2008 iHSC Invited Professional Staff........
Top
instructors in Hustle, Salsa and West Coast Swing
Plus our Djs.
Derrick
Allen Derrick’s
dancing career goes back more than 30 years where he won dozens of
dance contests. He was the first to integrate and popularize ballroom
styling within the Hustle and is known for his uniquely smooth Fred
Astaire-like dance style and sophisticated floor work. He has performed
in the casinos of the Caribbean, Westbury Music Fair and Madison Square
Garden. He's also done promotional work for IBM, Dr. Pepper, Macy’s,
Bacardi, and danced with the Ralph Lew Dance Company for 3 years. He
has also taught privately and for the NY Hustle Dance Studios with
Jeff and Donna Shelly. He was the professional dance instructor for
the 2008 NYS High School Theater Conference where he introduced over
600 High School students to both the Hustle and Salsa.
Derrick has returned to the dance scene after over a 25-year absence as an adjudicator and as a competitor. As a competitor he took 1st place at the 2005 World Hustle Dance Championships in the Professional Just Hustle with his partner Donna DeSimone and 1st Place in the 2006 Hustle Congress Pro Open Theater Arts, again with his partner Donna DeSimone. His most notable pass the winnings during the height of hustle dance craze include: the $5,000 Fantasy Island Hustle Championship, the $15,000 Playboy International Dance Contest, and the World's Largest Dance Contest held in Long Island, NY at Cherries Disco where he won 2 cherry red Corvettes. He has been an invited judge to the 2005, 2006 and 2007 World Hustle Championships, the 2007 NY Hustle Congress as well as the 2007 and 2008 International Hustle and Salsa Championships (IHSC) in Miami Florida.
Derrick was voted Favorite Male Hustle Dancer in 2005 and 2006 by the readers of Ron Bess’s DanceTalk. In 2007, the readers of Ron Bess DanceTalk also honored him with the All-Time Favorite Dancer award.
Derrick was the 2007 recipient of the Augie and Margo Rodriguez
Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented at the International
Hustle
and Salsa Championships (IHSC) held in Miami. This is awarded
to exemplary and inspirational performers within the dance community
and in recognition
for his contributions to the world of Hustle and social dancing.
He is currently the successful owner of Home Financial Services,
a multi-state mortgage company located in Long Island, New York.
Although
his business takes up a lot of his time, Derrick tries whenever
possible to give back to a dance that allowed him to do so much.
He is frequently
asked to judge and does so whenever his hectic schedule permits.
Derrick feels he's been blessed in many ways throughout his life
and is most
thankful for his 20-year marriage to his wife Lynnette and his
two beautiful daughters Teresa and Raquel.
Raul
Ante (CA) Raul
has been dancing Hustle for 23 years and is President of the Hustle
Dance Club. He currently teaches classes at the Grand Palace, Starlite
Ballroom and Ballroom Dance Supply. He has performed exhibitions
at: Metronome Ballroom, Xenon Ballroom, Hustle USA Dance Championships
(to name a few). He also judged for many events such as: Grand Palace,
Fresno Dance Classic & Hustlemania, Disco America and Hustle
USA.
Raye
Avery & Irene Griffin (TX)
Raye, a native of Houston, Texas, has been dancing and competing
in Hustle since the seventies. A regular champion in local club competitions,
Raye danced in the movie “Can't Stop the Music” as well
as competed on “Dance Fever”.Raye and Irene began their
dance partnership in 1998, consistently winning in the Amateur Theater
Arts division at Hustle USA, International Hustle & Salsa Competition,
Disco America, and World Hustle Dance Championship before turning ‘pro’ in
2004. They were Finalists in the 2006 Pro Van McCoy Competition at
the International Hustle & Salsa Competition. Always a favorite,
Raye and Irene were voted 2004 DanceTalk Reader's Choice Awards ‘Favorite
Dance Couple (Hustle)’. Their dedication to teaching and promoting
Hustle in Texas is demonstrated by the many exhibitions they do at
Country, West Coast and Salsa events; still finding time to compete
and travel nationwide. www.HustleandSalsaHouston.Com.
Donna
Boyle (PA)
Donna was the regional dance champion on the national TV show "Dance
Fever". For 20 years, she has been competing performing, and
exciting audiences with her polished and sensual style. She performed
for acts such as: Billy Crystal, Tu-Pac, Sammy Hager, Deney Terrio
of Dance Fever, etc. Her TV credits include: Discophonic scene and
on the air with the Geater; 1999 QVC National Dance Promotion; 2
appearances at the Phillies game with the Phillie Phanatic; Good
Day Philadelphia (with Dick Clark); 1999 PBS show "Dancing" aired
in England; and two appearances on the CBS nationally syndicated
competition " Dance Fever" in Los Angeles. Donna was one
of the Event Directors for Hustle USA 1995. Donna has been teaching,
coaching and promoting Hustle in the Philadelphia area as well as
traveling throughout the United States to conduct workshops and promote
her dance event Disco America.Donna's success is evidenced by her
awards and participation in competitions . She is currently on the
teaching staff of Sandy Fortuna's Universal DanceSport Center (NJ),
Tophat Dance Studio (PA), and Dance Manhattan Studio (NY). Donna
is the owner of Disco America Dance Weekend at www.discoamerica.com.
