~ Swing Stars ~
Many of these stars are confirmed or in negotiation. Others are in preliminary stages. Please check in periodically as we complete our staff selection process approaching our event date...Thank You!
Mary Ann Nunez
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.
Mario Robau
Mario "Swing Daddy" Robau started dancing at the age of sixteen. He won the Southwest Regional title for the first time at the age of seventeen and began teaching professionally in 1986. For the last twenty years, Mario has traveled at least 40 weekends per year judging, teaching, deejaying, and emceeing at various dance workshops and conventions throughout the United States and Canada in the swing, country western, and shag dance circuits. Mario's Competitive credentials include: 2 time U.S. Open Classic swing dance champion; U.S. Open Team Champion and co-choreographer; 10 time Dallas Dance champion; 6 time Southwest Regional champion; 10 time Texas State champion; 10+ City Houston Championships; undefeated slow whip champion; 4 time Grand National Champion; 2 time Phoenix Jack and Jill Champion; Dallas Dance Hall of Fame; Youngest person inducted into Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
Debbie Figueroa
Angel and Debbie have been competing on the West Coast Swing circuit since 1999. Since then they have won many major titles including the USA Grand Nationals, Dallas Dance, Boogie by the Bay, and many others. Angel and Debbie are also top dancers in Invitational Strictly Swings and Jack and Jill competitions.
In addition to her competition resume, Debbie has won awards as a choreographer as well as appearing on TV and on stage across the country. Debbie has also been at the top of Country and Hustle dance competitions during her career.
Angel and Debbie currently live in Austin, Texas and work teaching, judging, and performing at events across the nation.
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.
Arjay Centeno:
Arjay discovered his dancing ability when he began dancing Hip Hop in High School, and teaching and choreographing dance production numbers. Arjay progressed to International Standard Ballroom and Latin when he joined his parents in their classes and lessons. Three months later, he began to compete in International Standard and Latin divisions with his Professional/Amateur partner, and teach and win First Places at progressively higher levels. After he met his then dance partner, Melissa Rutz, they competed in Amateur divisions with much success.
After a few years dancing the Ballroom/Latin circuit, Arjay discovered an interest in West Coast Swing at his local dance studios Metronome Ballroom (now Cheryl Burke Dance) and Two Left Feet. Instantly attracted to the music, dance community and the beauty of West Coast Swing, Arjay turned his focus and attention to perfecting his craft in the dance.
One of the fastest male dancers to climb the ranks to the Champions division, Arjay has developed a reputation for his unique teaching style, his innovative patterns and musicality. Arjay has won many awards in all dance divisions of the highest caliber; such as Strictly Swing division, Invitational and Champions Jack and Jill division, and both Classic and Showcase Divisions. He has also been a member of Shazam, a West Coast Swing team comprised of the world’s best Champion west coast swing dancers.
Arjay currently competes, judges, coaches, choreographs and teaches all over the world.
Barry Jones
Barry is a 4 time US Open Champion and was honored and inducted into the National Swing Dance Hall of Fame in 2006 at the US Open. He also won the Feather Award for the Best Showcase, Best Classic Couple and Best Choreographer of the year at the Beverly Hills Hilton in Los Angeles, California in 1996.
Barry has basically won every award that could possibly be given in the West Coast Swing community and he continues to share his wealth of knowledge and many years of experience toward the growth of the sport. Barry joins his partner, Patty Vo for the first time at Miami Dance Magic. We feel his addition to our fine staff continues our efforts to have great instructors and dance personalities who are also awesome social dancers for your enjoyment.
Christopher Hussey
Christopher makes his return this year to Miami Dance Magic! His style, attitude and work ethic make him one of the most popular male dancers on the circuit at this time. Christopher is well known for his workshops built around understandable, yet unique approach to many of the basic principles of West Coast Swing. He has had success as a classic competitor as well as strictly swing and jack & jill contests.
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.
Katrina Branson
Katrina was a part of the South Florida dance scene as a teenager, working from her father's studio and competing in both country and west coast swing events. Coming of age, Katrina has been traveling the world, instructing, competing and entertaining at many locations both in the U.S. and overseas.
