2026 World Finals Judge
Teodora Lazuran
Teodora Lazuran is an internationally recognized dance teacher, choreographer, rhythmic gymnastics coach, wellness trainer, and former elite athlete with over four decades of experience in sports and performing arts. Known for her passion, creativity, discipline, and visionary leadership, she has dedicated her life to developing young athletes and dancers into confident performers and champions on both national and international stages.
Her journey began at the age of six in rhythmic gymnastics, where she became a 10-time Romanian National Champion and member of the Romanian Olympic Team between 1985 and 1988. In 1989, she received the prestigious title of Master of Sports in Rhythmic Gymnastics. She later became a national rhythmic gymnastics judge and coach, building a remarkable career based on excellence, education, and innovation.
As the founder and leading force behind Ars Nova Dance Academy, Teodora has trained dancers who have gone on to perform on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Under her guidance, Ars Nova has earned more than 40 World Champion titles across multiple international dance organizations and styles, including contemporary, jazz, lyrical, acrodance, ballet, and showdance.
Beyond dance, Teodora is also highly experienced in fitness, wellness, and athletic development. Her expertise includes personal training, Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, cheerleading, flexibility and mobility training, sports coaching, and curriculum development. She continuously expands her knowledge through international certifications and specialized programs in dance, movement, and wellness.
Her international education includes training at Pineapple Dance Studios in London, the Vaganova Ballet Intensive in New York, and Accademia Nazionale di Danza in Italy, alongside multiple fitness and wellness certifications throughout Europe.
What truly defines Teodora is not only her professional success, but also the energy and inspiration she brings into every class and mentorship experience. She believes that dance and sport are powerful tools for building discipline, confidence, resilience, and character. Her teaching style combines high-performance standards with positivity, motivation, and genuine care for every student’s personal growth.
Today, Teodora continues to inspire the next generation of dancers and athletes through education, performance, mentorship, and innovative training programs, remaining a respected figure in the international dance and wellness community. DWC looks forward to welcoming Teodora on the judges panel for the first time.
Her journey began at the age of six in rhythmic gymnastics, where she became a 10-time Romanian National Champion and member of the Romanian Olympic Team between 1985 and 1988. In 1989, she received the prestigious title of Master of Sports in Rhythmic Gymnastics. She later became a national rhythmic gymnastics judge and coach, building a remarkable career based on excellence, education, and innovation.
As the founder and leading force behind Ars Nova Dance Academy, Teodora has trained dancers who have gone on to perform on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Under her guidance, Ars Nova has earned more than 40 World Champion titles across multiple international dance organizations and styles, including contemporary, jazz, lyrical, acrodance, ballet, and showdance.
Beyond dance, Teodora is also highly experienced in fitness, wellness, and athletic development. Her expertise includes personal training, Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, cheerleading, flexibility and mobility training, sports coaching, and curriculum development. She continuously expands her knowledge through international certifications and specialized programs in dance, movement, and wellness.
Her international education includes training at Pineapple Dance Studios in London, the Vaganova Ballet Intensive in New York, and Accademia Nazionale di Danza in Italy, alongside multiple fitness and wellness certifications throughout Europe.
What truly defines Teodora is not only her professional success, but also the energy and inspiration she brings into every class and mentorship experience. She believes that dance and sport are powerful tools for building discipline, confidence, resilience, and character. Her teaching style combines high-performance standards with positivity, motivation, and genuine care for every student’s personal growth.
Today, Teodora continues to inspire the next generation of dancers and athletes through education, performance, mentorship, and innovative training programs, remaining a respected figure in the international dance and wellness community. DWC looks forward to welcoming Teodora on the judges panel for the first time.