’s new facility opened its doors in late 2022 to rave reviews from clients and staff.