Wajih & Wendy
Dalal started
dancing hustle in early 2000. Since then they’ve been
trained by the most elite hustle instructors in the country and have
been competing at various national hustle conventions.
In 2005 they received the IHDA top competitor award (International Hustle
Dance Association) for their cumulative win of various hustle competitions
throughout the year. They also won 1st place in the 2006 Van Mac Coy
Championship at the IHSC (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
in Miami. Wendy and Wajih have been performing at various dance studios
and are known for their grace and elegance. Prior to dancing Hustle,
Wendy has been trained in gymnastics, ballet, jazz and modern since the
age of 2. Wajih pursued martial arts in his teenage years and competed
at various regional competitions. As professionals they both enjoy teaching
and sharing their joy of dancing Hustle.
Elizabeth
Darchi (NY),
has been dancing for many years with an extensive repertoire in Ballet,
Jazz, and Ballroom. Hustle is her main love. Throughout that time
period she has competed as a Theater Arts and Classic Amateur at
many Hustle competitions till 1995, always placing as top three.
Once Pro she has remained in the top 3 status at Hustle USA, IHSC
and Disco America. She has taught ballroom and hustle for the Battista
Dance Studio, Stepping Out Dance Studio, Sandra Cameron's Studio,
Authur Murrays and Julliard School of Dance. Her unique style has
also been recognized in front of the camera by both the film and
television industries, such as Buscando Estrella (Star Search), Carlitos
Way, Channel 5 GoodDay NY and has performed as a backup dancer with
Carol Douglas ("Midnight Love Affair") at Lincoln Center.
She was assistant instructor for the stage production of "Saturday
Night Fever" in the National Theater, Santo Domingo.
Her approach to teaching is fun and informative and she emphasizes a strong and solid foundation in hustle technique to expand this dance beyond the conventions of "Hustle" as we know it today. She has judged and taught workshops for Hustle USA, Lincoln Center Swing Fest, Disco America, IHSC, Summer Hummer, New Years Extravaganza, Swing Fling to name a few. The Hip-Hop, Rumba, Cha-Cha style in Hustle has been the hallmark of her career.
Beth partners with Louis Orlando in most workshops and they have competed and won many titles. They have placed first in the Professional Hustle divisions and Invitationals. You can find them at almost all hustle and swing events.
Donna
De Simone (NY)
has been teaching dance for 31 years. Her knowledge of Ballet,
Tap, Jazz, Lyric, Broadway Theater and Ballroom has greatly influenced
her hustle style. In 1975 Donna was introduced to a dance called the Hustle. Donna became
a Hustle dancer on the Television show “Soap Factory Disco” in
1977. In 1978 she opened her first Dance Studio. Four years later opened
her second
studio.
In 1983 she discovered the world of Ballroom dancing. She trained and competed
for 8 years under Roberto Pagan and many well known coaches in American & International
styles. In 1985 took 5th in the USBC Swing Competition and 1986 took 1st at the
Virginia State Ballroom Championships in Latin, Won 1st place at 1986 Ohio Star
Ball State Championship. In 1986 she won her first United States title,” USBC
American Rhythm Champion” in Miami Florida. In 1990 Donna entered the well
know Zackary’s Dance Competition and took
1st Place. One year later winning the Tri State Open Hustle Championships.
Donna
went on to choreograph for dance tours to China, Italy, Florida, Hershey
Park, Carnegie Hall (“Cole Porter’s 100th Birthday Celebration” and “An
invitation to Dance” with the NY Pops Orchestra). You can also see her
on Cable TV “Touch Dancing” with Alfonzo. Donna recently started competing again for fun after taking a 14 year break
the results are:
2005 World Hustle Just Dance 1ST Place with Derrick Allen
2005 World Hustle Jack n Jill 3rd Place with Carl Charles.
2005 Hustle Congress Jack n Jill 2nd Place with Brian Gallagher
2006 World Hustle Just Dance 1St place with Fred Price
2006 World Hustle Jack n Jill 1st Place with Keith Gussoni
2006 Hustle Congress Pro Open Theater Arts 1st Place with Derrick Allan
Recently Donna won an on line poll sponsored by Ron Bess’s Dance Talk as Favorite Female Dancer in the Reader’s Choice Awards. Her Partner Derrick Allan took Favorite Male Dancer two years in a row.
Currently Donna teaches, Choreographs and performs in New York and beyond with her dance troop” Dance Odyssey”. For the past 13 years Donna has been the Ballroom Entertainment Director for the “Stardust Dance Weekends” in the Catskills.