Now residing in San Antonio, Texas, Katrina and Michael Kielbasa began dancing and competing together this year. The early results are pointing to another strong couple to contend with on the West Coast Swing circuit!
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.
In 2005 Michael collaborated with Jennifer Deluca and together, they climbed swiftly into the national championship picture in West Coast Swing. Two years in a row, the couple achived second place overall on the NASDE circuit, exciting dancers everywhere with the style and energy only they could bring to the floor.
Although Michael and Jennifer have moved away from their partnership, both have continued to contribute their talents. In Michael case, he has focused on completing his studies and earn a degree while maintaining a brisk schedule of workshops and events. It will be just a matter of time before he begins to focus on that competitive itch once more.
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
Robin has been dancing, teaching and competing in dance as well as judging nationally and regionally for over 25 years. For the past 12 years he has concentrated exclusively on West Coast Swing, studying with only the very best in the business.
Among his accomplishments are numerous 1st Place titles and many top 5 placements at events all across the nation including a 3rd place finish at the US Open Swing Dance Championships in 2003 as well as winning more top teacher awards than can be noted.
Robin is certified under Michael Kiehm's IPDIA at the Instructor / Examiner level and affiliates himself with Skippy Blair’s GSDTA intensives when ever possible. Never satisfied that what he already knows is enough, he works tirelessly to keep up with current trends and techniques in the global west coast swing community.
With a diverse professional background in music, dance and martial arts Robin has a unique understanding of body movement and how it relates to music and takes great pride in his ability to improve the overall level of West Coast Swing where ever his travels take him.
A serious teacher for serious students Robin teaches full time and would love to share his vast knowledge of and passion for west coast swing with you.
Jeanne DeGuyter
Jeanne has been dancing since 1994, when she began in West Coast Swing and quickly moved into country dancing on the UCWDC circuit, in couples and teams. In Swing, she has earned 7 US OPEN Swing Dance Awards, including 2 Championship titles. In both 2010 and 2007, she placed in the TOP 5 Females in the WSDC J&J Tour. In 2007, she earned a NASDE Showcase Championship title and finished in the top 10 Females for the NASDE Tour. Jeanne has also earned the prestigious America's Classic Top Teacher Award 3 times. In country, she competed extensively in Teams and even traveled to Europe for an invitational demo performance with the Rockin' Country Ladies, twice earning a UCWDC Championship Title. Her focus is on West Coast Swing, fulfilling a passion for variation and interpretation.
Jeanne's background did not come from traditional dance training as many competitors, but from cheerleading and gymnastics, where she brought her performance and agility skills to the dance floor. Jeanne has trained under several top instructors in the country and travels regularly as a Guest Workshop Instructor, coach and choreographer. She is President of Swing Tulsa Style Dance Club, a World Swing Dance Council Member Instructor and is the the Event Director for three different Swing Events—Tulsa Fall Fling, Tulsa Spring Swing and Grand Prix of Swing (Kansas City).
Taletha Jouzdani
Over the past five years, Taletha Jouzdani has confidently progressed in the NASDE Swing circuit. In 2010, she took 2nd place Female in the Nationwide Tour, as a result of consistent top 5 placements in the Classic Division with her previous partner Jake Haning. Their “Soul Man” and “It Hurts So Bad” routines showed their diversity in style and attitude and were certain crowd pleasers.
Taletha is a two-time US OPEN Jack & Jill finalist and received 2nd place in the prestigious Nasde Jack & Jill tour in 2009. She is currently competing Jack & Jills and Strictlys at the All-Star/Champion level. Many admirers have described her dancing as clean, playful, sensual and classy.
Taletha has been teaching partner dancing for over 13 years and is known for her ability to create the perfect balance of technical and playful in her instruction. Common themes in her workshops are musicality, creating a balanced dance, and dance as a conversation. She prefers to teach thematically to encourage both retention and entertainment value.
Taletha likes to spend her free time creating theme parties, eating sushi, writing poetry, and snuggling with her cat Fuzz Fuzz.
~ 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.
Patti Jobst
Two-time US Open Swing Dance Champion Patti Jobst has been actively teaching, judging, coaching, and competing throughout the U.S., plus Australia and Canada for over 17 years. Recently relocated to the Tampa Bay area after spending over 10 years immersed in the Southern California swing dance community.
