Two Time winner of the US OPEN Swing Dance Championships Showcase Division. Has been inducted into the World Swing Dance Hall of Fame, the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame and the USOPEN Legend of Swing. Received a Three Time Feather Award and a Three Time Dancers Choice Award. Has appeared on various T.V. Specials and commercials, and is a Certified Golden State Dance Teacher. Has placed first in many Champion Level Jack & Jill Swing competitions nationwide and has accumulated one of the highest female Jack & Jill contestant points in the World Swing Dance Councils Competitors Registry. Teaches Workshops,and judges Nationwide.
Angel Figueroa
has received international acclaim for his performances, choreography, and dance instruction all over the U.S., Europe, and Japan. His choreography and dancing have been seen on film, video, television (most recently All My Children), in print (Bridal Guide Magazine) and stage. Angel is an award-winning competitor in Mambo, Hustle, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, and International Latin. He holds over 30 titles in American Style Rhythm, including the 1996 Ohio Star Ball Rising Star Division Champion.
He has represented the United States at the World Cup in Switzerland. Angel is the 1998 ASDC, 1997 SOS Grand National, and the 1996 US Open Cabaret Champion.
Jordan Frisbee and Tatiana Mollmann
Jordan and Tatiana met at age 12 at a World's Swing Dance Championships in 1995. Tatiana had to be coaxed into doing her first Jack & Jill, where she drew Jordan and they won against 8 junior couples. This gave Tatiana the confidence to get more involved. It wasn't long before they became close friends.
Their 2004 routine, "Waiting For You" by Seal started a winning streak that continued for 3 and a half years. They were undefeated in competition, capping off the season with a victory at the US Open. Jordan and Tatiana also were featured as Motion Capture Dancers in the Warner Bros. movie, "The Polar Express."
Their 2007 routine did not go undefeated, but was a memorable act that featured subtleties in their choreography and an opeing for European influence in the music. Jordan and Tatiana also acted and danced in the movie "Love N Dancing" starring Amy Smart and Tom Malloy. This was one of their favorite dancing experiences.
At the end of 2007, their new routine began a new chapter in their creativity. Jordan and Tatiana used "How to Save a Life" by The Fray to tell a story and touch people in a different way than West Coast Swing had before. Although the debut of the routine featured their first major mistake in performance at the US Open, people were still moved and recognized the potential of what they had just witnessed. The next performance of this piece was at Capital 2008 and was one week after the death of their close friend and mentor, Wayne Bott. It was one of the most memorable performances of their lives and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. For 2008, they risked bringing the routine back to the US Open and won, to become the first couple to win the NASDE Classic Division Title 5 years in a row!
As certified teachers and judges, Jordan and Tatiana are proud to be spreading West Coast Swing all over the world. They are competitors as fierce as any you will meet, but their main goal is to entertain and inspire dancers of all forms.
Jennifer DeLuca
Jennifer began dancing at the age of five in ballet and jazz under the Royal Academy syllabus. She continued until the age of 13 when she was invited to join a college level ballroom dance team, competing and performing throughout Florida. She began learning and competing in West Coast Swing at the age of 15 - winning first place at her first national competition in the Intermediate level. Shortly thereafter, she was selected to perform as a featured dancer in the short film, "The Marionette."
After completing her studies in hospitality, Jennifer started her own company, Floor On Fire, Inc. in Orlando at the age of 21. Floor On Fire holds multiple annual contracts with area resorts for weekly ballroom dance classes for their guests, taught by one of three teachers on staff.
Jennifer is currently performing, teaching, and judging acroos the US and overseas. She and Michael Kielbasa placed second nationally with NASDE (National Association of Swing Dance Events) in 2007 and 2008. Jennifer also teaches private lessons and workshops at other events, both domestically and abroad.
In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing at home with her husband, Erik and their Yorkie named Lucy.