Angel
Figueroa Angel's choreography and dancing have been seen on film,
video, television, in print and on stage. He holds over 30 titles in American
Style Rhythm, and has represented the United States at the World Cup in
Switzerland. Angel is also the 1998 ASDC, 1997 SOS Grand National, and
the 1996 U.S. Open Cabaret Champion
Brian
Gallagher (PA)
can break down patterns to help you understand the major components
of hustle: movement, framework, footwork & timing. He trained in
Ballroom and Latin prior to Hustle. He incorporates a variety of dynamics;
traveling, shaping, syncopated rhythms, creative combinations, and
speed. Known for traveling moves, creativity, and burning up the floor
at a 130 bpm without hesitation. Current "2003 Professional Theater
Arts Hustle Champion" and undefeated Pro Just Hustle Champion,
Brian has won every major Hustle competition over the last decade.
G11Brian@aol.com
Sylvania
Gallagher (PA)
Silvana is known as one of the top professional Hustle and Theater
Arts dancers in the United States. Having a successful 10 year career
with her partner, Brian Gallagher, Silvana is now working towards becoming
one of the countries top Dance Instructors in her field of Hustle.
Her mission is to inspire, create, and achieve artistic dancing.
Silvana's dance career began in 1988. She started with a local Ballet and Jazz dance company in Doylestown, PA. Though Ballet and Jazz were her start, partner dancing was her true passion. Three years later she moved on and into the city of Philadelphia for formal Ballroom and Latin training. She has not stopped since.
In 1992, shortly after starting her training in Ballroom and Latin, Silvana was introduced to Hustle and Brian Gallagher and together they trained and pursued a competitive career in Hustle and Theater Arts. Though Hustle became her competitive dance, Silvana never stopped training as a dancer. She continued and still continues her coaching in Hustle, Jazz, Ballroom, Latin and has added dances to her repertoire since, such as West Coast Swing and Salsa.
Silvana
is based in Philadelphia. She primarily teaches out of two locations:
DanceSport 101 in West Philadelphia, PA and La Luna Dance Studio in
Bensalem, PA. She also travels nationally coaching, judging, performing
and competing. So look for her in a city near you.
Lorianne
Greenhouse, has
been dancing since the age of 4. She was a student of the Royal Academy
of dance for 15 years. At the age of 21 she began her ballroom career.
In just a few short years she won many Rising Star titles and went
on to become a finalist in both American Rhythm and Theater Arts. In
addition, she received an invitation to compete in Blackpool and placed
5th in the world in Theater Arts. She is also a 6 time World Hustle
Champion.
Lori Ann has performed all over the world including such countries as China, Japan, Brazil, Argentina and Canada. She has performed with Liza Minelli, Joel Grey, Howie Mandell, Sherman Helmsley, The Village People and many more. She was also a featured dancer in Disney Worlds Epcot Center and Pleasure Island.
She has also appeared on TV in shows such as Good Morning America, Telemundo and Sabado Gigante. Lori Ann appeared in the movie Let it be Me. She is also appearing in the upcoming movies El Cantante with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez and a Disney movie, Enchanted, with Patrick Dempsey and Susan Sarandon.
Keith
Gussoni & Celeste Pfefferle (LA)
Trained in Jazz, Ballet, Adagio, Ballroom, Swing and Hustle, Keith
Gussoni,
a native New Orleanian, has been dancing for over 25 years. He has
trained with some of the most elite of instructors and coaches in
the country. After a long absence from the dance world to raise his
son, Keith a/k/a HustleNewOrleans, resurged in 1998 to the Hustle
and Swing circuit. Dancing in the amateur divisions of, Keith and
previous partners, Kathy Centenio and Joy Kohlmaier, have won numerous
titles in the division of Classic, Theater Arts, Cabaret, Just Hustle
and Jack 'n Jills at the following events: Hustle USA, International
Hustle & Salsa Competition, Disco America, World Hustle Dance
Championship, Texas Classic, Swing Fling, Virginia State Open Swing
Dance Championships, Paul Pellicoro's DanceSport and New Orleans
Dance Mardi Gras. Since turning Pro in July 2002, Keith, with his
top Pro Am partner, Celeste Pfefferle, has been competing and has
won 1st Place titles at the International Hustle & Salsa Competition,
Disco America, New Orleans Dance Mardi Gras and World Hustle Dance
Championship. Keith was awarded the Top Male Instructor Award at
the 2003 World Hustle Dance Championship in New Jersey for his achievements
with his male and female students along with being invited on staff
for the 2004 World Hustle Dance Championship, 2004 International
Hustle; Salsa Competition in Miami, as well as other major national
events. As an instructor, Keith believes it's all about giving to
the students. They are, indeed, the key to our success.
Debra
Hampton (CA)
Debra Hampton brings to the dance world theatrical dance training
and expertise
developed while teaching for the Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray Dance
Studios in New York. She has applied her Jazz, Tap and Ballet training
to her specialty of teaching New York Style Hustle for over 29 years.
