DANCE INSTRUCTION. Expertise: Argentine Tango & Latin Rhythms. Folklore Argentino.
Licensed: Dxf coach, Groove Facilitator. Martial Arts, Shotokan Karate. Conditioning. Self-defense.
Entertainers
Lou Brockman & Heather Gehring
LOU BROCKMAN, a Chicago native, began ballroom dancing when he was a young teen. He has lived in NYC for over two decades and has danced in films (Mona Lisa Smile, Disney’s “Enchanted”), and had featured performances on television (The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, NBC’s Today Show, Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook, Boardwalk Empire), and on stages around the world (The Kennedy Center, Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow) Lou was a member of the acclaimed American Ballroom Theater and is a highly respected choreographer who has taught master classes at Harvard University and NYU.
HEATHER GEHRING, originally from Vermont, studied classical ballet with Boston Ballet, School of American Ballet and Hartford Ballet, becoming a professional at age sixteen. Besides the stage, Heather has danced on TV (MTV, Gossip Girls, Today Show, Tony Danza Show, Boardwalk Empire), and in movies and commercials (Enchanted, Little Manhattan). With her partner Lou Brockman, she has traveled the world teaching and performing their unique “Silver Screen Style” as well as performing in many infamous NYC venues including Town Hall (with Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks), 54 Below, Rainbow Room and Birdland. They have taught and performed at Jacob’s Pillow, Harvard University and NYU.
BACHELORS OF BROADWAY
Take a trio of dashing men, add soaring melodies from stage and screen, and then refine the sound with contemporary three-part vocal harmony -- you've got a ticket to BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: Gentlemen of the Theatre.
This brand-new three-man act features lush symphonic arrangements of songs from modern and classic musicals like WICKED, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, JERSEY BOYS, 42ND STREET, MISS SAIGON, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, LES MISERABLES, and many many more. Starring New York City's top theatrical talent, BACHELORS OF BROADWAY offers a fresh take on audience favorites that have captivated millions worldwide.
Edgar Osorio-CEO & Dance Instructor
Professional World Class Ballroom and Latin Dancer, Salsa and Argentine Tango,choreographer ,Teacher, Coach, Dance Performer and Pro /Am partner Of many successful students. Owner CEO and founder of the “OSORIO DanceSport studio” Ballroom and Latin dance. Located in the ballroom of the Hurleyville performance Art centre, 219 Main St.Hurleyville N.Y. 12747 Edgar started dancing at the age of 14 learning the disciplines of Mexican Folk Dance as well as jazz, Ballet, Modern Dance and Martial Arts. He also participated in TV commercials and theatre art productions . He moved to Buenos Aires Argentina for one year to study Argentine Tango with the legendary Carlos Gavito In Marcella Durán. Because of his passion for dance , he decided to move to New York and dance 24/7. Edgar started working at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios for 13 years , learning the business and making Ballroom and Latin Dance his priority and new career. He had great success in teaching, competing and coaching . His outstanding performance made him gain many National titles since 2000. He holds multiple titles as a champion in the Rising Star category and open professional , finalist in the U.S Nationals in American Rhythm competition. In 2010, he placed first in the professional National USDCS, United States Dance Championship, U.S. Mambo Championship and the World Salsa Championship held in Miami and Puerto Rico. His great abilities for dance gave him the opportunity to work with the 4th grade children’s at the White plain Elementary School and several semesters for the ballroom program at the campusat SUNY Purchase University, New York, as well as coaching Raising stars and professionals. Edgar has been participating in many Professional and Pro/ Am competitions around the world, traveling to Greece (Greece OpenChampionship), Italy (Castelbrando Cup), Costa Rica (Costa Rica Classic Championship), Mexico, ( Mexico Open Dance Championship) Blackpool (London ) and throughout the United States. His outstanding performances, creativity and character brought him to a successful career in Ballroom dancing, mastering the International and American styles salsa and Argentine Tango . In 2011 Edgar was one of the choreogrspher for the movie MUSICAL CHAIRS directed by Susan Sideman. Edgar worked with both professional able bodies and disabled wheelchairs dancers. Edgar also choreographed the mayor dance scenes .
DJs
Ballroom DJs Michelle & Bob Friedman
have been part of the ballroom dance word for the past 30 years. As avid dancers they started with Ballroom Dance Lessons, and for the past 17 years as professional DJs – specializing in Ballroom Music. In 2001 they even won Top Couple in a Good Morning America 25 hour dance marathon. They have a comprehensive music library of over 40,000 tracks, which includes all types of Ballroom, Smooth, Latin, Rhythm, Hustle, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango and other specialty dances. They are northeast coast DJ favorites spanning NY, CT, NJ, PA, & DE areas, and are regulars at the world famous Stardust Dance Weekends. They are equally at home playing their music for Ballroom Socials, Showcases, Competitions, and professional performances for some of the world’s most famous ballroom couples. While preferences in music certainly vary from person to person, what they use as their criteria when choosing music to play is really very simple - does it make dancers feel like they just have to get up and move, or doesn’t it? They get great satisfaction when they watch dancers who were heading for their seats at the end of a song turn around and pull each other back out to the dance floor time and again as a new piece begins.