Douglas Rousar
Those who really know Doug, know that he has a passion for musical theatre and dance having spent a great deal of his life on stage. Early on in college, attending VanderCook College of Music Education, Doug was involved with choreography and musical staging productions and show choirs. After college, he found himself participating in all facets of production including stage work, directing, producing, music editing, promotion and advertising. All the while, Doug continued dancing, performing, and doing choreography.
His time spent on the stage, as well as being heavily involved in the performing arts arena, exposed Doug to a number of different dance styles. But, it was West Coast Swing that really sparked an interest and fueled a new passion. Having now travelled on average 40 weekends a year, Doug has achieved recognition and success on the WCS competitive circuit and has built quite a following of students over the last several years. He has now become a full time teacher and is loving every moment of it!
Doug feels he has have been fortunate enough to have been hired as a featured Workshop Instructor, Judge and Chief Judge at many dance events around the country. His music background, performance experience, teachers training and love for the dance make him a well rounded dance professional and very qualified to serve in any capacity for your club event or activities.
Last year Doug received great feedback on all the workshop weekends, event workshops and seminars across the country. He has built a reputation for providing classes that are well balanced between patterns and technique using the structure of providing patterns to practice and reinforce the technique. We also have a lot of fun too!
Christopher Hussey:
Christopher brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to workshops and private instruction.
From the variety show at the UCWDC World Championships to the US Open Swing Dance Championships, with workshops and competitions all over the world and even an amazing group class with 1200 attendees in Scottsdale, AZ – Christopher lives to teach, perform, and compete.
Lessons are filled with incredible patterns, cool footwork and syncopations and foundation dance technique – while at the same time being fun, playful and really exciting. Christopher resides in Chicago, IL
Markus Smith
Markus Smith is one of the most talented, popular and photogenic dancers on the National Swing Dance Circuit. His style has the rich flavor of an eclectic culinary feast prepared by noted restaurateur, Wolfgang Puck - a healthy portion of West Coast Swing sautéed in Hand Dance styling and seasoned with a little bit of Funk. Add a radiant smile and you have a fitting dessert.
Always a Top 5 finisher, and often Champion, this exciting dancer really knows how to light up a dance floor. His choreography with former partner Deonna Ball was unique, their footwork fabulous and their energy is captivating. Although no longer together, Markus continues to wow audiences and grow fans across the US.
With the unique styles fused from Hand Dance, Funk and West Coast, Markus is quite capable of creating a masterpiece on the floor at any moment. Although his strongest results have come in the Classic Division, Markus is able to adapt and build a rapport with any partner. His style and charimatic presentation, along with a snappy dress style all to his own, leaves Markus in a class by himself.
Markus attends Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland, majoring in Music Education.
Jessica Cox
Jessica Cox has been one of the top female dancers in West Coast Swing. Teamed with Parker Dearborn, they have won numerous events across the nation as Showcase champions. Teaching, instructing and dancing around the world, Jessica embodies the joy of her passion for dance. Always a bright face at events throughout the year, Jessica has left many audiences breathless with her performances.
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Jessica and Parker have decided to rest as partners this year. Jessica has spent the first part of the year helping to nurse Jordan back to health following his knee surgery and taking courses to continue her education. Every chance she gets, she comes out to enjoy the community of dance and will be a great part of our staff at Miami Dance Magic!
Patty Vo
Patty Vo, originally from Walnut Creek, CA, now residing in San Diego, CA, got her start dancing through the Swing and Country dance circuits in 1995. She started her competition career in 1997 with her partner Kurt Senser. Since then, she became the 1997 UCWDC Division 3 World Champion, 2000 and 2001 Pro/Am Spotlight and Pro/Am Showcase World Champion with her students, not to mention being an Invitational 2006 Champion and Champion Jack and Jill finalist numerous times in both circuits. Patty has also been a finalist of the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships in the Classic Division, and currently competes, teaches and performs throughout the United States.
Stephanie Batista
Stephanie Batista is a champion West Coast Swing dancer, frequently traveling the country teaching, judging, and competing. She WON (with John Lindo) the Phoenix Open Champion of Champions Division in 2008 (after finishing second with Arjay Centeno in 2006), is a four-time US Open Finalist, and has won several Champions and Invitational divisions across the US.
