Band VICTOR MERRILL & Friends 6 Piece Band
ENTERTAINERS
Kostiantyn Samarskyi & Margarita Golubeva
Kostiantyn was born and raised in Ukraine. Margarita was born and raised in Russia. They started dancing and learning in their own countries and were competing internationally on all major competitions like: Blackpool, International, European and World Championships. Margarita was also competing in all major competition for Argentina Tango and was placed vise champion on USDC(United State Dancing Championship). Kostiantyn was participant of TV show “Dancing Queens” as Professional Dance coach. They met each other at Brooklyn Dance Sport Club in 2021. Start dancing together in 2022. Rising star winners: of Tri-State Championship, Philadelphia Dancesport Championship, American Star Ball, Yankee Classic Championship, Capital Dance Championships. Rising star silver and bronze medalists: Constitution State Championship (silver), Paragon Open Championship (silver), Ohio Star Ball (silver), King’s Ball (silver), New York Dance Festival (silver), Miami Vibe Dancesport Competition (silver), Millennium Dancesport Championship (bronze), Manhattan Dance Championship (bronze), DBDC (silver), Empire Dance Championship (silver). Open Professional finalists and medalists of major American competitions: Tri-State Championship, Philadelphia Dancesport Championship, Wisconsin State Dance Championship, American Star Ball, Yankee Classic Championship, DBDC, Constitution State Championship, Paragon Open Dancesport Championship, King’s Ball, Nashville Starz Dance, Golden Star Championship, Maryland Dancesport Championship, Easter United States Dancesport Championship, Windy City Open Dancesport Championship.
Orlando Reyes & Adriana Salgado
ATUSA USA OfficiaL Tango Champions 2019- 2021
Adriana and Orlando have been professional dancers and teachers of Argentine Tango for over twenty five years. With a background in classical ballet, they started off studying Tango in Buenos Aires under auspices of renowned tango masters.
International performances include the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Aruba, Argentina, Canada, Indonesia and their native Colombia. They are based in New York since 2007 where they have taught and performed at many tango venues nationwide.They have been also guest teachers and performers at Holland America, Norwegian and Royal Princess cruises 2012-2013. Other stage performances include Tango Malbec House in New York City 2012-2014 and performaces in DC with the Pan american Symhony Orchestra of DC since 2016.
Their smooth, romantic, elegant style and solid connection make their Tango Salon and Stage performances outstanding. Their teaching focuses on the subtleties of the connection, posture and overall technique fundamentals. Their passion, love and constant dedication for Argentine Tango is palpable and has won them recognition with awards at their native Colombia and more recently in the USA, where they have become the USA Stage Tango (2019) and Tango de Pista (2021) Champions.
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.
WCS/Hustle/California Mix DJ Lou Brockman
a past national ballroom champion and the only ever National Dirty Dancing Champion, as seen on the Oprah Winfrey Show, has been a deejay for major dance studios and special events in New York City for more than two decades, including residencies at Dance New York and Dance Manhattan, bringing his championship dancer’s love to the sounds that make everybody want to move.
Argentine Tango DJ & Instructor 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 .
Dance Instructors
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.
Linda Leverock-Dance Instructor
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!
Leon Harris-Dance Instructor
Argentine Tango Education: Many workshops in Buenos Aires, New York, Dubai, two summer sessions at Stanford University for advance instruction, and many classes and workshops in Washington D.C. by visiting instructors from Argentina.
Argentine Tango Work Experience: Over 25+ years on the Washington DC tango and world dance scene. Workshops/classes have included New York Stardust Dance Productions, cruise ships (Queen Mary 2, Costa Cruises, Seven Seas Regent), Buenos Aires, Mumbai, Havava, Cuba, Dubai, Federal and DC government agencies, private organizations, and Habana Village where it all started.
As the longest running Argentine tango operation in the DMV, Leon’s La Casa de Baile has set the standard in providing a learning environment in which the students not only learn tango technique and vocabulary of the dance, but develop confidence, social and interactive skills that help them in their personal careers. A typical session includes the tango technique material, a practica, and good food for the rest of the evening. Leon and La Casa are well known for their unique technique of presenting milongas and dance parties with different themes.
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.
Kelvin Roche & Lori Ann Greenhouse-Roche-Dance Instructors
Kelvin Roche Choreographer. His most recent performances include a starring role in Ballroom! at the New Jersey State Theatre and appearances in the movies Enchanted and El Cantante.Trained in all aspects of dance, Kelvin’s specialties are Hustle, Theater Arts, and International Latin. Some of his latest titles, won with his partner, Lori Ann Greenhouse, include the IHSC World Professional Hustle Championship, Mad Jam Showcase, and NY Hustle Congress Pro Theater Arts. Their spectacular showcase numbers— hustle, jive, cha cha, rumba, mambo-- choreographed by Kelvin, bring down the house whether performed on theater stages, the competition dance floor, clubs, or studio parties.Kelvin has performed many times on TV, in movies, and on the stage. He appeared on the Today Show with Marc Anthony, publicizing El Cantante, and, additionally, on the Conan O’Brian Show, The View, Live with Regis & Kathie Lee, and Sabado Gigante-Univision. His movie credits include Dance with Me (where he also trained Vanessa Williams), Cross Over Dreams, and Let It Be Me. In the theater, he has been seen in Tango Something as well as the production of Ballroom! Also, he has performed with Ben Vereen and Melba Moore, as a backup dancer for Gloria Estefan, at Lincoln Center’s Cool & Jazz Festival, and at the New York Emmy Awards.Technical skill, musicality, humor and patience are the hallmarks of Kelvin’s teaching, making him an extremely popular teacher and coach. His students have won many Pro-Am ballroom titles and compete and perform with him regularly.
Lori Ann Greenhouse has been dancing since the age of four. 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. Moreover, she received an invitation to compete in Blackpool and placed 5th in the world in Theater Arts. She also holds the prestigious title of 9-time World Hustle Champion. Her most recent championship title is that of 1st Place in the Professional Show Dance Competition at The New Jersey State Open Championships, Oct. 2008. Lori Ann has performed all over the world, including such countries as China, Japan, Brazil, Argentina and Canada. She has performed with Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey, Howie Mandell, Sherman Helmsley, The Village People, and many more. She has appeared on TV in shows such as "Good Morning America," "Telemundo" and "Sabado Gigante." Lori Ann appeared in the movie, "Let It Be Me" and was a featured dancer in Disney World's Epcot Center and Pleasure Island. Recently, Lori Ann performed for the Governor of New Hampshire, John Lynch. She has filmed a commercial for the Latin Music Awards; appeared in "El Cantante" with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez; and appears in the soon to be released film, "Enchanted," with Patrick Dempsey and Susan Sarandon.
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 .
Fitness Instructors
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 5th 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 6th grade through 10th grade are enrolled in the program. There are two performances each year.
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.