From yoga and volleyball to running and kickboxing, Lisa Baehre, Executive Director of the Sandler Center Foundation, is no stranger to sports or athletic competition. However, aspirations for the dance stage have eluded her ever since a painful encounter with a harsh and demanding ballet teacher at the tender age of 6 foiled her plans for prima ballerina stardom. Boldly trading her gym trainers for dancing shoes, Lisa is ready to take to center stage to represent the Sandler Center Foundation and its mission to educate, inspire, enrich and build our community, strengthen local arts organizations, and instill an appreciation of the arts through the underwriting of world-class performances at the Sandler Center.

Lisa is the youngest executive director of a preeminent arts organization in Hampton Roads. When she isn’t tackling fundraising, organizational growth, sponsor partnerships, member relations or marketing, you can find her enjoying the spectacular entertainment at YNot Wednesdays with her boyfriend Marc Bernarducci, Happy Hour at Ruth’s Chris, or enjoying the ocean breezes from her home in the Vibe Creative District of Virginia Beach.

John was born in Norfolk, Va. and is a proud resident of Chesapeake. He graduated from Great Bridge High School, earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Tidewater Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Old Dominion University in 2014.

John is married to his wife Lori and has two step-sons (Austin & Logan). In his free time, John enjoys coaching youth soccer in Chesapeake, dancing, and music and is excited to support the Virginia Musical Theatre. John is employed with Beskin-Divers Insurance Group, Inc and is the Manager of Enrollments for the Life, Health & Benefits Division.

John would like to thank the team at Beskin-Divers for sponsoring him and allowing him this opportunity to “strut his stuff”. He also would like to thank Savanna for her hard work and determination with the music, choreography and instruction.

When I first moved to Virginia Beach, I had the good fortune to meet Miss Barbara Lewis. I immediately tried to convince her of my dancing prowess and ultimate Dancing with the Stars victory, which has since waned considerably. In my defense, I didn't know there were heels involved.

I have loved dancing from a young age. I danced the Nutcracker for many years at ESO on the Eastern Shore, spent a summer dancing at the Governor's School, and later at Boston University. I moved back to the area for an MBA at W&M, shot over to New Zealand to work as an analyst with the military and have settled back in Virginia Beach as an IT Business Analyst at ADS, Inc. with my two gorgeous kids – Nate, 2, and Peyton, 4.

A humble thank you to my children for trying to push me off the stage during practices, thereby improving my balance. Watch out kiddos, despite your claims to the contrary, dancing is for mamas.

In all seriousness, I want to thank the Virginia Musical Theatre for their dedication to enriching our community with the arts. It has fostered a love for the arts for myself and many others and I am grateful for their hard work.

DeAndre Coke has a wealth management practice with Northwestern Mutual.  He and his team currently operate a nationwide comprehensive planning practice that covers 28 states, working heavily with young professionals, members of the armed forces, corporate executives, and those entering retirement. In 2015, at the age of 25 he was chosen by Inside Business as one of his Region’s Top Forty under 40. In 2016 he was named by Coastal Virginia Magazine as a “Millennial on the Move,” and in 2017 at the age of 27 he was among the youngest Advisors in the region to qualify for the Million Dollar Round Table, the premier association of the top 1% of Financial Professionals worldwide. In addition to running his practice DeAndre also works with coaching and developing new advisors to help them build and maintain successful financial planning practices. DeAndre was born and raised in Chesapeake and lives in downtown Norfolk. It is his goal to make a strong impression on the community thus he serves on a handful of different boards in the community, including being Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Virginia. He enjoys snowboarding, traveling, DJing, dancing, and spending time with his dog Storm, as well as hanging out with friends and family.

Sarah is a native of Virginia and grew up on a farm in Nottoway. She moved to Virginia Beach 15 years ago since her grandparents and parents grew up at the beach. She has always had a love of ballet, dancing through her childhood and high school days. She loves the outdoors, camping, animals and anything out in nature. Sarah is VP of the Junior Virginia Beach Garden Club and spends her free time getting her hands dirty in the garden. She is the owner of Glow Apothecary, a beauty and wellness shop, and loves helping others along their wellness journey. She has 2 boys and a miniature schnauzer named Roon.

A Maryland native, Adrienne first danced her way into Virginia Beach in 2003 the way many military families do, courtesy of the US Navy. As an Air Force veteran, combined with her husband’s military career, she moved 15 times in 30 years, but it makes her smile that her military kids refer to Virginia Beach as “home”.