Latin DJ Harry Trinidad
mostly known as DJ Harry T. is a well-known Salsa DJ/Promoter in the NY Tri-state area since the year 2000. He is one of the Co-founders of Salsa Warriors Radio(www.salsawarriors.com) started in June of 2014 that is still going strong, serving Salsa lovers worldwide. Salsa music is his specialty, but he plays other Latin genres such as Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha etc. He is also a resident DJ on the world-renowned Salsa Cruise (www.salsacruise.com) that’s sails every year. He has deejayed in clubs in NY, CT, MA, FL and Puerto Rico. Harry also managed the Salsa in the Catskills weekend for 8 straight years (2010-2018). He currently plays throughout Connecticut where he lives and in New York.
Argentine Tango DJ Maia Martinez
is an Argentine Tango dance instructor & performer. Maia has been focusing on building the Tango community in the Hudson Valley for the last decade. In efforts to expand Tango, she started DJing for her own events where she found great joy and discovered a new exciting way to make people dance. For the last few years Maia has been exploring and learning about the magical world of Argentine Tango DJ’s. Maia takes DJing very seriously, which means she knows we must have fun. She brings an exciting selection of well known pieces with a few delightful and fresh tunes. A Milonga with Maia is a dance party!
West Coast Swing/Hustle/California Mix DJ Philip C. Spinka
Working as a Disc Jockey, event planner & director for over 30 years, Philip has been invited to DJ at dance events around the country. Working as a professional dancer, instructor, & performer for nearly 20 years, Philip received teaching certifications in Hustle & West Coast Swing from the IHDA & GPDIA. As a competitor, he won & placed in hundreds of events, including Rising Star placements. Excelling at West Coast Swing, Hustle & Theater Arts, he also trained in Ballroom, Tango, Latin, Country, Ballet & Jazz. Based in New York at Stepping Out Studio for several years, Philip taught & performed in NY & across the USA. On staff at Stardust Dance Productions for nearly 20 years, he has worked in NY & on cruise ships. Philip now teaches mostly at his “Studio 221” in Clarks Summit, PA.
Dance Instructors
Linda Leverock-Dance Instructor
has been partner dancing for 30 years. She has traveled the northeast learning, instructing, and competing in Swing, Hustle and Country 2 step. Ballroom and Latin dance are a few more of her favorites. Linda has enjoyed performing and instructing for many years in the community of Oneonta and for the Ballroom U.S.A Dance Southern Tier Chapter and Southern Tier Swing Dance Society in Endicott, N.Y. She is registered with The World Swing Dance Council Points Registry in the Advanced Swing Division. She has won many first place prizes and made the finals in competitions leading and following in WCS, Hustle, and Swustle. She has taken numerous intensive workshops and hundreds of workshops and privates with Dance Pros and continues to do so as she goes to weekend competitions through out the Northeast. She has completed Global Professional Dance Instructors Association (GPDIA) beginner and intermediate courses and is now a certified GPDIA instructor. She has studied with: Skippy Blair, Mario Robau, Robert Royston, John Lindo, Robert Cordoba, Donna Desimone, Debra Hampton and many more top pro’s. Dancing is fun and creative also keeps the mind and body young. Dance is the sign language of music …so Let’s dance.
Maia Martinez & David Salvatierra-Dance Instructors
are Directors and instructors of Dojo Dance Company. They bring a refreshing touch to the dance community of The Hudson Valley, New York. Dojo dance company is a Dance school located in Hudson valley that performs and teaches Argentine Tango, Latin Rhythms & Martial Arts. Their main goals are to share cultural values, create community through dance and improve life style by inspiring people to move. Dance Company opens a new way for people to learn HOW to dance, HOW to connect with themselves and then to everyone else. They are truly committed to their students, and offer an unique style, original and organic of teaching/learning. They are able to connect your inner and outside music!!
Richard Givney-Dance Instructor
has a successful twenty four years’ experience in all aspects of the ballroom dancing industry through cultivating and achieving personal, professional and educational goals. He competed professionally in International Latin; has his teaching certifications in multiple syllabi, including both American and International dances, and franchised and independent curriculums. He continues to take lessons with top professionals for teaching and personal dance goals. Last year his ballroom dance program won the 2012 Best in Monmouth County, NJ Health & Life Magazine’s “Reader’s Choice Award”. Richard is available for private or semi-private lessons.