Now living in Southern California, Debra is known for her power and grace, utilizing Latin legwork which she combines with Jazz and Ballet arm styling. She has performed for, competed in, and won numerous Hustle Dance Championships from coast to coast with her dance partner, Archie Dawson. Her list of achievements include winning Hustle competitions at the International Hustle Dance Championships, Disco America, US Open Dance Championships, Fresno Dance Classic, Texas Classic, and the Rising Star Disco Weekend. Debra Hampton has also competed, placed and won Pro-Am competitions with her Hustle students at events across the U.S. In 2001, Debra Hampton was awarded the Eddie Vega Achievement Award at the Hustle USA Dance Championships.
You can find Debra Hampton at the top of the list in Hustle, West Coast Swing, and Salsa dance venues, teaching Hustle workshops and private lessons. She is also the Master of Ceremonies at numerous dance events.
Joseph
Kerner Pa,
a dance performer, competitor and instructor for over 10 years – Joe
has studied a variety of dance styles since 1989, including a mixture
of street, social and ballroom dances along with ballet, jazz and modern.
He is a 3-time International Hustle & Salsa Dance Champion, 2-time
Disco America Champion, and Hustle USA Champion. Under the direction
of choreographer Arte Phillips, Joe was the dance captain of Philadelphia’s
celebrated dance troupes “Philly Dance Connection” in 2003
and “The Hustlefactor” in 2004 and 2005. Look for Joe in
the Disco America dinner show as he celebrates his 10th year as a cast
member and performer. When not performing, Joe teaches his unique blend
of Hustle w/funk, along with Latin and ballroom dance at Top Hat’s
Northeast Philly studio and competitions across the country.
Jameson
Kilburn (PA),
is co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studio of Philadelphia and Lancaster
as well as Top Hat Dance Studio School of Ballet. Jameson began his
dance career 11 years ago as the role of Eddie Ryan in "Funny
Girl." What followed were featured dance roles in "Kiss
of the Spider Woman," "Anything Goes," "La Cage
aux Folles," "Grease," and "Camelot" at
the Ephrata Playhouse. After coming to Top Hat Dance Studio, Jameson
quickly rose through the Amateur and Professional ranks to be one
of the top competitors in the country. He has won top awards in the
International Latin style of dance and more specifically at events
such as Disco America, Dance America Seattle and the International
Hustle and Salsa Competition in Miami, Florida. Jameson is the Artistic
Director for Top Hat Dance Studio's annual production, "The
Spirit of Dance." In addition to his dance talents, Jameson
is also a classically trained clarinetist and pianist. Jameson is
a graduate of Temple University with a double major in International
Corporate Business and International Marketing with a minor in Spanish.
Daniel
McGee (PA),
is co-owner and co-founder of Top Hat Dance Studio with locations
in
Philadelphia and Lancaster, PA and also Top Hat Dance Studio School
of Ballet. Since its grand opening in 1995, the strength of Top Hat
Dance Studio has often been attributed to Daniel's abilities, both
as a dancer and an instructor. For over ten years, he has continued
to teach, perform and compete in the Ballroom, Latin and Hustle dance
forms. He is currently one of the top ranked hustle competitors in
the country and is undefeated in the Pro/Am Theatre Arts division.
In April 2005, Daniel was appointed to the board of the IHDA (International
Hustle Dance Association). Choreographic credits include: "Stephanie
Sands presents...2000, 2001, 2002", "Hempfield High School
Dance Theatre Program 2201, 2002", "La Boutique Fantasque" at
the Fulton Opera House, "Oklahoma" and "The King and
I" at Garden Spot High School and segments of Top Hat Dance
Studio's annual dinner theatre prodution, "The Spirit of Dance
2003 and 2004. Most recently, Daniel made his choreographic debut
at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center with this season's production
of Evita in May of 2005.
Katie
Marlow, 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".
In addition to her many singular accomplishments, Katie is also half
of the world renowned dance team Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow. 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 concurrent world championship titles
in the same year. Other titles include 2000 US Open Cabaret Champions,
1999 United States Hustle Champions, 2002 NADC Cabaret Champions. Katie
is also the organizer, along with Billy, of the renowned International
Hustle and Salsa Competition (IHSC) which will be going into its eighth
consecutive year.
To read more on Billy and Katie please go to: http://www.billyandkatie.com/#
Lisa
Nunziella, literally conquered the
Hustle world.
She
competed and performed all over the world, winning
virtually every title with various partners - Eddie Vega, Danny Llaurado,
Ricky Quintana, Arte Phillips and Deano Georgio. She is a true pioneer
of the hustle we dance today. Lisa won the World Hustle title, two time
winner of the United States title, semi-finalist on Dance Fever, Harvest
Moon Ball winner at Madison
Square Gardens and was undefeated winning 13 consecutive weeks (never
done before) on Ed McMahon's nationally-televised "Star Search",
winning the $100,000 Grand Prize with partner Eddie Vega.