She is no stranger to the stage or competition, having grown up playing every sport imaginable as well as a background in ballet, tap, ice skating and theater. Being the lead in the senior class play was enough to convince her that she would rather spend her time in a classroom than in the spotlight. However, always being a champion for a cause, she is excited to stretch her comfort zone and help raise money for the arts through Dancing with the Stars.

As a REALTOR®️ with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty, she is one of the top 50 individual agents in Hampton Roads and her passion for her clients and her career is evident. She was recognized as one of Virginia’s Top Realtors by Virginia Living Magazine in May. She credits her background first in electrical engineering, and then as a Major League Baseball writer and newspaper editor in chief, as the reason she is a tenacious representative for her clients. She is never afraid to pick up to phone or think outside of the box to get a question answered or a problem solved.

When she isn’t making dreams come true in real estate, she loves cooking, reading, dancing, and anything involving a beach or an airplane.

She makes her home in Virginia Beach with her husband, three kids and the world’s best Labrador.

Chess was born and raised in Harrisonburg Va, where he attended James Madison University. He joined the Army and served a year with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. After retiring from dual careers in banking and the automobile business, he moved to Virginia Beach in 2010, where he met and married the love of his life (and his sponsor tonight) Bari Grohler, President of Beltone Hearing Aid Centers. He does volunteer work with Meals on Wheels and helps his church’s outreach mission provide meals for the less fortunate.

Three years ago, he returned to the work force as the Marketing Director for Beltone. Bari encouraged him for years to compete in Dancing with the Stars, but he felt too shy and clumsy to even consider it. Last year, while sitting in the audience watching his very pregnant daughter in law compete, judge Grant Narelle turned to the audience and encouraged everyone there to consider dancing, saying “You can do this!” He felt like Grant was talking directly to him. After turning 70 this year, Chess decided it was time to reinvent himself and signed up.

He is dedicating this dance to everyone that can’t dance due to physical limitations. He hopes that being born with “two left feet” doesn’t detract from his performance.

CEO Natural Bodyz Fitness – Open 24/7
CEO USA Elite Trainers LLC
CEO Natural Bodyz LLC
CEO JBC Reality LLC
Founder of “Fitness For All Foundation” 501 c3 Non-Profit
Drug Free Professional Natural Bodybuilder
SVCC Associates Degree
ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer & Nutritional Specialist

Professional Accolades:

• Certified personal trainer since 2004
• Professional Drug Free Bodybuilder (2018, 2nd at OCB PRO Yorton Cup National Championships)
• Professional Powerlifter (Career records: 685 Squat, 685 deadlift and 455 bench)
• Founder of USA Elite Trainers
• Founder of Natural Bodyz Fitness 24/7 (Two Locations – Kempsville & Bayside)
• Founder of “The Fitness For all Foundation” a Virginia 501 c3 nonprofit corporation (2017)

Public Works:

• BNI Ambassador
• Public Speaker / Emcee
• Fitness Model

Beyond the professional setting:

• Chad is married to the beautiful Kimberley Havunen.
• They have three wonderful sons Calvin, Benjamin and Adam Havunen.

Hobbies/Activities:

• Picking things up and putting them down…and going on family outings.
• Helping charities like SPCA & CHKD
• Comedy – (dream to do stand up)

Keys to success are:
Keeping faith in God’s word and plan,
His key to success are two things
1) Be loyal to the team; you will reap what you sow,
2) His motto going: “if you’re not growing – you’re shrinking”

Bio Coming Soon!

Maria is a native of Lynn, Massachusetts and moved to the Hampton Roads area in the early 90s.

After graduating from Bayside High School in 1997 she did some traveling and then settled down in

Chesapeake, VA where she now resides with her husband and daughter.

For the past 17 years Maria has worked for Beskin-Divers Insurance Agency as a Customer Service Representative in the Commercial Insurance division.

Maria would like to express her gratitude to all the people that donated for this event on her behalf.

I bring you the evening news weekly at 6 and 11 p.m. on News 3 in the Norfolk/Va Beach area. I’m a local. I grew up in Va. Beach graduating from Cox High school and Old Dominion University. This is actually my second time around here at the station. I started my reporting career here in the 90’s and in 2001 I took an anchor position in Phoenix at Channel 3 there. I worked in the Valley of the Sun for more than 10 years and loved the people and climate of AZ. But there’s no place like home so I made my way back east in 2014.
I love covering stories that help and inspire people.

My favorite stories are the People Taking Action segments where I get to surprise someone with an award and money! These are folks who are going out of their way to help others.

