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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.

 

 

Tatiana Keegan & Anatoliy Shvarts

Tatiana Keegan was the Russian Amateur National Champion in Ten Dances before coming to the United States and winning many of the top professional Open and Rising Star International Latin championships, including the Ohio Star Ball and the U.S. Ballroom Championship with Tony Dovolani. After a seven-year break to get married and start a family, she returned to reach the World Professional Latin Championships in Germany. Last year, she turned amateur to compete in her age category and formed a successful partnership with Anatoliy Shvarts.

Anatoliy Shvarts started dancing in his native Moldova, where he was the national youth champion.  After moving to the United States, he partnered with Renata Golbert and placed 3rd in the U.S. National Amateur Latin Championships. The couple turned professional and made the finals in many top U.S. national and international competitions. In 2001, Anatoliy retired from competitive dancing to pursue other career interests but returned to the competitive circuit last year as an amateur with new partner Tatiana Keegan. 2019 U.S. amateur national champions in International Latin (age 35+) and 3rd in the WDC amateur world championship (40+) in Ireland. Sponsored by Freed of London.

Olena Abtitova & Oleksandr Kalenyuk

Olena Abtitova was born in Ukraine, in the city Donetsk. She started dancing at the age of 6 years. With her first partner, she danced 10 years and they achieved great results. were three-time finalists of the World Championship in 10 dances, latin and standard. Were champions of Ukraine in all three programs and finalists of the Blackpool dance festival. In 2012, Olena started dancing with Oleksandr, together they won the World Championship in Youth category in standard program. They were the champions of Ukraine, two-time vice-champions of the Blackpool Dance Festival, champions of the UK Championships and International Championships. For 2 years Olena represented Italy and since 2017 they have moved to USA and now represent this country. Now they are the top couple in standard in the Adult category.

Oleksandr Kalenyuk is from Ukraine, Donetsk city. He has a younger brother and sister. He began to dance at the age of 10 years. Sasha danced with his first partner for 6 years. During this time, he became the Champion of Ukraine and the world champion at his age. since 2012, he became a couple with Olena and achieved very big victories. 2 years he represented Italy, from 2017 he moved to USA, Boston.

The Rat Pack

The Rat Pack come back to Stardust..

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. will perform on stage during Stardust's Saturday night cocktail party, brought back to life by three entertainers paying tribute to the legendary Rat Pack.

John Monforto, Johnny Petillo, and Joe Foote play the parts of Sinatra, Martin and Davis, respectively, during the "Rat Pack Are Back" show, which features some of their most famous songs like "Fly me to the Moon," "That's Amore" and "The Candy Man." The impersonators also imitate the Rat Pack's antics, engaging the audience in their jokes and performing short skits. They will definitely keep you on the floor dancing.

Alexander ‘Sasha’ Kostic

Ballroom Legacy Dance Studio

Alexander Kostic is co-owner of Ballroom Legacy. 

*Canadian National Professional Latin Vice Champion

*World Open Professional Latin Show Dance Finalist

*World Open Professional Latin Quarter Finalist

Christiano Couto

Ballroom Legacy Dance Studio

Christiano Couto is the Argentine tango Specialist and Brazilian Samba Specialist 

 

Irina Marola-Entertainer

Argentine Tango Specialist

Romania's National Theater Soloist

World Class Professional

Band

Crazy Feet 6 Piece Live Band

Pete Redmond's 6 piece band, (bass, drums, 2 horns, Congo drum, singer) Crazy Feet is a hot swing and ballroom dance band from Poughkeepsie, NY.  All the band members have been playing various types of music for decades, and we all agree that playing for dancers is just the best!

The band membership is fluid.  As band leader, Pete hires the best musicians he can find, "and man, there are some awesome musicians out there.  It's an honor to play with them!"

DJ's

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.