Lisa is a wife and mother and still following her passion to inspire and motivate anyone she can to make positive changes in their lives though dance, fitness and good nutrition.
Lisa has doubled for Cameron Diaz in the Mask, Pricsilla Presley in Naked Gun2 1/2 and worked with Prince on his Diamonds and Pearl video to name a few.
Lisa is the recipient of the first NY Hustle Congress Inspiration Award
2005 and is a Member of the Hustle Hall of Fame.
Louis
Orlando (NJ)
has been dancing hustle for over 20 years. His expert lead and rythym
(with a Hip-Hop, Rumba, Cha-Cha style in Hustle) has gained him great
exposure. He has judged for Hustle USA, Disco America, IHSC, Summer
Hummer, New Years Extravaganza, plus more. Louis has danced for the
film and television industries, such as Carlitos Way, Channel 5 GoodDay
NY, and backup dancer with Carol Douglas ("Midnight Love Affair")
at Lincoln Center'. He teaches privates in New York/New Jersey and
throughout all dance events.
Louis partners with Elizabeth Darchi in most workshops and they have competed and won many titles. They have placed first in the Professional Hustle divisions and Invitationals. You can find them at almost all hustle and swing events.
Paul
Pellicoro (NY) own
and operate DanceSport International Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio.
Since 1985, this dynamic pair has contributed enormously to the tremendous
resurgence of partner dancing in Manhattan and across the nation.
Renown for their work in films, Paul and Eleny have extensive film
experience both as performers and choreographers. They have been
dancing together for over 10 years. Their long list of credits includes
appearances and performances on daytime dramas, numerous talk shows,
music and instructional videos and infomercials. In 1995, they founded
the Partner Dance Educational Fund, a not-for-profit organization
with a stated mission to bring partner dancing to a wider public.
Currently, the Fund sponsors free dance workshops in New York City
public schools and private spaces.
Ralph Ramirez, (FL) Bio to come.
Stephanie
Risser (PA), began
her dance training with Carolyn Trythall at what is now Lancaster
School of Ballet, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There she studied the
Cecchetti Method of ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. Stephanie was
a founding member of the Ballet Theater of Lancaster, as well as
performing in the Donetsk Ballet’s The Nutcracker. After graduating
from high school Stephanie attended the University of Hartford/School
of the Hartford Ballet (now Dance Connecticut) BFA program, where
she had the opportunity to perform with the Touring Ensemble, a performing
group that toured Connecticut, and work with the Hartford Ballet.
After graduating with a BFA in Dance Pedagogy Stephanie returned
to Lancaster where she taught for Lancaster School of Ballet and
worked with Ballet Theater of Lancaster. Stephanie also began studying
ballroom dancing with Top Hat Dance Studio. She continued her ballroom
training after she moved to Connecticut to teach at the School of
Dance Connecticut. There she taught students from ages 3-15 and was
the children’s rehearsal co-coordinator for Adam Miller’s
production of The Nutcracker. In 2002, she moved to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania where she was the Director and main instructor of Top
Hat Dance Studio School of Ballet and a ballroom instructor for Top
Hat Dance Studio for 3 years. Here she began competing professionally
in hustle, winning 2nd place at Disco America in 2004, 1st place
at Dance America Seattle in 2005 and 3rd place in the Van McCoy Professional
World Open Hustle Championships in 2005. Stephanie has also performed
in many dinner shows at various competitions, including Disco America,
International Hustle and Salsa Competition and New Year’s Extravaganza.
Kelvin
Roche (NY) was
a “star” from his early childhood when he performed at
his family celebrations and gatherings. It is no surprised to anyone
that Kelvin has fulfilled his love for dance in many different media
and is the Senior Latin Dance Instructor at Dancesport. Kelvin
is able to achieve great results in improving and fine-turning his
students’ dancing abilities. His expectations are high and
demanding but are tempered by his outstanding skill, expertise and
a “fab” sense of humor.
In professional competition, Kelvin took First Place in Rising Star in Atlantic City. Many of his students qualify for top awards in Pro/Am Competitions. Kelvin inspires his students and is inspired by them. His professional experience also includes appearing on television on The Conan O’Brien Show, Conan’s Anniversary Special, Live with Regis & Kathie Lee, The View, and Sabado Gigante-Univision where he was featured for seven weeks in an International Dance Competition. In film, he trained Vanessa Williams for dance scenes in Dance With Me. On stage, he has performed with Ben Vereen and Melba Moore and as a Back-up Dancer for the Gloria Estefan Concert.
