DANCESPORT PROFESSIONALS

Sunnie Page

Sunnie Page began her ballroom career in the American rhythm and smooth styles. She switched to the international standard and latin styles in early 1999, with the goal of competing at the international championship level. Throughout her amateur competitive career Sunnie won five titles at the US National Championships in the style cumulatively known as "International Standard" -- waltz, tango, viennese waltz, foxtrot and quickstep. During that time she lived in England and New York City 4 months a year for extensive training with the worlds top coaches. Her highest ranking as an amtaeur was 2nd in the USA at the championship level in the International Dancesport World Federation rankings. After turning pro and opening The Ballroom Dance Company in 2005, she continued to compete internationally in the professional championship division. Sunnie continues to produce superior quality students who have won not only regional, but multiple national US Dance titles.

Mark Tabor

Mark is an exceptionally well-rounded dancer who has competed at the championship level in a wide variety of styles including international standard, international latin, and American smooth. He began competing in 1992 and made his first US final in 2001 at the USA Dance Championships in American smooth. Mark is the 2007 senior I smooth US Champion, a title he won at this year’s USA Dancesport Championships. Mark has been an active promoter and organizer for ballroom dance and competition. He’s been a USA Dance DanceSport Council Member since 2003 and organized the Northwest DanceSport Championships 2003-2007. Mark’s studied with many world class latin, standard and smooth coaches including but not limited to Heather Smith, Nadia Eftedal, Christopher Hawkins, Glenn Weiss, Stephen Hillier, Peter Eggleton, Olga Foraponova, Jean Marc Genreaux, Geoffrey Hearns, Gaynor Fairweather and Steve Powell. Mark provides a $10 discount for all youth private lessons (21 & younger with student ID).

PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTORS

Neylana Bezerra

Neylana is a certified zumba instructor & personal trainer, certified salsa instructor & choreographyer, and professional bhangra performer. Raised in Santiago, Chile, Neylana found herself surrounded in latin music and dance. Her background includes also includes ballet and gymnastics. Throughout the years, She's earned a variety of national accredited certifications and assisted in many specialty workshops. Her hobbies include finding the best music for her classes & the best methods to 'feel' the music through exercise and dance. Neylana believes in the healing power of music, and the positive qualities it brings out in everyone. She helps her students improve coordination, flexibility and posture. Her classes are high energy, safe, and fun!"

Jason Carter

Jason began social dancing 18 years ago on a whim and a dare. He developed a passion for country dance in Louisiana, and a desire to be a polished leader. Country dance proved to be a gatweay toward other styles like hustle, west coast swing, argentine tango, and nightclub two step. Today he embraces them all and believes the key to success is constant connection with one's partner. Jason's teaching style centers on cultivating that connection, and on learning solid lead-follow technique.

Kathy LaVeine Carter

Kathy grew up dancing and has been sharing her passion for dance with students for more than 8 years. Her first love is the social dance floor and she is driven to help people learn the technique and skill necessary to lead, follow, and create spontaneous dance. She specializes in contemporary styles such as west-coast swing, nightclub two-step, hustle, country 2-step, salsa, and meringue. She believes that the measure of a great dancer is the size of the smile on their partner’s face. Her goal is to teach solid dance concepts, be clear, motivating, and maybe even to make you laugh.

Jimmy Ho

Jimmy Ho began dancing Swing, Latin, Ballroom, and Lindy Hop in 1999. He performed with OSU's ballroom troupe in Corvallis. Jimmy is an active competitor on the west coast swing circuit who's won many Strictly Swing and Jack & Jill contests. He is happily entrenched in the local dance community and enjoys teaching. Jimmy takes pride in watching his students improve after his group and private lessons. Students are pleased with the extra time and effort he provides answering questions after and outside of class. Depending on student's dancing experience, he customizes teaching methods to help the beginners explore the fun of swing dancing, and help experienced students advance their techniques and choreography. Jimmy provides a $10 discount for all youth private lessons (21 & younger with student ID).

