Wendy Olsen - As owner of Dancers at Sea, Wendy combines her
passion for Ballroom Dancing with years of experience in the Travel and
Cruise Business. She coordinates all the travel and dancing details of a
cruise to fulfill every dancer's dream.
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Robert Cooper - Robert has been involved in the Ballroom Dance world for
nearly 20 years. He is trained in both International & american
styles of dancing. A 4 time US Latin Formation champion, British Open
Lasting formation champion in Blackpool. He traveled around the world
competing & performing with the prestigious Brigham Young University
ballroom Dance Team. Robert continues to compete and teaches full time
as an independent instructor in Newport Beach, CA. |
Shaida - As your reservation specialist and future cruise consultant, Shaida will take excellent care in arranging all the details to make your dance cruise dream a reality! Cheerful and helpful to all of our customers both in preparing for their voyage with answers to all of your questions as well as during their cruise with any requests...and Yes! She likes to dance too! |
Andre
Gosselin - Andre has been an enthusiast on the dance floor since the age of 14! A former Canadian Latin Champion and Fred Astaire Eastern Smooth Champion, he has lived in the US since 1990. He is a licentiate with the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), and has owned the Fred Astaire studio in Red Bank, New Jersey for 12 years. An absolute delight on the dance floor, he obviously loves what he does and inspires you to "Dance your Dreams". |
Magdalena Piekarz - Magdalena began her dancing journey at the age of seven in Poland, where she quickly discovered her passion for ballroom. Since then, she has won many National ballroom titles and has placed fourth in the World in American Smooth. Today, her extensive dance background includes expertise as a professional instructor and competitor in the four primary ballroom styles: American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, and International Latin. She has achieved many dance certifications, including multiple recognitions from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). She has done promotional appearances for "Dancing with the Stars" and has been a finalist on TV's "America 's Ballroom Challenge". Magdalena recently retired from her competitive career, but because of her love of teaching dance, she continues to share her expertise with her wonderful students in the Philadelphia area. |
Piero della Santina - Piero was first exposed to dance at an early
age when he would mimic Michael Jackson and put on shows for his family
and friends. It was at the age of 9 that he took his first dance class.
From the moment he walked onto the studio dance floor, Piero knew he would
devote his life to the art. After participating in cotillion from which
he not only learned proper etiquette but discovered his love for partner
dancing, he dove into the world of ballroom dance. Piero attended Brigham
Young University where he earned a BA in Dance with a Ballroom Emphasis
and was a member of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company. He excelled as a member
of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company and has performed in many of their Television
Performance Broadcasts. Piero has competed in International Latin, American
Smooth, and American Rhythm at various events and has placed 2nd in the
Nation in Amateur American Rhythm at the National Dancesport Championships
in Provo, Utah. He teaches social dancing as well as competitive ballroom/Latin
at several studios located in Southern California. He invests a lot of
energy into his clients and produces great results. |
Honey Larsen - Honey has won 1st place titles including: The US Open Dance Championships, Virginia State "Swing Fling" Championships, Hustle USA and American Swing Dance Championships. As a professional actress she appeared Off B-way in New York City and in Regional Theatres and began her ballroom career with American Ballroom Theatre. She has performed on stage, in major films & on TV. Honey taught at Sandra Cameron Dance Center, Dance New York, Ballroom on 5th and was Dance Director at Stepping Out Studios in NYC. She is accredited with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and DIVIDA and teaches all dance styles including her favorite, Argentine tango. She is currently the Dance Director at Daza Dance in Atlanta. Bringing her joy for life and laughter to Dancers at Sea as she is also a stand-up comedienne, nationally touring as the "Buddy & Honey Comedy Team"! They were featured in "Big Band at the Savoy" and Atlanta finalists of "America's Got Talent". |
Matthew Gann -Matthew has been extensively trained for many years at both Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios. he has crafted his art to achieve both USAD and DVIDA certification in Bronze, Silver and Gold syllabus in both American and International style. . He has won the top teacher award for his region as well as #1 Rising Star! Matthew is friendly and fun and you will delight in dancing with him at sea! |
Carrie Harris - Carrie is a seasoned competitive ballroom dancer
filled with enthusiasm and smiles. Friendly, fun, and an excellent follow,
Carrie also assists in reservations and sales of Dancers at Sea. In addition,
Carrie is a graduate of Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts in Massachusetts
and Ohio Wesleyan University. She is fluent in both Spanish and French
and is a lovely asset on the dance floor as well as the ports of call.
