About Us
About Us
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and then leave a trail."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Kumaras Center was founded by Miluka Rivera and her husband Navarre Matlovsky over 5 years ago. The center was awarded by the CA. State Legislators, recognized by the Mayor and City of Burbank, and Voted Best of Burbank 3 times (by the LA Times/Burbank Leader readers), among others. Articles have been written about the center in the LA Times/Leader Newspaper, we were the cover story for one of the issues of the LA Times/Valley Sun/ La Cañada Newspaper, etc.
We are proud that the beautiful (Dance) Nature Made National Commercial that recently aired during the "Dancing with the Stars", was filmed at our studio.
The faculty at KC is committed to motivate and challenge every student, whether at the recreational or intensive level. Our teaching philosophy is to encourage passion for dance while fostering creativity and self-esteem. Studies show that dancing and fitness benefits body, mind, soul and prolongs life.
We encourage teamwork and teach life skills in our dance and etiquette instructions.
We believe in making a significant difference in our community, that is why we have donated several scholarships to local students and non-profit organizations. In addition, we have offered complimentary events and performances on and off site including, storytelling, dance classes, health, philosophical lectures and nonpartisan voter registration and voting poll activities.
Upcoming Free events and lectures will be published at Special Events.
Moises and Miluette, performing Salsa Dance for a TV show.
Kumaras Center's Performers & Staff
Reputable Instructors
Kumaras Center's owners:
Miluka Rivera & Navarre Matlovsky
Co-owner and instructor, Navarre Matlovsky, is an accredited College Dance Professor for many years, and an instructor of Ballroom and Salsa Dance. In addition he is a fitness (Qi-gong and Pilates) instructor, trained by Romana Kryzanowska protégé of Joseph Pilates, and a classically trained dancer, performer, choreographer and director. He also performed on an Academy Award Show®, a Kennedy Center Honors show with the Cast of "BARNUM", (a "Tony Award" winning musical on Broadway with Glenn Close, Jim Dale and Tony Orlando, among others). He also specializes in Ballroom, Wedding and Debutante Dance Preparation and was voted "Best Dance Instructor in Burbank" 2005, 2006 and 2008" readers choice - LA Times/Burbank Leader Newspaper).
Co-owner and Artistic Director, Miluka Rivera (Matlovsky), is an expert in Etiquette and modeling instruction. She is a multi-awarded talent, former SAG National Board member, and a beauty queen and was an instructor at Barbizon School of Modeling. She has taught modeling and etiquette to thousands of students, including, former Miss Universe (Puerto Rico), Marisol Malaret. She was a Blue Ribbon panelist/judge at the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. A poet and a journalist, her articles have appeared in: LA Times Newspaper, WGAw Journal, Hispanic, SAG Screen Actor and many others. She also produced, wrote and directed two shorts with Legendary Stars. She is listed in the prestigious biographical books of Marquis Who's Who in the World and America. On March 2010 Ms. Rivera received the "Exceptional Woman of the Year Award" by La Opinion/LA Times Newspaper. For more about Ms. Rivera, click here.
DANCE – teacher’s assistance : Miluette Nalin (Matlovsky), is an awarded actress (“LA City, Young Latinos Raising Star 2002” recipient), Model and a Gymnast (level 6) Champion. She recently appeared in the Nickelodeon tv series “Just Jordan") and most recently NCIS LA. She is also is a third generation performer, daughter of the owners, and was featured in several awarded films and has done a number of TV commercials including: Kraft, Mattel, Digital TV, Bravo TV and magazine covers such as: Everything Barbie.” In addition she teaches Gymnastics. She is a professional Ballroom and Salsa dancer.
Leo Rotenberg, is a National Ballroom Champion International Style instructor. He recently appeared on the TV show "So you think you can dance." Leo has been doing International Latin American Ballroom Dancing since he was 14. He attends major competitions every month and has placed 3rd in the National Ballroom Championships in the youth division. He has trained with top coaches, including "Dancing with the Stars" champions. Leo, have a BA degree from UCLA. He Also enjoys performing and teaching and he hopes to share his passion for ballroom dancing with the Kumaras Center's students.
Private Coaching for Ballroom Competition (Gold-Silver & Bronze medals.)
Private Coaching for Ballroom Competition (Gold-Silver & Bronze medals.)
AleKsa Chmiel (a.k.a. Lady LeX) has been a professional Hip Hop, performer/choreographer/instructor for over 15 years. She has trained extensively with hip-hop masters and has also been trained in jazz, tap, lyrical, and some salsa. LeX has worked with recording artists such as Snoop Dogg, Nelly Furtado, Alyson, Common, Pharrell, Will Smith, Sean Paul, Pink, Neil Young, etc. She was a member and choreographer of the NBA Philadelphia 76ers and toured Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark & Portugal, Japan and most recently Greenland. She is also co-Owner/Director of FloMotion Dance Company who performed for NBC, Bally’s Total Fitness, ILLADELPH Legends, 76’ers, and CLUB DUO, (Tokyo, Japan) and dances with One Step ahead.