I’m also a health nut and I love learning about health, wellness and nutrition.

When I’m not working, you can find me hiking at North Landing State Park, Paddleboarding on the Chesapeake Bay or Lynnhaven River or riding my bike on the Boardwalk. I’m also a music lover, having played bass guitar in a rock band at one (brief) time.
I have two sons who are also musicians and all around awesome kids.

Kurt currently serves as the President and CEO for VisitNorfolk, responsible for directing the effort to attract visitors to Norfolk to meet, relax, live, and study. His history in the hotel industry spans over 31 years throughout his career. He spent twenty-two years with Marriott International, where his background included various assignments in the sales and marketing discipline, followed by operational assignments in Florida and Virginia. He arrived in Norfolk in 2014 to lead the pre-opening and opening efforts of The Main which opened in 2017 with a following assignment of opening the Cavalier Hotel and Cavalier Beach Club in Virginia Beach.

In between his career in the hotel industry, Kurt served our Country as a “Loaned Executive” for the Transportation Security Administration, and then as Vice President of Business Affairs at Virginia Tech.

On the personal side, he is an avid baseball fan and former participant playing on a variety of teams. More recently he has found pleasure on stage participating in the 2018 Hampton Roads Dancing with the Stars, performing with the Virginia Opera (Street Scene), as well as the Hurrah Players production of Annie as President Roosevelt.

He is very grateful to his fiancée and stage manager Tina, blended family of theater fanatics that inspire and support daily, and all of the coaches that encourage to continue.

For Sheree Krause answering the question,”Where are you from?” has always been difficult. She grew up the youngest of five in a Navy family and they would eventually come to settle in Northern Virginia. She graduated from Virginia Tech and would relocate to Virginia Beach after graduating in search of career and warm salty breezes. Here she would meet her husband and they would have three boys and move seven times in eleven years until finally making it full circle back to Virginia Beach. After 25 years in the Navy, her husband is retiring this year and they can now officially claim this beautiful city as their forever home.

Moving means being flexible, and Sheree's resume has almost as many job titles as locations. Three years ago, knowing her family would be planting roots here, she became a Stylist with J.Hilburn Custom Menswear. She enjoys working with clients one on one to curate a wardrobe that is as individual as they are. Building relationships and showing how what you wear and how it fits can help to achieve personal and professional goals is very rewarding. This past year, she brought on Rodan and Fields skin care to her image consulting. Now her clients don’t just wear confidence on their sleeve, they have it from head to toe.

This is her very first experience on a big stage and ballroom dancing. She loves to try new things and embrace new experiences. She’d like to thank everyone who puts this fabulous event on: Ms. Barbara Lewis, Mark Hudgins, all the amazing sponsors, special exhibitors and professional dancers. She especially wants to thank her own partner, Jay Leary for his patience and supporting her when she came to him with this crazy idea to honor her dad.

Their routine is inspired by the stories her father would tell her of growing up in Philadelphia, PA where as a teen he would frequent tapings of Dick Clark’s American Band Stand and dance in the crowd. She loved watching her parents dance together and hopes this brings a smile to her mother in the audience and her father who will have a front row seat from the stars above.

Taylor Malbon was born and raised as a tom-boy here in Virginia Beach on a small, 11-acre farm.

She joined the TowneBank Mortgage team in 2019, with over 15 years of experience in the Sales and Marketing industry. She currently serves on Board of Directors for Great Neck Baseball League where her eldest son has played.

Taylor is happily married with two sons, Ryder and Joey, and a dog named Batman. Together, they enjoy taking trips in their camper, hosting get-togethers at their house and getting out for live music or trips to the beach whenever they can. Staying close to her farmgirl roots, Taylor enjoys staying on-the-go and doesn't mind getting a little dirty. Her big, crazy family always keeps her on her toes, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Taylor is looking forward to taking a swing at ballroom dance. While she is unfamiliar with the ballroom technique, she loves a good challenge and hopes this showcase will help inspire audience members to get out of their comfort zone and try new things!

Born in Charlottesville, Va, Jennifer grew up 30 miles Northeast in the small town of Orange. After high school she attended Old Dominion University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. At that time, Jennifer decided to trade in the mountains for the beach and has called Hampton Roads “home” for the last 18 years.

Jennifer was raised with a passion for helping others. Growing up in an intergenerational childcare in the basement of a nursing home, volunteering summers in various activity programs in nursing homes and staying by her late Grandmother’s side leading up to her passing only intensified this passion and led to her choosing a career in Nursing Home Administration. Jennifer has served Hampton Roads seniors for the last 15 years, currently serving at The Hoy Center of Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay.