Stephanie Batista is an incredible dancer. In 2003, Stephanie took second in the Advanced division at the Phoenix Open. By 2006, Stephanie was dancing at Phoenix in the (by invitation only) Champion of Champions division, where she finished second with Arjay Centeno. In 2007, Stephanie took a year off to have a baby (daughter Hazel). In 2008, she returned as an alternate, was lucky to get into the dancing group (one follower in that group could not come) and she WON the Champion of Champions division with John Lindo with an utterly amazing pair of dances.
Most known for her playful, interpretive style, Stephanie embodies a soulful relationship with her partner and the music. It is her mission as an instructor to equip her students with the tools necessary to experience the thrill of high caliber, connected, musical dances. As a teacher, she is something else. Well-spoken, professional and grounded in foundamentals, Stephanie shows simple principles for changing up standard patterns by bending the slot and trying various changes in hand holds. Her style of teaching reminds us that dancing is truly supposed to be creative and fun and not just an exercise in going through some standard patterns in an unmoveable slot.
Michael Kielbasa
Michael was born and raised in San Diego, California. He began dancing at the age of five in most styles of partner dance under the guidance of his mom Carmen Garcia and his uncle Michael Kiehm. However, it was not until age 17, Michael began to consider teaching and dancing competitively. Competition has always been apart of Michael's life. Between the early workings of his father in baseball, soccer, track and wrestling, and the dance careers of his mom and uncle, Michael had the drive. This drive led him to his first US OPEN in 2004. It was not until 8 months later, he collaborated with his current partner Jennifer Deluca.
Along with the dance career Michael is currently studying business and psychology. He hopes to contribute all that he can and feels fortunate and blessed to have all the support and love of his family and friends.
Luis Crespo
Luís Crespo began dancing over 10 years ago, and brought his talents, interests, and passion to the West Coast Swing Community in 2001. He is originally from New York City (born and raised) and currently resides in California.
Luís has been dancing Ballroom, Latin and West Coast Swing for over 10 years. It was in New York that he first learned traditional Ballroom and Latin from working with the Fred Astaire Franchise in upper Manhattan. He got into West Coast Swing dancing shortly after he fell in love with the Argentine Tango.
Luís says, “I realize that this may seem awkward and misplaced, but the truth is, when I was learning how to "really" understand the nature of Argentine Tango, I realized that the dance was more about the musicality and connection between partners than successfully executing "patterns" and moves. After going to an actual West Coast Swing dance, I realized that the people who were dancing it really well, actually were "dancing" to the music and not dancing through "patterns" as much. This was what attracted me the most to the dance, the fact that you are actually able to "dance" as opposed to just move through patterns.”
Luís is a professional, competitive dancer and can be found teaching at various private studios, dance events and guest appearing at many workshops. He has competed, performed and prepared with Kara Przybyla, Patty Vo, Giovanna Dottore, Annette Romios (now Parkllan), Laureen Baldovi and others. He continues to teach and help others in achieving their own personal goals with their dancing styles and accomplishments.
Luís has earned several placements, trophies and honors within the West Coast Swing community: “To date, I have been dancing at the Champion/Invitational level and continue to get invited to dance events such as The Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Convention, Swing Dance America, Miami Dance Magic, Summer Dance Camp, New Years Dance Extravaganza, Desert City Swing, Jack and Jill O'Rama, High Desert Dance Classic, and several others. I earned a US Open Strictly Swing Champion title in 2002 and a US Open Showcase 3rd place result in 2009 which has assisted in paving the way for success in swing.”
People have come to recognize Luís’ smooth, crisp, sharp style, which comes from his very diverse background of movement. Whether you can see the smooth fluidity from his elegant Waltz and Argentine Tango or the sharp hits and breaks that come from his break dancing days, Luís’ style is very unique.