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Greg
Sipe - Greg brings 30 years of experience
as a professional instructor and pro-am competitor in International
and Standard as well as Rhythm and Swing. A handsome host extraordinaire
who shares his talent and gracious manners with the ladies as
he cruises and dances his way around the world with Dancers At Sea! |
Amber Reich- began her love for ballroom dancing at age 11. After joining one of North Carolina's top dancing schools, she quickly realized that dancing was her life's dream and nothing could stop her from reaching the top. Amber began teaching dance at age 16 and over the years competed, performed and traveled across the country living out her dream. In 2007 she moved to Atlanta and now teaches at one of the top studios in the Southeast.
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Brian Stark - Brian is a young exuberant addition to our professional dance instructor staff. He lives in New Jersey where he has taught at Fred Astaire and other studios. Coached by US & International champions, he brings an elegance and grace to his extensive repertoire of both smooth and latin dancing in both American & International styles. He has performed in productions such as Hair Spray, Jersey Boys, and Dancing for Desire. You are going to love your "chance to dance" with this talented & handsome host on your Dancers At Sea voyage! |
Melissa Kellar - Melissa started dancing at the age of 5 experiencing several styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and lyrical. She also has done many forms of performing arts including acting and theater. Melissa fell in love with ballroom the very first time she did it at the age of 16, and just a year later won American smooth and rhythm as a junior pro/am at the world promotions world championship! As a professional she has won the American rhythm Astaire world championship, open rhythm regional champion and open rhythm national finalist! She has a passion for bringing people together and sharing the art of ballroom dancing whether it is social or competitive. Sail away with Dancers At Sea and enjoy the enthusiastic talent & charm of our beautiful “Missy” ! |
Kim Andrews - Kim is from West Hartford CT and began his dancing career at Arthur Murray studio at the age of 18. Eventually he moved to the west coast where he competed in American Smooth & Rhythm. he is fully versed in all the major ballroom, latin and club dances in both American and International styles. Kim is certified gold in Arthur Murray, Fred Astaire and Terpshicore syllani. He currently enjoys living & teaching dance in San Jose, CA. You will love his style! |
Yana Schlenker - Originally from Russia where she began dancing at the age of 6, Yana is currently a dance instructor at Cheryl Burke Dance Studio in California. She excels in Bolero, Chacha, Salsa & Nightclub 2step! She is engaging, energetic, classy & elegant. She is a patient & fun instructor and will make you feel at ease! |
Bob Silva - Bob grew up in Massachusetts, has visited all 50 states, lived in 18 of them, and now lives in Virginia. He is an avid ballroom dance host who loves to share the dancing experience with partners of all abilities. A great conversationalist with a career in environmental engineering and also enjoys skiing, genealogy, theater and reading. |
Dahlia Aitova - Dahlia has been dancing since the age of 4 and was trained in both International and American styles of dancing. Born and raised in Russia, at 19, she moved to the United States and continued her dancing career. She worked with Arthur Murray and Independent Dance Studios.