Joyce
Szili has
been Hustle dancing and competing for over 20 years. In 1994 she
chose to
dedicate herself full time to raising the awareness
of Hustle as an art form in the dance communities of the Washington/Baltimore
areas. For the past five years she has instructed, judged and DJ'd Hustle
at many national and regional dance events including, the Virginia State
Open Swing Dance Championships, the Washington Dance Challenge "Easterns",
Swing Fling, the International Hustle & Salsa Competition, the Chesapeake
Jubilee and the Disco America Dance Championships. Joyce has appeared
twice on Washington's Fox 5 Morning News teaching and promoting the Hustle.
She has successfully competed nationally with professional and amateur
partners and has received Top Female Hustle Teacher Awards at the Hustle
USA Dance Championships in New York, the International Hustle and Salsa
Competition in Miami, Florida and the Disco America Hustle Dance Championships
in Philadelphia. Presently she is coaching a local Hustle Dance Team
preparing them for competitions and exhibitions. To contact Joyce, visit
her web site at www.justhustle.com
Hazel
and Tybaldt Ulrich (NJ/NY),
Hazel and Tybaldt teach and compete on the West Coast Swing and Hustle
circuits and have a combined teaching experience of over 20 years.
With an emphasis on partnering essentials, they bring joy and confidence
to your dancing, whether through patterns basic or advanced, complex
or elegant, with groove and flow throughout. Together they will help
you understand the fundamentals and add a creative edge to your Swing
and Hustle dancing. Most recently Hazel and Tybaldt have
placed 1st in the Professional Strictly Hustle at the 2007 MADJam,
where Hazel placed 2nd in the
Invitational WCS Jack and Jill, 2nd in the Triple Threat (WCS, Hustle,
Salsa) at the 2006 Big Easy Classic, 1st in the Invitational Jack
and Jill at the 2006 NY Hustle Congress, 1st in the 2005 World Hustle
Championships. They also tour the country, performing and teaching
in small towns and major cities. They can be found on the web at www.divinedancing.com
Kim
Vanaman (MA),
Dance Professional Kimberly Vanaman started off her career as an artist
and tennis instructor before discovering her love of dance. She
then began in the performance arena, initially Tap dancing as a member
of Providence, R.I.'s "All Tap Revue," under the direction of
Brian Jones. One dance form led to another and she spent many years
studying and performing Jazz Dance at the Jeannette
Neil Jazz Studio in Boston, MA. Simultaneously, she began her love affair
with Hustle. Kim has been a Hustle Specialist and
enthusiast since 1978. Since then, she is the primary source responsible
for keeping Hustle alive in the New England region. She has also trained
in American Style Ballroom Dance with an extensive focus on East Coast
Swing. Kim teaches at the very classy Studio 665 in Needham/Newton. This
successful competitor, performer,
teacher, judge and choreographer includes among her favorite credits: consistently
finishing in the top 3 of all National Hustle Pro Jack and Jill events;
3rd Place, Professional Classic Hustle, Hustle USA 2002; a founding member,
one of the original officers and currently the Regional Representative
for the IHDA(International Hustle Dance Association); reviving the art
of the Hustle formation team for the National Hustle events; receiving "Top
Teacher Award" at Hustle USA 1997; choreographing for several Professional
theatres in Mass.; making NE Regional finals for Dance Fever;
being happily married for more than
20 years and being the mother of two wonderful daughters.
Sergia Anderson, bio to come.
Jhesus Aponte & Marielys Molina, bio to come.
Nelson
Flores, as
producer and director of Latin Madness, Nelson was instrumental in
the development of this creative project. It is no surprise that one
of the concepts of Latin Madness was born out of Nelson's love of comedy
and Latin dance. Prior to embarking into the world of Latin dance Nelson
was involved in the production of comedy shows. As a member of Laff-A-Lot
Productions Nelson worked with New York's top stand-up comedians. Once
he was bitten by the "Mambo Bug" Nelson began taking dance
lessons with the masters of New York Mambo. He quickly moved on to
become a dancer in several dance companies: Fuerza Latina, Mario Diaz
Dance Revue and the Santo Rico Dance Company. Today in addition to
being one of the "Masters of New York Mambo" himself, Nelson
is the director of his own dance group, the Descarga Latina Dance Company.
Nelson's dancing and choreography skills have taken him to Japan, Turkey,
Italy, Belgium, Amsterdam, England, Peru, Germany, Canada, and throughout
the United States. He has performed with Tito Puente, Tito Nieves,
Celia Cruz, Fania All-Stars, India, El Gran Combo, Jose Alberto "El
Canario" and various other artists. But it was his desire to combine
the lightheartedness of comedy and the intensity of Mambo that gave
birth to Latin Madness.
Rene
Gueits has
been responsible for the explosion of Casino Rueda all over the Miami
Florida area, and beyond. His method of teaching massive quantities
of students at a single time is incredible. Sometimes his classes
number in the hundreds, with instructors teaching huge Rueda circles
simultaneously. His years of involvement in the ballroom and tango
world have influenced him in creating what is now the most widely
known salsa school in South Florida, "Salsa Lovers". Recipient
of...IHSC Cuban Pete Award, P.R. World Salsa Congress Andy Award,West
Coast Salsa Congress Achievement Award.