Robin Smith
(NC) takes great pride in his ability to improve the overall level of dance where ever his travels take him He has been dancing, teaching, competing in dance as well as judging for over 25 years. During his career he can truly say he has witnessed as well as experienced the evolution of several different styles of dance. Since the year 2000 he has concentrated exclusively on West Coast Swing studying with only the very best in the business. His accomplishments include numerous top placements at events all across the nation as well as a 3rd place finish at the 2003 US Open Swing Dance Championships with then partner Darlene Long-Cree. He teaches full time and has won numerous Top Teacher awards. With a diverse professional background in music, dance as well as martial arts he has a unique understanding of body movement and how it relates to dance and music.
~ Hustle Stars ~
Tina Price
Tina Price is from Cleveland, Ohio and one of the driving personalities in the local dance club. Known for the smooth and graceful way she dances hustle, Tina has been involved in dance for more than 25 years. An accomplished dancer with numerous awards, she is also very proud of the results her students have obtained over time. Tina has also made transitions into West Coast Swing and actively competes in both dance styles.
Carl Charles
If you know Carl Charles, you will understand the passion he brings to the dance floor and industry. His style for both male and female dancers makes dancing fun and enjoyable while paying attention to technique and styling.
Carl's dance journey began in childhood and has continued through adulthood. He has been dancing the Disco/Hustle since the 70’s and has been teaching, performing and competing over 20 years. Carl is dedicated to teaching Latin, Ballroom, and “The Disco/Hustle” dances full time, as an independent instructor. He teaches at some of the most prominent studios around the country in order to make himself accessible for special workshops, group and private lessons. Carl’s mission and personal goal is to pass his knowledge of this great dance on to as many people as he physically can.
Carl's accomplishments in the area of partner dancing include being inducted into the hall-of-fame and crowned the “King of the Hustle” at Lincoln Center in New York City. He has won countless dance competitions both locally and nationally. He was also featured in a dance special on PBS (Worldwide) called "Touch Dancing" and is one of the most sought after dancer on the dance floor anywhere.
As Carl had stated, The Disco/Hustle is not what it used to be in the 70's. The dance has moved from the streets into the Dance Studios. The dance Disco/Hustle keeps evolving and growing, and this change is good.
Carl also said, When he looks out into the audience and see those smiling faces, he know where he is supposed to be – Dance is more than an interest…it’s his life!”, he is very happy to continuingly be a part of something that gives back immeasurable joy and satisfaction.
Billy Marti
Billy teaches at Stepping Out Studios in Manhattan. He started dancing at 18 and quickly mastered the fundamentals of dance. Within a year he realized he had found what would be his life’s passion. As his repertoire expanded to include other forms such as ballet, so did his experience with other dance studios.
Billy was hired with his first dance partner, Nancy Melius, to perform in Israel as a “Fame” dancer with Robert Guillaume and Albert Hague who played Professor Shorofsky. Later Billy was inspired while watching a competition in a nightclub where he discovered his new love for Hustle Theatre Arts. He met Wanda Soto who began teaching him in the art of partnering and soon began dancing and performing with Hustle’s elite dancers of the time.
He takes great pride in his ability to thoroughly prepare students for showcase and dance competitions by articulating a music and choreography mix that enhances the student’s individual style, and thus complementing their strengths.
Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow
Billy has over 30 years of dance performance experience. As a young man, he was the founder and lead performer of the Dance Dimensions, the internationally acclaimed dance company who appeared on NBC's Don Kirshner's Rock Concert for four seasons. He has appeared at Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Radio City and numerous top venues around the world. He has worked and choreographed for numerous headliners, including Gloria Gaynor, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Bob Hope...the list goes on... Film credits include "Carlito"s Way", "Cross Over Dreams", "Summer of Sam". Look for Billy on the new UPN Series "South Beach" dancing with the lovely Vanessa Williams.
Katie Marlow has been performing professionally since 1981. As a performer, she has assembled a wide range of credits stretching from cabaret revues, to theatre to television and feature films. She is a member of both Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association. Beginning her performance career as a showgirl aboard the Cunard NAC Cruise Line, she later branched out to do commercials and feature films. Just a few of her credits include "A Chorus Line: The Movie" the television show "The Equalizer" and "Miami Vice". She later moved into choreography, putting together, the "Hot Nights in the City night club revue in Japan. In 1995 she founded Dancesation! Entertainment - an upscale production company who provides entertainment services throughout the United States for major corporations.