Sally Marin

My name is Sally Maritza Marin and I am from the wonderful city of Jersey City, New Jersey. Dancing has been the biggest part of my life and even though we couldn't afford to put me through professional dance classes as a child, I still danced whether it was for talent shows family reunions, classroom holiday parties or wherever I could get away with dancing. Born and raised in an urban neighborhood I received a taste of many international rhythms and forms of dancing and practically learned dance from TV,the streets, and my momma who was always teaching me how to salsa the right way. Lived in Ecuador for 4 years throughout high school where I fell in love with my roots of Latin Rhythms. Dancing is breathing!! I wish to spread the love of dance, because I truly believe it heals your soul, I discovered ZUMBA® Fitness over a year ago.... after being trapped in a very monotonous life, with work and school fulltime, I had just moved to Oregon and I had no time for myself, which led me to gain 65 Pounds in 2 years!! (YIKES) When I stepped into my first ZUMBA® class, I knew my life would never be the same. Since then I have lost 65 pounds, and became Licensed to teach Zumba classes. I am ready to make you a happier and healthier you, are you ready for me?

Lisa McKinney

Lisa began her dance training at the age of 8 in her hometown of New York City. She trained in various styles of dance including jazz, tap and ballet. At the age of 14 she was accepted to The High School of Performing Arts (Fame school) where she majored in Modern Dance. During her sophomore year in High School, Lisa was awarded a partial scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet's after school program. Upon graduating from Performing Arts H.S., Lisa attended Rutgers University, graduating with a B.A. in Economics. Lisa is an ACE certified personal trainer, YMCA certified group fitness instructor and certified Zumba instructor. Lisa welcomes all ages, abilities and levels of fitness to her Zumba classes!

Dustin Miller

Raised in Soldotna, Alaska, Dustin began his journey as a dancer at age 14. After a few performances he decided that he wanted to explore a bit deeper into the dance world, and began taking summer classes at Vergine's Dance Studio. The following season he was asked to join the Aurora Senior Dance Company. Dustin trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern and hip hop. Hip hop became a passion for him and he began assistant teaching later that year. The following season Dustin began teaching hip hop at Vergine's Dance Studio and traveled to Los Angeles to participate in the DanceExcellence! Festival, assistant teaching various hip hop workshops and creating show choreography. Dustin is eager to share his passion for dance with anyone who takes part in his classes. He provides a $25 discount for all youth private lessons (21 & younger with student ID).

Ana Ovalle-Barry

Ana Ovalle-Barry is originally from Mexico City and has lived in Oregon since 2008. She started dancing at age 7, learning latin rhythms like cumbia, salsa, merengue and bachata in a natural way in the spirit of her native country. She also learned belly dance, flamenco and jazz. Ana got hooked on Zumba when she moved to ORegon, and finds it to be an ideal way to share her passion for music, dance and love. Ana is an AFAA certified instructor, licensed to teach Zumba, Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba and Zumbatomic. If you are looking for a high energy class with an instructor who sweats hand-in-hand with you, come to her party and you'll get fit while feeling the beat and having fun.

Trina Siebert

Trina has been dancing swing, Argentine tango, Latin, and ballroom since 1995, and specializes in the contemporary social dances (west coast swing, nightclub two-step, and hustle). An active competitor on the west coast swing circuit, she has won a number of Strictly Swing, Classic, and Jack & Jill contests, and was named Best Overall Amateur Female at BridgeTown Swing 2003. Trina has been an invited instructor and performer at workshop weekends and dance conventions throughout the Northwest. Students appreciate her clear and relaxed instructional style; her philosophy is that dancing should be fun and accessible for everyone. Trina provides a $10 discount for all youth private lessons (21 & younger with student ID).