Jose Luis Gutierrez bio to come.
Henry
Herrera & Angely Carruci (FL)
Director
of Salsa Racing Dance Studios, Inc. was born and raised in Havana,
Cuba where the steps Mambo, Cha-cha-chá, Son, Danzón,
and Guaguancó were first introduced along with Cuban Casino
style salsa shortly after. Since childhood he has been avidly involved
in Latin music. As his parents taught him the first steps in casino
style salsa, his love for music grew and he began preparing for contests,
many of which he won 1st place. Later he competed on municipal and
provincial levels and another television program called "Para
Bailar" where he won many other prizes, this at the ages of
9 through 11. Later on, his friends and him began calling out and
dancing Casino style salsa in Cuba's most popular clubs. In 1991,
Henry arrived in Miami and immediately began competing in some of
Miami's most popular night clubs as well as some television programs
such as "Sábado Gigante" often placing first place.
He was the Miami winner at the" Musicomanía" competition
sponsored by Channel 51, Telemundo, as well as the Paladium Jack
Daniels Competition. His Rueda team was the winner of the International
Hustle and Salsa Competition 2001. He was given the "Salsero
of The Year 2002 Award" and also the "Chin de Plata y Oro
2002 Award" He also became the new reigning champion of the
Professional Salsa Division in International Hustle & Salsa 2003.
He performed in the movie "From Justin to Kelly" in the
year 2003 and in the Latin Grammy Awards 2003. He has also performed
and taught workshops in many places around the world like: Guatemala,
Puerto Rico, France, Norway and more... After competing and succeeding
on a professional level he decided to open his own studios to teach
others what he so much enjoys.
Jami
Josephson is a professional dancer, performer, choreographer and
a certified dance instructor in Ballroom and Latin dancing with over
100 titles in competition dancing including US Mambo Champion in 1997.
Jami has been dancing all her life and at the age of 5 had her own show on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. Being in showbiz since she was a little girl, Jami has studied Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Tap, Ballroom, Latin, Country Dancing, Hustle and Acting and is well known for her exceptional dancing and teaching skills, which she obtained from many years of training and studying with the best teachers in the co untry.
Some of Jami’s credits include many TV Commercials, such as Coke-a-Cola, McDonalds, Hallmark, Capri Sun, to name a few as well as credits in Off-Broadway’s “American Passion” and “Latin Madness”. TV appearances are Channel 4, Good Day NY, Today Show, Good Morning America, Sabado Gigante, The Christina Show, “World Latin Festival” By Walt Disney and more. She has choreographed numerous Music Videos, “Havana After Dark” in Atlantic City, “Valentino, The Musical” – Off Broadway, and co-choreographer for the International Hustle and Salsa Competition Dinner show. Jami was also the Associate Artistic Director and Coach of “Latin Madness” for LA, UK, and NYC, 2004 and now directs her own team, an All Female Latin Troupe- “The Rhythm Divas”.
Jami's recent work is "Havana After Dark" a latin dance show she choreographed at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, and was head choreographer for the “Love Concert” held in Hong Kong for 8 top pop stars of China. Jami coaches and teaches all over the world at many salsa congresses and schools along with coa ching top salsa teams and was recently a Judge for the World Salsa Championships in Orlando - Dec. 2007.
Jami also runs the Instructors Forum for salsa instructors from around the world for Salsaweb.com and has made over 21 instructional dance videos throughout her career.
Maribel Maldonado, bio to come.
Ismael Otero & Shani Talmor, bio to come.
Raul
Santiago (NY),
pick any spot on a globe and there's a good chance Raul has danced,
performed
or competed there. Think of a style of dance and the chances are
even better he's taught it. As Soho Dance Studio's Founder, Raul
brings a lifetime of passion and experience to the staff and studio.
From competing in and winning dance competitions in 15 different
countries to his credits teaching hundreds of students and entertaining
thousands as a performer, across the globe.
Raul's performance credits include program appearances on Telemundo and Univision, Public Broadcasting, Congreso Bacardi de la Salsa in San Juan, Puerto Rico, SBS National Television in Seoul, South Korea, Fox Films Digital Camera Video and screen credits including a feature performance in the 2003 hit movie, "Along Came Polly" with Jennifer Anniston and Ben Stiller. On the competition front, Raul's performed in professional competitions throughout the country and around the world dancing everything from Salsa to Ballroom to Swing and beyond. He's even created an instructional DVD for his students while teaching in Los Angeles.
Raul remains one of the most accomplished and sought after choreographers/instructors in New York City. Blending his cutting edge and meticulous teaching techniques with his Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage, Raul has spent his professional career performing and passing the beauty and power of dance along to his students.