Together, they are considered to be one of the most highly accomplished and versatile dance teams in the world. They are the 2002 IDO World Champions for both Hustle and Cabaret Exhibition. They are the only couple in the history of the United States to hold two separate world championship titles in the same year. Other titles include 2000 US Open Cabaret Champions, 1999 United States Hustle Champions, 2002 NADC Cabaret Champions. In addition, Billy and Katie were four times invitees to the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival Open Exhibition Championships, an honor reserved for only a select few throughout the world. With their exceptional talent of being able to perform both theatrical dance and social partner dance on a world class level, they hold the distinctive position of being in demand on a number of circuits, including the Ballroom circuit, the Hustle circuit, the Salsa circuit and even the Swing dance circuit.
~ Florida Dance Instructors ~
John and Mary Jane Harris
John and Mary Jane are the owners of the "Sultry Swing" dance studio (in North Palm Beach, FL), have competed throughout the state of Florida for the last 5 years, and are the Florida's 2007 West Coast Swing Dance Champions. They share 40 years of dance experience between the 2 of them; over 15 years of experience between them as instructors in West Coast Swing, Ballroom, Latin, Country, Hip Hop, and Line Dance. They have taught workshops throughout Florida; including Tampa, Naples, Jensen Beach, as well as several locations throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
Mark Smith and Sherry Harris
: Mark and Sheri competed together nationally for eight years, from 97 through 05, dancing west coast swing, east coast swing, 2-step, waltz, cha cha and hustle. Mark competed professionally for 10 years prior in swing and country. Between them, they have 30 years of dance experience, and have been teaching for 28 years, both locally and at workshops around the nation.
They rose to open professional UCWDC Division 1 Classic and ranked among the top 20 Country & Western competitive dance couples throughout the US, sporting numerous top 5 rankings and several 1st place awards. They competed in 3 world championships and earned top 5 placements in each event. They've also earned Top 5 placements in national Hustle competitions.
They've performed a wide variety of American Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Hustle and Theatre Arts show numbers for corporate events, clubs, ballrooms and performing arts theaters. Both have judged numerous competitions, with Mark judging nationally on the UCWDC circuit for several years.
They've also competed in many Pro-Am competitions with their students over the past two decades, with their student partners earning top medal placements.
They teach fun group classes Mondays and Tuesdays as well as private lessons throughout the week/weekend at Planet Fitness in Sunrise Florida.
Bobby Caudill
Bobby started line dancing in 1994, then shortly discovered Country & Western couples dancing. His daughter was dancing on a youth dance team called the Neon Moon Dance Team. They went to a dance competition in Fort Lauderdale where he fell in love with competition dancing. Even seince then he has been training and competing. He started teaching about 12 years ago full time in a ballroom studio for 2 years as well as country and weatern teaching on the side in clubs. He retired from Country & Western competition about 6 years ago and has been exclusively doing West Coast Swing, and ever since then Bobby has been competing on the swing circuit in one form or another.
Dawn Sgarlata and Chris Lo
Over the last 14 years West Coast Swing has been Dawn’s passion. She began competing on the UCWDC circuit and became a World Champion in 1996 and 1997. She has competed in many swing competitions and has won and placed in many Jack-n-Jill and Strictly Swing contests. She gained knowledge and experience from many years of training with top dance professionals. Dawn currently teaches west coast swing at Goldcoast Ballroom in Coconut Creek, FL and Sultry Swing Studio in North Palm Beach, FL.
Chris started to dance because he wanted to impress a girl. He ended up in love with West Coast Swing. This torrid affair began in 2005 and he began competing seriously in 2007 after meeting his current teacher and friend Jennifer Deluca.