Recognized for her creativity, versatility, and following finesse, Patti’s love of dance is obvious to students, partners, and audience members alike. As a coach and an instructor, she is noted for sessions that entertain as well as educate introducing fun, lead-able patterns which are founded on good technique and strong, solid basics.
Available for Group Workshops, Private and Semi-private Lessons, plus Coaching and Choreography of Competitive Dance Routines and Wedding Dances.
Actively teaching in the Tampa Bay area. Visit her website at www.PattiJobst.com
Demery Strickland and Danielle Blouin
In 1993 Demery signed up for Two-Step and Line Dance classes with his sister to overcome shyness and meet people. Demery did this for several years until events in life took him in a new direction. After several years away from dancing, Demery started taking West Coast Swing classes, and in 2006, he took a Jennifer DeLuca workshop and was hooked after a blissful dance with Jen that very evening. Since then, Demery has competed, placed in and won numerous Jack & Jill, Strictly, and Rising Star competitions and has worked his way up through the ranks to become an Advanced level dancer. Demery won the 2008 America's Amateur Novice Championship Events (AANCE) Jack & Jill Intermediate division Leader Champion award.
Danielle began dancing at the age of 5 with intensive training in ballet, jazz, modern dance and gymnastics and then began her entertainment career in high diving, fire diving and trapeze shows around the country and at numerous theme parks. This all lead to her interest in couples dancing after seeing her first competition in 1994. Danielle now teaches group and private lessons for all ages in west coast swing, two-step, waltz, cha cha, nightclub, triple-two, polka, east coast and hustle and holds 2 World titles in Showcase Open for 1998 and 2004 and 12 Top Teacher awards on the UCWDC circuit, including top teacher for World's 2007, 2008, and 2009!
Danielle's focus then turned to west coast swing where she competed w/Stephen White and placed 3rd in Rising Star at the Tampa Classic in 2009, 1st in Rising Star at Swing Dance America 2010 and 4th in the Pro Classic Division at the Tampa Classic 2010.
Danielle and Demery now compete together on the West Coast Swing circuit. She also competes with her students around the country and 17 of her pro-am students have won World Titles on the UCWDC Circuit over the past 10 years.
Michel Holm and Aaron McKenna
The biopraphy for this couple will be made available shortly
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. Dawn and Chris have also won first place at the Florida State Championship Dance contest held in Orlando New Year’s weekend.
~ 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.
Bruce Warren
Bruce discovered dance in 1994 at the local Country Western dance hall. Competing briefly in UCWDC, migrating to West Coast Swing shortly thereafter and, has enjoyed dancing with the West Coast Swing family ever since. Currently hosting a dance in Jacksonville, Florida, with a passion to provide an unbiased environment, helping to grow the dance community. Bruce is very excited for the opportunity to DJ along side some of the best in the business. "People remember you not for what you say or do but, how you make them feel. It is my desire to make people feel good with music"
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.
Earl Yeomans
Earl has lived in Jacksonville since 1968. He has worked in Television at Channel 12 and Channel 4. Earl started out playing in dance bands all around Jacksonville. He then shifted to DJing for private parties and weddings in the late eighties. Earl first became involved with the Florida Boppers at Back to the Beach II.
Earl is the Chairman of the Board for the Florida Boppers and is Chairperson for the DJ's at BTTB. Besides being a member of the Florida Boppers he is a member of the National Association of R&B DJ's. Allswing DJ's, and the First Coast Shag Club. In the year 2008 Earl was the Allswing DJ of the Year. And at the Grand Nationals in Atlanta Earl was inducted into the Allswing DJ Hall of Fame for 2009. Earl is a member of the National Fast Dance Hall of Fame and The Florida Boppers Hall of Fame.
~ Photos/Videographers ~
Zizi Zabaneh
Zizi is a professional Dance & Event Photographer. Zizi is also a flamenco, latin and Middle Eastern dancer in Miami. She was interested in coming to Miami Dance Magic last year and experience a West Coast Swing event. Many of our new photos came from her camera in 2010 and she is back again to help us record the event. A 10 year veteran of professional photography, mant samples of her work can be found at her website. Click here to view her website!
