BAND
EIGHT TO THE BAR
A six-person group of consummate musicians and vocalists who can play everything including ballroom, jazz, swing, the blues, and even country and pop.
COLLIN TILTON - TENOR AND ALTO SAXOPHONES, FLUTE
Van Morrison's Moondance Etta James’ which included being on the Rolling Stones' “Some Girls”Caldwell-Winfield Blues BandJames Cotton’s Johnny Tillotson, Robbie Dupree Carla BleyVanJethro Tull. Best known for his sax and flute playing on Van Morrison's quadruple-platinum-selling Moondance album, Collin went on to play in Etta James’ band which included being on the Rolling Stones' 1978 U.S. Tour (“Some Girls”). Before joining ETTB in the late eighties, he served as horn arranger/section leader with Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers. His eclectic resume also includes being a member of the Caldwell-Winfield Blues Band, a member of legendary bluesman James Cotton’s band, Johnny Tillotson, Robbie Dupree (“Hot Rod Hearts”), and making a jazz record with Carla Bley. Most recently, his flute solo on Van Morrison's epic song "Mondance" was selected to be in a book called "25 Great Flute Solos", released on Hal Leonard Publishing, along with other heavyweights such as Jethro Tull.
CYNTHIA LYON - BAND LEADER, VOCALS, KEYBOARD Inspired by the legacy of her mother (who sang with her two sisters in a vocal trio during WWII), Cynthia started Eight to the Bar in 1975 and had her three sisters join her in the band’s early days. She is ETTB's band leader, keyboard player and primary songwriter and arranger and has also played with Amyl and the Icons and the Dirty Blondes of New York City.
BRINNA JONES - VOCALS, PERCUSSION started singing professionally in 2002, working with a Boston-based show band followed by backing vocal gigs with many different tribute artists. In 2005, she opened for Bob Newhart, backed by a 10-piece orchestra. The following year she joined the Northeast-renowned group Souled Out, singing background vocals, and opening for The Drifters, The Pointer Sisters and The Temptations. Brinna has written some songs for ETTB, notably the cool, Latin-flavored "September Blue" from the band's 11th CD "The Romper Room".
KEVIN JOHNSON - GUITAR, VOCALS holds a Masters of Music Degree from Portland State University where he studied with world-renowned guitarist and composer Brian Johanson. He fronted the lively duo Celtic Corner in Portland, Oregon and appeared aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seasand Radiance of the Seas. He also plays bass, fife, flute, and saxophone.
ERIC KUHN - BASS GUITAR, VOCALS has been a bassist, vocalist, and composer in Connecticut since the late 1970s. In 1988 he formed The Bus
beloved Middletown, (CT) rock trio, with Michael Cleary and Paul Bozzi. Eric is known for a voice that can range from do-wop bass to swing soprano in the vocal trio.
JUSTIN BLACKBURN - DRUMS, VOCALS A versatile drummer and soulful singer, Justin holds a degree in Music from Eastern Connecticut State University. He has performed with many local and national acts including Dave Costa and Peter Tork as well as his pursuing his own projects. Justin currently resides in the quiet corner of CT where he can be found teaching drums and jamming with the local musicians.
ENTERTAINERS
ROMAN & HANNA PRYMACHOK
Roman and Hanna Prymachok are professional ballroom, Latin, and American smooth dancers and teachers. Born in Ukraine, they studied ballroom and Latin styles from a young age. Dance has been a central part of their lives for over 15 years, during which they have performed in various shows across different countries, always striving to achieve perfection in every dance step.One of the highlights of their careers was performing as ballroom and international dancers on the cruise line MSC Divina. These experiences not only allowed them to showcase their skills but also to engage with diverse audiences, bringing the joy of dance to people from all walks of life.Teaching and mentoring have also been significant aspects of their careers. In addition to performing, they have worked as dance instructors and choreographers on the MSC Divina, in Zhengzhou, China, and various locations in Ukraine. Since 2021, they have been teaching at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Albany, NY, where they specialize in American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Ballroom, and Latin styles. Helping others discover the beauty of ballroom dancing has been incredibly rewarding for them.Their competitive journey has been marked by numerous accolades. They have proudly secured top placements in various championships, including the National Dance Competition Fred Astaire Orlando, the Dance Championship "American Star Ball" in Atlantic City, the "Dancesport Championship" in New England, Dancesport competition "Miami Vibe", the "Commonwealth Classic" in Boston, the "NY/NJ Dancesport Challenge Fred Astaire," and many others, as well as numerous championships in Ukraine.Roman and Hanna hold Master's degrees in Ballroom Dancing (Standard and Latin American) Choreography from Rivne State University of Humanities. This academic background, combined with their extensive practical experience, has equipped them with a deep understanding of dance. As they continue their journey, they remain committed to pushing the boundaries of their art, inspiring others, and sharing the transformative power of dance. Whether on stage or in the studio, dance is not just a profession for them—it is a lifelong passion and a way of life
ANDRES BRAVO & CAROLINA JAURENA
Andres Bravo is a talented dancer, instructor and choreographer who began dancing Argentine Tango at 11 years of age. He has studied with World-renowned Tango Masters such as; Miguel Angel Zotto, Martin Ojeda, Roberto Herrera, Julio Balmaceda and Gabriel Misse. In 1999 his performance career launched when he became part of the Tango Festival “Colombo Argentina” in a tour throughout Colombia produced by Impresario Walter Davis. Following the end of his tour, in 2000 he became part of the Tango Company “Una cita con el Tango” directed by Alexander Giraldo in the city of Pereira, Colombia for 2 years. In 2002 he became part of the cast of “Argentine Tango Show” touring the United Emirates and performing for six consecutive months at the prestigious Jumeirath Beach Hotel in Dubai. Throughout the years he has been part of several well-recognized World Tango Competitions and Festivals. In 2006 he was National Stage Tango Champion in “Tangovia” a Tango Competition held in Manizales, Colombia and in 2009 he won the National Stage Tango Competition in the city of Bogota, which he then continued on to represented Colombia at the eighth World Tango Summit held in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. In addition he has dedicated great part of his professional life to teaching tango to people of all walks of life in a very unique and effortless way. As a choreographer, he is in high demand for his innovative and unique style of choreography. In 2011 he was asked to choreograph the show “Por amor al Tango” directed and produced by musician Erskine Maytorena in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2019 Andres became the official US Tango Salon Champion and won first place in the SoCal and the ATUSA Official Mundial Tango Championship. Most recently he performed with the Symphony of Solidarity at Carnegie Hall and the Camarada Tango Quartet in New York City. Andres Bravo’s genuine warm personality and years of experience as Choreographer, Instructor, and dancer of salon and stage Tango continues to lead him to great success. He is currently based in New York City where he teaches and performs.
