Alexandru & Stephanie Munteanu

Alexandru & Stephanie Munteanu have been dancing together for a year and they are American Smooth Rising Star National Finalists.

 Alexandru is from Theresa Republic of Moldova and has been dancing for over 20 years. He was World Under 21 ten dance finalist and 4 times amateur US national standard champion in USA Dance.

Stephanie is from Mississippi and she also has been dancing for over 20 years. She was Ohio Star Ball Rising Star champion and Open Professional American Smooth semi-finalist.

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.

 

 

Walter Perez & Sandra Antognazzi

SANDRA ANTOGNAZZI
Born and raised in Argentina, Sandra Antognazzi specializes in Argentine Tango and Modern Dance and has over 25 years of experience in dance performance, choreography, and teaching. She holds a BA in Dance from SUNY Empire State College. Sandra is the Artistic Director of Fusión Tango, a company featuring some of Tango’s most celebrated dancers and musicians living in New York. The company has performed in venues such as the Latino Festival at Queens Theatre in the Park, Summer Concerts on the Hudson, Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre, and Spanish Repertory Theatre, receiving rave reviews. Sandra has choreographed, directed, performed, and toured nationally and internationally with Avantango, Ensemble Romulo Larrea, Cuartetango, Tango & Tango, and Arturo O’Farrils Lincoln Center’s Latin Jazz Orchestra. Ms. Antognazzi has performed as a Principal dancer with the Doris Humphrey Repertory Company, Mary Anthony Dance Theater, and Errol Grimes Dance Group. Sandra has been praised by the specialized critic: among others, for her “strikingly powerful presence, which made each stretched calligraphic pose count” (The New York Times/Jennifer Dunning). Sandra has taught Modern Dance and Tango at Ramapo College’s School of Contemporary Arts since 2002, as well as Tango at her own Hoboken Tango Lab.

Ballroom DJs Michelle & Bob Friedman

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 Walter Perez

WCS/Hustle/California Mix DJ Jessica Ann Nail (JesAnn)

started DJing in 2013 after dancing West Coast Swing (WCS) for 3 years and discovering her love for the diversity of music WCS had to offer. Coming from traditional Ballroom to WCS was musical liberation for her which sparked an interest in pursuing DJing for the WCS community. Being a Ballroom Instructor by profession coupled with some prior experience as a DJ allowed for a seamless transition into the WCS world. She enjoys collecting a variety of music but her favorites include Contemporary-Pop, R&B, Blues, and Acoustic Covers. Jes Ann calls New York City home but travels the the world teaching, competing, and DJiing to become the medium between her two passions, dance and music. She is available for DJing, as well as teaching Workshops and Private Lessons. 

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 .

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.

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.

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!  

Linda Leverock-Dance Instructor

Walter Perez-Dance Instructor

 is a New York-based artist born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has built up his career as a Tango dancer, teacher, dj,  and choreographer of Argentine Tango for 30 years. He is the founder and Executive director of Friends of Argentine Tango (www.friendsofargentinetango.org) a NY nonprofit organization established in 2013.Perez studied Psicologia Social at Nuestro Tiempo, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has performed and taught extensible worldwide at many festivals, dance companies, and theater performances: Argentina (1995-2000): Neotango Dance Company, Los tangueros Dance company, ,Hola Susana, Las tres Marias, De Refilon, and toured with the award winning musical Tangou directed by Anibal Pachano. USA (2000-currently): All that Tango; Red; Tango and Flamenco Fusion, The Trip, Let’s Speak Tango, Tango of the first century, Spotlight on Tango, Tango Connections and Recuerdo Tango, New generation Dance company (Jacobs Pillow), Las Vegas Red Carpet Tango Festival (2016,2017) In May 2018 Walter was the creator, director and dancer of the show “Male Tango” that was awarded by HOLA, outstanding Musical and outstanding performance in a musical together with Leonardo Sardella.  Performed with Leonardo Sardella with World acclaimed band Tanghetto at Lincoln Center outdoor festival. In 2019 he was feature tango dancer at the film “Isn’t it romantic”, staring Rebel Wilson.  In 2021 he was nominated New Yorker of the week by NY1 .He is the choreographer and dancer of Warle ( Laba @14st Y, 2022 & CBST 2023)

 Teaching experience: Argentina (1994-2000): Ana Deustch Dance Studio, Colegio Nacional17, Holter Schule, Instituto Coreografico Argentino. USA (2000-Currently): Sandra Cameron, Dance Manhattan, Stepping Out Studios, Iati Theater, Dardo Galletto Studios, Friends of Argentine Tango, Brooklyn Public Library Creative Aging, Lifetime Arts, Hispanic Federation.

In 2010 he creates with Leonardo Sardella, “Malevaje Tango” same sex tango couple, teaching and performing worldwide. Since 2015 Walter Perez with Leonardo Sardella are the organizers the NY Queer Tango Weekend, a four days International festival, 2023 was the 8 edition .