Kendra Wolf

Multi-award winning Kendra began dance training at the age of 7. Her style reflects Egyptian Arabic, sagat and folkloric dances from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran & Turkey. Kendra completed intensive teacher training courses in Cairo in 2006 & 2007. While there, she learned bellydance from legends Nagua Fuad, Mona Said, Dina, Randa Kamel and many others. Research for her undergraduate degree focused on Arabic & Spanish dance history, and Middle Eastern & African Women's history. Kendra has performed professionally in New York City, LA, Mexico City and more. She won titles such as the 2008 Belly Dancer of the Universe and 2007 Double Crown Performing Artist. In addition to being an accomplished 2nd-generation Oriental dance artist, Kendra has studied West African and Flamenco dance.

INSTRUCTORS

Lauren Bodie

Lauren was born and raised in South Carolina. She was involved in musical theater for much of her childhood and high school years, and loved anything that allowed her to sing and dance. In 2011, she moved with her husband and their two young daughters to the gorgeous state of Oregon, and instantly fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. Since having her first child in 2001, Lauren battled her health and weight - often losing just to gain back more the next round! In spring of 2011, she took her first Zumba class, and it has been a whirlwind since then. After seeing the amazing physical AND emotional results of Zumba and dance, she decided it was time to bring as much of that joy as she could to others. Lauren received her license to teach Zumba classes and hit the ground running. Every class feels like a party! Bring your smiling faces and come dance!

Paris Guffey

In November 2007, Paris attended a free swing dance in Portland, and found the passion of his life. Five months later he began taking ballroom dance lessons at The Ballroom Dance Company with studio owner Sunnie Page. Paris enjoys performing, social dance, and has competed successfully in the amateur and pro-am dancesport circuits -- most recently placing 1st in gold waltz and quickstep with Sunnie at the 2010 Seattle Star Ball. Paris specializes international standard style ballroom, and also teaches all styles of east coast swing (like lindy hop, charleston & balboa) and nightclub two step.

Steve Sowell

The moment Steve took his first waltz class, he fell in love with ballroom dancing. In 6 months he started competing initially locally, then nationally and internationally throughout the Pacific Northwest as well as the east coast and Canada. In addition to winning and making finals at many local competitions, at the 2007 USA Dance National Amateur Championships Steve made the US National finals in the bronze syllabus category. Steve is apprentice to Ballroom Dance Company International Standard professional Sunnie Page.

Marcus Sterling

Marcus began dancing during his undergraduate work at Oregon State University. His 1st ballroom class in 2004 paved the way to his love of social dance. Taking all classes possible, he soon discovered a talent for contemporary dance styles including west coast swing, nightclub, and hustle, as well as American and Standard ballroom. He's been teaching in Corvallis and Eugene since 2008. He enjoys keeping up with the rapidly changing styles of contemporary partner dance, and enjoys watching students improve and find enjoyment in their dancing.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR TEACHERS

Vlad Anokhin

A native of Russia, Vlad began his dance career as a soloist of a Russian/Ukranian folk dance troop. He traveled across the northwest and Canada performing and competing with the troop, representing a lost art. Exposed to the complexity and dynamic choreography of folk dance with training, discipline and elements of classical ballet, tap and jazz, Vlad built a strong foundation for his next passion: ballroom dance. The artistry and athleticism of ballroom and latin dance were passed to him from his mother, a champion in her native Ukraine. Vlad competed and performed regionally, nationally and internationally in both 10-dance international ballroom & latin, as well as the 9-dance American categories. Vlad shares his competitive experience and love for ballroom and latin dance with his students. He continues coaching, competing, choreographing, and performing professionally and pro-am with his students in the largest competitions in the US.

Valentin Bachvarov

A top-tier professional coach, competitor and performer, Valentin is a world-class professional latin and ballroom dancer with over 23 years experience teaching, competing and performing in Europe, Asia and the United States with his wife Irina, who is also available for lessons at The Ballroom Dance Company. He's achieved many impressive placements and titles including but not limited to Bulgarian National Latin Champion and Austrian National Latin Vice Champion. He teaches international latin and standard ballroom dancing to competitors and social dancers. Valentin teaches group classes and is also available for private lessons for students interested in choreography, pro-am performance, and competition. Please book directly with Valentin at (949)423-4666.