In 2008, still wanting to dance and teach, she joined Allure Dance Studio and became an instant success and sought after instructor. Dahlia enjoys working with all students. She loves helping them become proficient and confident dancers on the dance floor. |
Omar Hammad - A professional competitor and instructor for over 6 years in both Latin and Ballroom and has performed on numerous television shows including Dancing with Desire, Dance your Heart Out, and Life's A Dance! Multilingual, fluent in English, Arabic, Romanian and Spanish! He is a violinist....and best of all......will share his exuberance and exquisite lead to the dance of your dreams! |
Andrea Smithee - A beautiful young talent adds vibrancy and appeal to our program! Andrea has received coaching from several US and World Champions and has competed and instructed professionally for over 6 years! A gracious and lovely hostess/instructor who will dazzle and delight as you "Cruise the World and Dance your Dreams! |
Pete Cutter - has taught ballroom dance for over twenty years. He has danced for the major studios, independents and worked with community and children's groups. Though he has taught full and part time, he considers ballroom an avocation. Pete is also known internationally for his stage, costume and lighting designs, and choreography for plays, musicals, and opera. However, he is currently focused on the pursuit of his doctorate in mathematics and enjoys traveling the world and sharing his dance enthusiasm and skills with you! |
Kristi Kummer - Kristi has been dancing professionally for 3 years now. She is extensively trained and has competed in American Smooth & Rhythm. She excels at Hustle & West Coast Swing as well and has won 2 top teacher awards at the studio where she instructs. Kristi has lots of great energy in addition to a kind and gentle spirit. She is enthusiastic, beautiful and gracious both on and off the dance floor! |
Buddy Stotts - Buddy started his professional career as a gymnast and dancer in award winning Vegas Cabaret where he became a lead singer, dancer & MC! He discovered Ballroom dancing in NYC and loved it! He has won 1st place titles in Swing & Hustle and has performed on Broadway in "A Chorus Line". He has appeared in many feature films, tv programs, and is the current choreographer for a hit tv show. He also loves to perform as a stand up comedian and will keep you smiling, laughing, and dancing like a dream! Buddy teaches all styles of American Rhythm, Smooth as well as Salsa, Bolero, Argentine Tango, Hustle, Lindy Hop & West Coast Swing! |
Philip Armond Short -Philip’s love of dancing began with his introduction to lindy hop swing and west coast swing. Their infectious jubilation and excitement motivated him to begin studying other styles. Which lead him to discovering one of his true loves Argentine Tango. He has continued expanding his dance repertoire by recently beginning to study and compete in international standard. Philip is enthusiastic about life and all it has to offer; he is always looking to experience new things and meet new people. |
Mario
Andreas Avila -
Mario studied Jazz, ballet and Flamenco before discovering Ballroom. He has taken his street jazz styles and Ballroom to many schools and studios as choreographer, performer and instructor. He has also served as guest choreographer and performed locally at many of Santa Cruz County's charitable events. Look for him as a principal dancer in the feature film "Swing."
Mario's ballroom pedagogy occurs under the direction of the Palomar Ballroom. He has an undying love for Swing music and dancing. He specializes in Latin/Rhythm dances such as Salsa, Rumba, Cha Cha and Bolero, his repertoire also includes American Smooth Ballroom. |
Nat Sheppard - Nat was originally born in Atlanta, Georgia and now lives in Chicago where he enjoys all forms of ballroom dancing on a regular basis. Tall, smooth & debonair, he is a sought after Argentine Tango lead as well! |
Bruce Brenizer - A tall elegant host with blue eyes and charming smile. Bruce has many years of ballroom training in the Southern California area and is a delight to dance with. His West-Coast Swing is fun and sassy! He is an easy conversationalist with genuine warmth and friendship.