Carolina Jaurena's journey as a performer and artist began at an early age, ignited by an unwavering passion for the arts. With over 20 years of experience teaching and performing, she has become a multifaceted talent, excelling not only as a dancer but also as a certified RYT Yoga instructor and Mandala Dot Artist. During her career as a dancer and performer, Carolina reached new heights when she graced the screen as a primary dancer in the feature film "Random Hearts," directed by the legendary Sidney Pollack. Carolina's performances have spanned a wide range of exceptional productions, including "Eternal Tango" alongside Hector del Curto, the show "Tanguero," and "Tango! Soul and Heart," where she mesmerized audiences at the Kennedy Center with the Choral Arts Society of Washington. Her artistry extended to the acclaimed off-Broadway production "Tango House," produced by the renowned Juan Fabbri, and she showcased her talents in several unforgettable seasons at the esteemed Thalia Spanish Theater in New York. Beyond her performances in the United States, Carolina's talent has been recognized internationally, as she has graced stages and conducted workshops across the globe. She taught a special Tango workshop at the Canarias Tango Festival in Spain, performed at the Solis Theater in Uruguay for "100 años de tango," and left a lasting impression in Germany with performances at prestigious venues such as The Theaterhaus in Stuttgart and the Alte Synagoge in Hechingen. Her teaching style has been sought after at the Landesakademie in Ochsenhausen, where she conducted workshops that left a lasting impact on aspiring artists. Carolina's prowess as a performer and instructor has earned her a well-deserved reputation for precision of movement, professionalism, and undeniable charisma. Carolina has also been an integral part of the Camarada Tango Quartet from San Diego for the past 4 years and most recently performed with the Symphony of Solidarity at Carnegie Hall. Her artistry extends beyond dance, as she is also a certified RYT Yoga instructor, guiding others towards physical and mental well-being through the practice of yoga. Carolina is also a gifted Mandala Dot Artist, exploring the world of intricate patterns and soothing creativity. Her artistic pursuits demonstrate a deep appreciation for beauty, balance, and self-expression. In addition, Today, Carolina Jaurena stands as a respected and sought-after performer, teacher, and artist, leaving an indelible mark on the world of arts and captivating hearts wherever she graces the stage.
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.
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 DJs Maia Martinez & David Salvatierra
are Argentine Tango dance instructors, Djs, & performers. They have been focusing on building the Tango community in the Hudson Valley for the last decade. In efforts to expand Tango, they started DJing for their own events where they found great joy and discovered a new exciting way to make people dance. For the last few years Maia & David been exploring and learning about the magical world of Argentine Tango DJ’s. They take DJing very seriously. They bring an exciting selection of well known pieces with a few delightful and fresh tunes. A Milonga with David & Maia is a dance party!
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 .
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.
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.
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
Christopher Crevatas-Dance Instructor
Based in Northern New Jersey, Christopher Crevatas is a dance professional and instructor with over 18 years experience, specializing in Hustle, Salsa, Ballroom, and Rhythm dances. Currently teaching at Rogers Dance Center in Fairfield and Salsa Fever On2 in Jersey City, Christopher has also taught at Arthur Murray and Battista Dance Studios. Starting his dance career at a young age, Christopher specialized in hip hop and theater arts and was later involved in tv commercials, independent film, and local theater. An accomplished choreographer and instructor, Christopher is sought after at workshops and events all over the Tri-State area and even internationally. He currently holds a professional certificate from DVIDA International Dance Association in Hustle. Partnered since 2020, with Hustle professional Taryn Rucinski, the two of them have most recently placed 2nd 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.
Taryn Rucinski-Dance Instructor
Taryn Rucinski, based in Northern New Jersey, is ballroom dance and professional Hustle competitor, who has been partner dancing for the last 8 years. Beginning her dance journey at the famed Dancesport in New York City, she holds her AIDA (formerly USISTD) Student Teacher certification and bronze medals (lead and follow) in Standard, and is a high-level competitive dancer in American Smooth, Latin, and West Coast Swing. A social dance specialist, Taryn is also a recent brain tumor survivor with the invisible disabilities of partial deafness and only one vestibular nerve. As a result, Taryn also focuses on teaching techniques to improve balance and stability across the various dance styles. Partnered since 2020, with Hustle professional Christopher Crevatas, the two of them have most recently placed 2nd 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. Taryn was also recently named to the 2023 DanceTalk Readers Choice Awards in a tie for Favorite Female Dancer.
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.
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.