Irina Domokurova

A top-tier professional coach, competitor and performer, Irina is a highly accomplished professional latin and ballroom dancer with over 23 years experience teaching, competing and performing in Europe, Asia and the United States with her husband Valentin, who is also available for lessons at The Ballroom Dance Company. She's achieved many impressive placements and titles including but not limited to multiple open professional latin titles, and most impressively placed in the top 24 professional couples in the world, in Rising Star Latin at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival. She teaches international latin and standard ballroom dancing to competitors and social dancers. Irina teaches group classes and is also available for private lessons for adult and youth students of all skill levels. She's competed, coached and performed across the world. Please book directly with Valentin at (949)423-4666.

Shawn Gardner

Shawn has been passionate about dance since the age of 10. She's been teaching over 14 years, and specializes in sharing the joy & benefits of dance with children & families. Her patience, enthusiasm & natural ability to connect with young dancers is evident in the many students who took their very 1st lesson with Shawn & have advanced to compete & perform for large audiences. Shawn's ballroom career began in 2005. Just 2 years later, after training under Sunnie Page, Shawn was crowned National Champion in both bronze & silver international standard at the 2007 USA Dance National Championships. She's also studied a wide variety of styles including musical theater, character, ballet, hip hop, jazz & more. She's performed in numerous stage productions & was a member of a professional modern dance company. She's available for private lessons for all ages, wedding lessons, single & couple adults, beginning competition preparation, showdances & more. Shawn provides a $10 discount for all youth private lessons (18 & younger with student ID) with the exception of Show Dance privates (which are full price). Please contact Shawn at SJeanDancer@gmail.com.

Ann Marie Hathaway

A native Oregonian, Ann Marie began dancing at an early age and whirled her way to Hollywood with famous music video choreographer Michael Rooney. After an exciting dancing career in Hollywood, her love of Portland called her back to the Rose City. She continued teaching, and choreographed for and performed with a local swing dance team much publicized for their flying flips through the air. They competed successfully throughout the Northwest. Ann Marie specializes in a wide variety of vintage swing styles like the Charleston and East coast swing. Her salsa and waltz classes are also very popular. One of her most favorite dance styles to teach is smooth Hollywood style Lindy Hop Swing, in large part due to her love of jazz music. Ann Marie provides a $10 discount for all youth private lessons (21 & younger with student ID).

Michael Petr

A top-tier professional coach, competitor and performer, Michael is a Czech National Champion and European professional 10-Dance Finalist. He's been a featured professional on "Dancing With The Stars" in Europe, televised contestant on "So You Think You can Dance" in the United States, is a World professional finalist in Mambo and Salsa, and has numerous jaw-dropping credits to his name! Michael is available for private lessons at The Ballroom Dance Company Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with couples, individuals, adults, kids, and is also available for pro-am competition partnership. Please book directly with Michael at (626)321-2251. Read more about Michael's extensive professional accomplishments and watch him dance at MichaelPetr.com.

Tiffanie Tabor

Tiffanie began her dance career at Arthur Murray in Las Vegas initially as a student, and later as an instructor. Her dancing brought her to Portland in 2003, where she was introduced to international style ballroom and latin dancing. Tiffanie went on to co-organize the largest ballroom dance competition in Oregon. Tiffanie's love for people and passion for dance makes for a fun experience for her students. Students can book lessons with Tiffanie at (971)255-3838 or tiffanietabor@gmail.com.

Lela Weinert

Lela is a United States National Amateur Standard Finalist and has won many Professional Rising Star competitions throughout the United States. Lela is also a highly accomplished instructor. In fact several of her students have become United States National Pre-Teen Champions, United States National Junior Finalists, and United States National Youth Finalists! Her students have also appeared on "Dancing With The Stars." Lela strives for her students to reach their individual goals, while learning in a positive, fun environment. Lela travels to Portland twice a month for coaching at The Ballroom Dance Company. She charges $90/45 minute private lessons and is happy to teach individuals, couples, youth and adults. Please book lessons directly with Lela at (323)316-7454.

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