Jessica Ann Nail (JesAnn)-Dance Instructor

has been a mover and a shaker since the young age of 3. Ballet, Tap, and Jazz is where she started as a dancer, but later, she focused on Gymnastics and Competitive Cheerleading. In college, JesAnn took an interest in Yoga, Modern, Hip Hop, and Salsa, which eventually led her to a ballroom teacher training program in 2005. After teaching, competing, and performing on the American Ballroom circuit for about 6 years, JesAnn started to direct her attention toward another partner dance, West Coast Swing (WCS). Enjoying the improvisation and creativity WCS offers has allowed her to freely express musicality within her unique dance style. JesAnn’s love for WCS continues to grow as she travels all over the world teaching, judging, DJing, performing and competing. Currently residing in Brooklyn, where she is a full time Teaching Artist, teaching dance, yoga, cheers and gymnastics to K-8th graders in public schools in Brooklyn, NY.

Christopher Crevatas & Taryn Ruckinski-Dance Instructors

Professional Hustle Rising Stars, Christopher Crevatas and Taryn Rucinski have been partnered since 2020 and are based in Fairfield, New Jersey. Christopher is a DVIDA certified dance professional and instructor with over 17 years experience, who specializes in teaching Hustle, Salsa, Ballroom, and the Rhythm dances. Taryn is a Hustle professional who has been partner dancing for the last 7 years; she also holds her USISTD Student Teacher certification, and bronze medals in Standard, and is a high-level competitive dancer in Smooth and Latin. Most recently, in 2023, Christopher and Taryn have taken 2nd Place in Professional Just Hustle at Disco America and Tri-state Dance Festival, 2nd Place at Disco America and the New Jersey Hustle Congress in the Professional Showcase Divisions, 2nd and two 3rd places in Professional Jack & Jill and the Professional Medley at the L.A. Hustle Congress, 1st and 2nd Place in Rising Star Jack and Jill at the International Latin Hustle Festival, and 1st Place at New York's famed Copacabana, in their 2nd Annual Disco Fever Friday's Hustle Competition. Taryn was also recently named to the 2023 DanceTalk Readers Choice Awards in a tie for Favorite Female Dancer.

Edem Attikese-Dance Instructor

started dancing salsa and bachata in 2010, and quickly added lindy hop in 2011 and west coast swing in 2012. Since then, he has travelled across the country teaching and performing in all of those styles. Edem has performed with his west coast swing partner Jes-Ann Nail, his lindy hop partner Renee Wasko, and as a member of troupes such as La Fuerza Dance Co., Onda Latina, The West Philly Swingers, Savoy Spirit, and The Harlem Swing Dance Society. He has performed at events across the country like The New York International Salsa Congress, The US Open Swing Dance Championships, and A Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center. Edem currently resides in NYC primarily teaching, DJing, competing and performing west coast swing, where currently competes in the All-Star division.

Jennifer Van Etten-Fitness Instructor

a former modern dancer who discovered the technique of Pilates to enhance core strength and overall fitness and to prevent injury while professionally performing. After retiring from modern dance performance, Jennifer was certified in the Pilates method. This method encompasses more than 500 controlled, precise movements designed to stretch and strengthen muscle without adding bulk. The exercises follow the principle techniques of Joseph Pilates. In 2010, Jennifer was certified as a Pilates Method Alliance Instructor. PMA certifications are recognized throughout the world as the highest benchmark in industry. In 2012, Jennifer opened her own studio, Pilates Body, in Monticello, New York. The Pilates Body studio specializes in the teachings of classical Pilates. Jennifer’s clientele includes beginner, intermediate and advanced adults looking to be trained in the Pilates technique.Jennifer’s years of specialized training and extensive experience sets her studio apart and maintains the highest standards in the classical Pilates technique. In 2014, Jennifer started teaching at the Nesin Cultural Arts Center. Jennifer developed the Classical Creative Dance Program for the Nesin Cultural Arts Center. The program instructs children from kindergarten through 5^th grade in various modern dance techniques and emphasizes movement, shapes and choreography. There are two performances each year. Jennifer also developed a teen modern dance program, which is based on the Martha Graham and Mary Anthony dance techniques. Children aged 6^th grade through 10^th grade are enrolled in the program. There are two performances each year.

Leah Maidenbaum-Fitness Instructor

will be joining our Stardust staff to get you all stretching Saturday and Sunday morning before you jump into all the workshops. Leah is also is a certified Pilates instructor who has taught Pilates in various Pilates studios in New York City as well as in Estudio Lara, Madrid (the first Pilates studio in Spain), and at the Art of Control, in Barcelona (the first certifying Authentic Pilates Studio in Spain).  Leah has taught teachers of Pilates at various INEF Conventions (National Catalonian Institute of Physical Education) as well as at the CAR (High Performance Center for Sports), and at the New Fitness Era Convention in Barcelona. 

Leah was an International Flamenco Dancer, who danced as a soloist with Jose Greco, Antonio del Castillo, and Carlotta Santana Dance Companies in NYC.  Leah was certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer at Marymount Manhattan College and by the national American Council on Exercise. (ACE) in 1991.  She discovered the Pilates method for herself when, as a Flamenco dancer, she worked out with several Pilates Trainers in NYC, and ultimately decided to train intensively with Master teachers Romana Krysanowska and Sari pace.  Romana Krysanowska, the direct successor of Joseph H. Pilates, was Leah’s trainer and she was certified by her in 2001 in the method that Ms. Krysanowska named Authentic Pilates.