West Coast Swing/Hustle/California Mix Dj John Lindo

is an International Award-winning West Coast Swing Dance Champion & Instructor. He is a man of style, grace and humor. Above all, he is one of the most joyful advocates of the dance. After beginning in country-western dance in 1992, John quickly made his mark on the West Coast Swing circuit by garnering an astonishing number of awards and championships in Jack-and-Jill and Strictly Swing contests. First Place awards include the U.S. Open, Grand Nationals, and Phoenix Champion of Champions.  John’s passion and talent for West Coast Swing has brought him international recognition. He actively participates in competitions and workshops around the world.  John is sought after internationally for his knowledge, experience and teaching, in roles such as MC, organizer, judge, dancer, deejay and choreographer. 

Argentine Tango DJ Leonardo Sardella

began to dance tango professionally and playing music in milongas in his hometown of Buenos Aires.  He has trained with renowned tango instructors and DJs.
Leonardo has performed on the best stages in Argentina with various dance companies.  Teatro Colón and Teatro Cervantes among others. He moved to New York City in 2011 when he co-founded the Malevaje dance company.
And then Amigos del Tango Argentine, a non-profit organization that offers shows and classes for seniors and school children, working with City Center and performing for schools on the City Center stage.
Leonardo has participated in International Tango festivals worldwide and has performed and played music in the main cities of the United States and in England, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Bolivia and Argentina  .
He ranks high on the list of the most important Argentine tango dancers and DJs.  He is currently the DJ of the Milonga Capricho in NYC every Friday.

Instructors

John Lindo-Dance Instructor/DJ

is an International Award-winning West Coast Swing Dance Champion & Instructor. He is a man of style, grace and humor. Above all, he is one of the most joyful advocates of the dance. After beginning in country-western dance in 1992, John quickly made his mark on the West Coast Swing circuit by garnering an astonishing number of awards and championships in Jack-and-Jill and Strictly Swing contests. First Place awards include the U.S. Open, Grand Nationals, and Phoenix Champion of Champions.  John’s passion and talent for West Coast Swing has brought him international recognition. He actively participates in competitions and workshops around the world.  John is sought after internationally for his knowledge, experience and teaching, in roles such as organizer, judge, dancer, deejay and choreographer.

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.

Argentine Tango DJ Walter Perez

 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 .

 

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!  

Louise Giuliano-Dance Instructor

Louise Giuliano did NOT start dance training at an early age.  In fact, she and her husband, Paul, took their first dance lesson on their 25th wedding anniversary when she was 45!  Within three months, however, they were competing and winning at dance competitions around the Northeast.  In their competitive career, they have won 18 national titles, hundreds of regional and local dance championships and represented the U.S. at four world senior dancesport events.  While training for competition, Louise began studying and testing with the then USISTD (United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, now known as AIDA or American International Dance Association) to learn the best methodologies for teaching dance.  She has attained her Licentiate in International Ballroom and Associate in International Latin.  She started the Albany Dancesport Club in 2013 which became the model for local AIDA chapters around the country.  She has choreographed dance shows including “Dancing Around the World,” “Dancing Through the Ages,” “A Ballroom Tribute to Movie Musicals” and a formation team featuring music from West Side Story.  Her dance team is comprised of dancers ranging in age from 4 to 84 years of age, and they perform around the Capital District at fundraisers, public dance exhibitions and other venues.

Hunter Houde-Instructor/Entertainer

is a Latin Dancer based out of New York City with over 10 years of professional experience teaching and performing. Hunter has been competing for 10 years and recently placed third in the world at the World Salsa Summit with his partner Dawn Eng competing in the New York Style Salsa division. He has also recently branched out into film and theatre playing a lead role in the off-Broadway immersive theatre production "Carmen: to Havana and Back" and danced in the ensemble of the recently released film "In the Heights." Hunter currently is a member of the world-renowned group "Latin Soul Dancers" by Adolfo Indacochea and continues to dance and train in New York City where he resides.