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Dale Moreth-
Ballroom dancing for 17 years in both Latin and Smooth. Dale really enjoys moving to the beat of the Rumba and "dancing on the clouds" to the Waltz. He also loves to hike and has "walked above the clouds" in Colorado, Alaska, & Scotland. Before Ballroom dancing, he was a nightclub dancer, so you are guaranteed fun on the dance floor no matter what is playing! |
Chris Bookwalter - Christopher is a natural to the world of Ballroom and Latin dancing. He
started dancing hip hop at the age of 16 and was introduced into ballroom dancing at the ripe young age of 20. He began his professional career teaching for an Arthur Murray in Pennsylvania, where he became predominant in American Smooth dancing. He is currently an independent instructor teaching American Smooth and Rhythm, as well as International Standard and Latin to his competitive students. Christopher has a very outgoing look on everything, and loves improving the quality of other's lives, as well as his own through dance. Be sure to ask him for a Foxy Trot!!!! |
Jorge
Doctolero - Jorge personifies the joy of dancing. As an instructor,
he is the student's favorite (at Fred Astaire Dance Studio) for his humorous,
yet dignified approach to teaching. As a social dancer, his partners dubbed
him as metaphysical in smooth dancing, yet grounded but sensual in latin
and rhythm. And since he is engaging by nature, every pattern executed becomes
a shared expression of the delightful aspect of the art of dancing. |
Louis
DelPrete - Louis is a Professional Dance Instructor for Arthur Murray
as well as a talented musician and fantastic singer! He performs in New
York and you can enjoy his excellent lead, precise technique, and smooth
style with Dancers At Sea! |
Donald Angel - We consider Don our "Mambo King".
Don has an enormous aptitude for having fun. |
Howard Smallowitz - Howard is a dance instructor from Austin, Texas and is well known on the country-western and swing circuits. His strength is his high-energy style and sense of humor, which makes him a blast both on and off the dance floor. |
Tom Scheffer - Tom always adds grace and charm to the dance floor.
Dancers immediately appreciate his gentle lead and smooth moves. You will
enjoy his great dancing talent and his friendly nature! |
Gordy Meyers - Tall charming and upbeat, Gordy brings out the best in his dance partner with his strong easy to follow lead. Accomplished in all of the ballroom and swing dances, he particularly enjoys showing his partner off in the Hustle and Cha Cha. |
Jon
Forsberg
- Jon is a delight on and off the dance
floor. He is a tall, lean
dancing-machine with an excellent frame and flair for smooth dancing
and
delights the ladies in Swing, West-Coast & Hustle. His exuberant
smile and
warm, helpful nature are a welcome addition as a host with Dancers At
Sea. |
Steve Melnychuck - Born & raised in Southern New Jersey where Steve has enjoyed Ballroom dancing for 13 years. A active member of USA Dance and a social dancer since his teenage years. Steve enjoys wide interests including traveling around the world, socializing & new friendships. |
Alan
Johns
- Alan is an enjoyable, articulate gentleman
with over 15 years of the best ballroom training including showcases,
exhibitions, and competitions. He is truly divine at smooth dances
in his tuxedo and tails and you will enjoy his passion for rhythm,
swing and the Argentine Tango!
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Steve Yannes - Dancers enjoy his great sense of humor and Steve's love of conversation and talent for listening! Ten years of ballroom dance experience as dance host on cruise ships and dance studios. Has line danced, folk danced, Scottish country danced, round danced, square danced, clogged, contra danced, and is currently taking tap dance lessons. |
Ed
Hale - A true dance enthusiast! Ed is a favorite with the ladies. His
Latin moves will dazzle you. His non-stop energy, charm, and wit add fun
to his always expanding dance repertoire. |
Craig Giffin - Craig is a young, enthusiastic fellow who has been engaged in Ballroom dancing for 7 years and is fluent in all smooth and rhythm dances. He loves Nightclub 2step and Bolero as well and will even do the hustle and Argentine Tango with you. Visit his Web site |
Earl Forte - Earl is a long-time Ballroom & Nightclub dancer in the NY-NJ-PA area, and has received extensive training from some of the nation's leading professionals in various styles of dance. He currently dances more than 15 dance styles, having won competitions in Hustle, Rumba, Salsa, & West Coast Swing. Partner's, of all levels, find dancing with Earl an absolute pleasure and often comment on his classy style and smooth, gentle lead. His smiling face, fabulous dancing spirit, and infectious personality make for wonderful entertainment as well! |