As one of the founders of the studio we're excited to have Raul's fire and passion at Soho Dance and we know our emerging dancers will be excited too by his infectious love of dance and his wonderfully smooth teaching style and wealth of knowledge.
Edie the Salsa Freak, bio to come.
Carlos Tellez, bio to come.
Eddie
Torres,
Considered to be the father of modern day salsa, Eddie's numerous accomplishments
include his many collaborations with the Tito Puente Orchestra, choreographing
music videos for artists like Ruben Blades, Orquesta de la Luz, Tito Nieves,
José Alberto El Canario, David Byrne, founding a dance company,
dancing for the President George Bush, performing at Carnegie Hall, the
Apollo Theater, Madison Square Garden.
Eddie Torres is considered by many to be the top teacher of Mambo/On-2 Salsa in the world. His eclectic style results from a true amalgamation of all those that came before him., the “Eddie Torres Style” as it is popularly referred to, incorporates jazz, ballet, tap, and modern with classic mambo to blend into a unique style of Salsa dancing. Eddie’s class syllabus documents over three hundred named steps and students travel from far and wide to study under the tutelage of this master of the dance. We are honored to have him back with us at the IHSC 2008.
Henry
Knowles -- known
as the
#1 Salsa DJ around the world, is the DJ’s disc jockey,
spinning that tension-building beat and filling dancers with ánimo.
With la clave in his heart and the music in his veins, he carries
his passion for Latin culture and music in his work. This very special
disc jockey's mixing abilities are unmatched and respected worldwide.
His breadth of knowledge about Salsa music and its history, his music
library, and ability to read his audience while creating un ambiente
caliente have made Henry the Salsa community's most beloved disc
jockey.
Henry
tours the world, organizes his own events and has been working with
the most important names in the Latin music industry promoting, as
well as managing, some of the best salsa performers and salsa bands.
His background includes working with promotions for major recording
labels, such as BMG, WEA, RMM, for artist such as; Tito Puente, Celia
Cruz, Christina Aguilera and has also worked with representation of
artist such as; Marc Anthony, Ruben Blades, Spanish Harlem Orchestra
and others.
As the first official disc jockey for the Bacardi World Salsa Congress and
the first world salsa congresses to ever be held around the world…Henry
is the consummate professional with more than 20 years of experience catering
to the serious Salsero. He has created remixes and compilations for the RMM
recording label, including the popular Bacardi Salsa Congress compilation,
which is still sold in record stores around the world.
Henry
has worked as a disc jockey, master of ceremonies, sound engineer,
video jockey and promoter in major nightclubs and venues around the
world throughout his career span.
DJ Henry Knowles' career nearly translates into Salsa evangelism as
he spreads the beat and his love for Salsa rhythms on a global scale.
His extensive travels
include appearances in over 30 countries and 100 cities throughout the United
States, Canada, Caribbean, European Regions, Mediterranean, Mexico, Central
and South America — even Asia.
He
believes his travels are also an opportunity to share his skills, talents
and experience with aspiring disc jockeys. Admired as the "DJs
DJ," Henry often holds workshops wherever he happens to be, sharing
with his comrades how he works the floor and the latest and most effective
mixing techniques.
For over three years, Henry Knowles has promoted and hosted “Simply Salsa
Mondays” at El Flamingo, currently recognized as New York City’s
hottest Salsa dance party. Live music is featured every Monday and is frequented
by Salsa Lovers from all over the world. Some acts recently featured include
names such as: Johnny Pacheco, Spanish Harlem Orch. with Ruben Blades, Larry
Harlow, Azuquita, Johnny Colon & Soneros Del Barrio…to name a few.
His goal is to maintain live music present in NYC and to introduce the music
to the Salsa dancers…especially the newcomers.
Johnny
Ortiz, (aka
DJ Johnny 'O') is a seasoned professional Disc Jockey who has been
playing for audiences for over 30 years. He grew up in a musical background
performing with his father's Latin Orchestra at the age of 9, singing
and playing percussion. He continued his musical education at NJSC
College majoring in music. In 1975, he became interested in disco music
and apprenticed under the direction of Robert Aquino a well know DJ
of that time. From 1976 Johnny started playing at popular night clubs
such as: Dimples, Strawberry Patch, Joey's, Krackers, and Creations
in NJ, and Starship, Omega Club, and Metropolis in NY.
Johnny's unique, melodic and pulsating creative style of blending music has satisfied audiences for 3 decades. He was recently voted #1 favorite DJ in the "People's Choice Awards". Johnny has been a DJ for National dance competitions such as : "World Hustle" in New Jersey and the "Big Easy Dance Classic" in New Orleans. Johnny has partnered up with Nina Marks of the Starlight Dance Center and John Lindo to bring the ultimate "Swustle Party" to the Hustle & West Coast communities coming in September of 07'.
Noel Colon, bio to come.
Alberth Moreno, bio to come.
Marc Fisher, bio to come.
Dave
Moldover,
bio to come.