Cameron Johnson-Dance Instructor
Hailing from South Africa, Cameron Johnson started his dancing career at the age of 5, under the tutelage of his parents.Cameron is the unbeaten South African International Standard Champion in the Junior, Amateur and Professional ranks. In 1996 Cameron represented South Africa in the Open Fleetwood Professional Championship in Blackpool, England and was placed 6th. Also in 1996, Cameron represented South Africa in the Open French Masters Professional Championship on the Isle of Reunion and was placed 3rd. In 2000, Cameron was invited to immigrate and teach in the USA, where he has since made his home. In 2008, Cameron represented the USA at the World Pro/Am Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina and was placed 1st. To date, Cameron is still active in the competitive Pro/Am arena where he teaches and moulds his students into the best dancers they can be. Since 1995, Cameron started studying to do his professional qualification exams and In 1996, achieved a Highly Commended pass rate as an Associate in International Standard through the South African National Council of Ballroom Dancing. In 1999, Cameron also achieved a Highly Commended pass rate as an Associate in International Latin and a Highly Commended pass rate as a Licentiate in International Standard through the United Kingdom Alliance in London, England.
Heather Gehring-Dance Instructor
originally from Vermont, studied classical ballet with Boston Ballet, School of American Ballet and Hartford Ballet, becoming a professional at age sixteen. Besides the stage, Heather has danced on TV (MTV, Gossip Girls, Today Show, Tony Danza Show, Boardwalk Empire), and in movies and commercials (Enchanted, Little Manhattan). With her partner Lou Brockman, she has traveled the world teaching and performing their unique “Silver Screen Style” as well as performing in many infamous NYC venues including Town Hall (with Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks), 54 Below, Rainbow Room and Birdland. They have taught and performed at Jacob’s Pillow, Harvard University and NYU.
Lou Brockman-Dance Instructor
a Chicago native, began ballroom dancing when he was a young teen. He has lived in NYC for over two decades and has danced in films (Mona Lisa Smile, Disney’s “Enchanted”), and had featured performances on television (The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, NBC’s Today Show, Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook, Boardwalk Empire), and on stages around the world (The Kennedy Center, Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow) Lou was a member of the acclaimed American Ballroom Theater and is a highly respected choreographer who has taught master classes at Harvard University and NYU.
Joyce Henderson-Dance Instructor
Founder and Executive Director, Faith In Motion Dance Studio. Joyce was born in Brooklyn, but has lived in the Hudson Valley for over 30 years. She has 20 years of Ballroom and Latin teaching and performing experience that includes over 10 years of Author Murray training and competitive dance. Joyce specializes in Latin and Ballroom genres but also teaches Hustle, Hip Hop and liturgical dancing. With Joyce's extensive dance background and her passion for teaching, Faith In Motion Dance Studio was founded and opened over 4 years ago and has been growing and thriving ever since. Faith In Motion teaches the genres of Salsa, Argentine Tango, Bachata, Rumba, Samba, Swing, Foxtrot, Waltz as well as Hip Hop, African dance and much more! Joyce takes great pride that Faith In Motion is invited to perform throughout the Hudson Valley all year long (i.e. annual Hudson Valley Fiesta Latina, YMCA's Cultural Day, Goshen's Great American Weekend, as well as various Chamber of Commerce events). Our Instructors have extensive experience and are committed and dedicated to seeing each and every student grow into the best dancers they are fully convinced they can be! All the while having fun doing what we all love to do....dance!
Fitness Instructors
Marion Panos-Fitness Instructor
Belly Dance Instructor - In 2009, Marion joined our fitness staff and teaches Belly Dance classes at the weekends. Marion is trained in several styles of dance, including jazz, modern, Afro-Brazilian, African, Middle Eastern and Ballroom. She is proficient in American style ballroom and Latin and has also studied International Standard. She competed around the country at the pro-am level in American style ballroom and Latin for many years. She was a professional Middle Eastern dancer and has been teaching Belly Dance for more than 15 years.
Molly Gelsomino-Fitness Instructor
Molly will be having morning Stretch classes Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am to get you ready to dance. Originally from Upstate, New York. She has a diverse background in the arts, including a BA in Dance from the University at Buffalo, over 15 years of performance and choreography in concert dance and 6 years as a Dance Educator in the Brooklyn Public Schools. Molly is a former professional cheerleader for the AFL, and spent 6 years in NYC as a Co-Artistic Director for The Movement Collective Dance Company. As a newer resident of Sullivan County, Molly found Zumba® to be the most exciting way to fuse her passion for dance. music and fitness. Molly enjoys inspiring her clients and encouraging her classes to feel the music, join the party and have a fun fitness experience upon stepping into the studio.
Dance Hosts
Dance Hosts
Our November 2023 Dance Host Line Up:
*Jon Forsberg *John Moser *Lorenzo Saune *Jorge Lopez
*Jose Flores *Eduardo Parra *Carlos Tauz *Ramon Rodriguez
*Perry Palmieri *Richard Leonard