Angel Arroyo - Host/Instructor. Angel brings almost 30 years of training and teaching experience to the dance floor. A certified Ballroom instructor and a favorite in the Latin and Disco arena. Salsa lovers will delight in his Cuban Salsa, Rueda style and partner style. Argentine Tango is another favorite of this "True Dance Legend". |
Richard
Krzton -
Richard joins Dancers At Sea with an extensive dance background beginning
in his native European country at the age of 18 years. He enjoys a variety
of hobbies and always looks forward to helping everyone enjoy their cruise
and improve their dancing skills. If you love Argentine Tango... give
Richard a dance! |
Raoul Weinstein - Raoul is a high-energy dancer, especially with the swing, but loves all types of ballroom dancing. He not only enjoys the group dancing on board but has a knack for getting the group together for fun shore excursions. He uses his local fitness center and the western ski slopes to stay in shape for dancing (or is it the other way around?). |
Horst Wassermann -
Horst is a favorite for many years on Dancers At Sea. His engaging smile and positive attitude compliment his impeccable dance skills in both American and International style. A retired school teacher in superb physical condition, he brings us an enthusiasm for dancing and is a courteous and compassionate friend to all. |
Ed Doersam - Ed Doersam comes to us from Columbus, Ohio. Sociable, fun, friendly and a true ballroom aficionado! Ed sings second tenor in a Barbershop Chorus and also participates in a water ski show team. Ed is waiting for you to join him in a slow waltz or swing on a cruise soon. |
Richard
Conti -
Richard loves life, and loves dancing-pure & simple! His energy and positive spirit spread to everyone he meets. His sense of fun and constant activity is contagious to everyone around. Enhanced by his big smile and handsome appearance, you can't help but feel the joy in dancing! |
Jim Drysdale - Jim has been a Ballroom Dance enthusiast for 13 years competing as an amateur and Pro-Am in both american & International styles. Jim has won numerous Open Senior titles including Ohio Star Ball. He is a retired former business owner who enjoys International travel, cruising, and an occassional game of bridge. |
Bruce Quan -Bruce is a man of many talents, pursuing his interests with passion and focus, from his vocation in telecommunications engineering to his avocation of ballroom dance - he proves that you doing your best can be also be a lot of fun. Bruce has been dancing for 26 years, and has competed in ProAm in both American and International Standard. His favorite dance style is American Foxtrot - although he is always happy to "trip the light fantastic" with a willing partner in any ballroom. |
Richard A. Shannon - Richard has solid experience in most of the American ballroom and country western dances; he has performed in dance teams for waltz, tango, and two-step. His love of life, grace, wit, intellectual curiosity and warm manners make him enjoyable companion both on and off the dance floor. Richard is a practicing attorney and founder of a consulting firm in Austin, Texas. |
John French - John was born and currently resides in Athens, Alabama and has enjoyed ballroom dancing for more than 25 years. He enjoyed a career in radio & television communications and enjoys the social aspect of cruising. He is an avid conversationalist and an attentive lead for his lucky lady on the dance floor. | Arthur Taussig - Arthur has over 20 years of dance experience mostly in America Smooth & Latin, and also does some International Latin and Quickstep. In addition, he dances West Coast Swing & New York Hustle and has competed. He has studied with Skippy Blair, Michael Mead, Urs Geisenheimer, Robert Cooper and Buddy Schwimmer. You will enjoy his artistic and cultured flair on and off the dance floor! |
Mack McKenzie - Started his professional Ballroom dancing career at World Champion productions at the age of 19. His home town is Savannah, Georgia where he dances and trains others in the beauty and art of ballroom dancing. He also dances for Savannah Dance Theatre. He is fluid in a multitude of styles of dance including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and lyrical dancing and has performed in many theatrical productions. Mack's favorite thing about dance is pushing his body to the limit to achieve new heights. You will take delight in his charming demeanor and his repertoire of exciting dance moves!
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Randy Cook - Randy has been an avid dancer in all ballroom styles as well as Argentine tango for over 25 years. He has been a studio owner and pro-am competitive instructor and has recently chosen to retire and teach part time and now enjoys the opportunity to travel! In addition to dancing, he enjoys golfing 3 times a week in his home state of sunny Florida! He has an extensive background, a cordial gentleman with a myriad of experience in helping dancers like you enjoy their journey of dance! |