Through hard work and a hint of obsessive compulsive dedication, he quickly moved up the ranks from Novice to Advanced. His knowledge of dance and body mechanics come from a background in martial arts and the many dance lessons from the top names on the circuit. Chris currently teaches out of Sultry Swing Studio in North Palm Beach, FL.
Chris Lo and Dawn Sgarlata began competing together last year and successfully placed in an Advanced Strictly Swing competition. Now, after winning first place at the Florida State Championship Dance contest held in Orlando New Year’s weekend, they are currently holding the title of Florida State Dance Champions
Trish Berlanga
Trish Berlanga has been involved in the South Florida dance community for many years. Adept at most dance styles, Trish has accumulated a lot of knowledge about dance that she passes on to her students.
Trish built the South Florida chapter of Floorplay, a Florida organization created by Mark Traynor for dance chapters or clubs all across the state. Trish built up the South Florida chapter over the years to become one of the biggest in the state. She took a hiatus to spend some time in the great state of Texas for a year, but has returned and taken the chapter back and continues to be a strong influence in our dance community.
Trish also DJ's and will spend some time in the booth with us this weekend!
Also On Board
Patti Jobst
Carrie Stevens
~ DJ's ~
April Prince
Born into a family of performing musicians, music has always been the love of April's life. She has trained in music since she can remember and finds absolute joy teaching and sharing the gift of music with others.
April's love of music led her to a love of dance. Dancing is the perfect medium to explore music. It allows you to express how the music makes you feel or how you feel through movement. Everyone has a song that makes them want to get up and dance.
Kelly Faust
Kelly began studying music at an early age. As a child she played multiple instruments and participated in music competitions while in school. She began dancing at the age of 12 in Country and Western but soon found West Coast Swing and has been hooked ever since. She began competing and traveling the WCS scene in 1998.
David Koppelman
is a classically trained violinist who has been deejaying for West Coast Swing, Hustle, and Country/Western dancers since 1998. David has served as a competition and/or social dance deejay for nationally recognized dance events such as the Phoenix Fourth of July Convention, Dallas D.A.N.C.E., Monterey Swingfest, Halloween Swingthing, Jack and Jill O'Rama, New Years Dance Camp and Summer Dance Camp in Palm Springs, CA, Desert City Swing in Phoenix, AZ, and Reno Dance Sensation. In his home base of Southern California, David deejays regularly at the famous Press Box on Friday nights and has his own dance once a month. David prides himself on his ability to "read" a crowd and make a dance party happen!
Vickie Kay
Vicki Kay has been a dancer for many years. As a youth in ballet and
jazz and in later years, Vicki accelerated her love of the dance and
moved into Ballroom, Latin and Swing. Her passion for dancing evolved
into a passion for music, as well. When given the opportunity, Vicki
rose to the occasion when asked to DJ years ago. She has been deejaying
now for many years for local ballrooms in the South Florida area, as
well as National events. She is the most respected DJ in the tri-county
area and has become the primary DJ for the South Florida Swing Dance
Society. Vicki is best known as the "West Coast Swing DJ" in South
Florida. She spends much of her time gathering the perfect tunes so
when she feels a change in the energy in the room, she knows she will always have the perfect tune. Vicki can feel the heartbeat of the
crowd. She is passionate about life, music, dancing, and her boys; but
most of all, her passion is felt by the entire dance community every
time she turns on her tunes. When Vicki Kay is the DJ, nobody leaves early.
Bobby Gerrard
Bobby Gerard's DJ career spans 40 years at numerous dance halls from the Hampton Bays to Queens, NY. Bobby's talents brought him to So FLA where his years at the Limelight Disco in Hollywood helped to bring back classic hustle dance music of the early 70's. During the past 8 years, Bobby has been found at many So FLA venues such as the Paladuim in Margate, hustle dance cruises, and guest appearances at D.C. Jam in Washington.
~ Photos/Videographers ~
Global Dance TV
will be our event videographers. Global Dance TV is a high-end internet television company founded by dancers and dedicated to the dance community of the world. They strive to produce the best in dance programming.