Jennifer resides in the Shore Drive area of Virginia Beach with her husband, Michael, 20 Year Officer for VBPD, their 10 year old daughter, Maeson and their three fur babies. This family trio enjoys spending time with family and friends, laughing and being on the water.

The Melnyks have quite a family history with this charitable event with four previous mirror ball trophies claimed! Jennifer hopes to uphold this family legacy and sends a special thank you to her sponsors for giving her this opportunity to support this great cause: Premier Millwork, London Bridge Smiles, Chiles Healthcare Consulting, and her parents.

Ali O’Hara works at Entercom – the leading media company in the market. She has lived in Virginia Beach for about three years now with her fiancé, Steven Slaven and their dog Murdock. O’Hara is originally from the metro Detroit area and attended Michigan State University for undergrad. She then made her way south to South Carolina where she earned her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. She has been working in the media field professionally for about eight years now, from TV, print to radio marketing. O’Hara is very active in the community and loves to workout, play volleyball, go bowling or walk her dog. She is very excited to participate in Hampton Roads Dancing with the Stars!

Robert (Bob) Pizzini loves getting outside of his comfort zone, and Dancing with the Hampton Roads Celebrity Stars has already taken him there. He is an award winning CEO, business consultant, and speaker with over 30 years of learning and leading who loves giving back to our great community.

Bob is the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of iFLY Va Beach Indoor Skydiving. He began to develop iFLY Va Beach Indoor Skydiving in 2010, bringing this technologically advanced experience to Virginia Beach in 2015. In 2018 iFLY Va Beach was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.

A native of Kenosha Wisconsin, Bob retired from the U.S. Navy in 2010 after 26 years of service as a Diver, Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, and EOD Officer. While on active duty he completed multiple deployments in support of various operations throughout the world. In January 2009, he completed a combat tour with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Arabian Peninsula, Balad, Iraq. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star. Upon retirement from active duty he was an Associate with R3 Strategic Support Group from 2010-2015 where he managed various client portfolios advancing the government’s ability to combat terrorism.

Mr. Pizzini received his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from New York Regents College and graduated from Troy State University with a Master of Science degree, International Relations, National Security concentration. He is also a graduate of Air Command and Staff College and was an adjunct professor with American Military University’s School of Homeland Security from 2007-2010.

Bob is a Master EOD Technician, Master Naval Parachutist, Master Training Specialist, Mixed Gas Deep Sea Diving Officer, United States Parachute Association Accelerated Free Fall Instructor (AFFI), and Six Sigma Green Belt. Professional affiliations include membership in the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, Chair Elect, Va Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Directors, and a seat on the Navy Special Operations Foundation Advisory Board. He also chairs the Hampton Roads Sports Commission. Robert coaches youth and college hockey, and hopes to add ballroom dancing to his comfort zone.

Michael is a Norfolk native, Vidal Sassoon trained Hair Professional, and has been employed at Changes City Spa for the past 31 years. His experience there has not only helped him grow as a person, but also as an artist. Michael is proud that he has been able to cultivate lifelong relationships with not only his coworkers, but clients alike. He loves making his clients feel special, beautiful and top priority.

Specializing in precision cutting and pristine dress attire, Michael is known for his sharpness. Every year around the holidays Michael, with the support of private donors, sponsors a local school’s family in need. He enjoys gifting the children with clothing, toys and groceries for the whole family.

Every year he brings Holiday joy to a different family. In his off time Michael enjoys gardening, working out and vacationing in Miami, FL.

Corey Richberg is currently a First Class Petty Officer serving on active duty in the United States Navy. He originally enlisted 15 years ago in Brooklyn, New York and is from the small historical Village of Northport located on Long island, New York. Corey was practically born on a sailboat, sailing from a young age on his parents' 30 foot Catalina sailboat. So it is fitting that he chose a career as a Sailor in the U.S. Navy, which has brought him half way around the world throughout his seven years of sea time.

Corey's dancing journey started at a country western bar here in Virginia, where he began learning country swing and the two step. Upon learning about Dancing with the Stars Hampton Roads, he decided to venture further into the world of dance for an all new experience and to support a great cause!

Corey is extremely involved throughout the Hampton Roads community. He has volunteered as a soccer coach for the YMCA and Isle of Wight Parks and Recreation, Meals on Wheels Virginia Beach, and continues to be an active member of the Catholic church. Most recently, he reached Sir Knight in the 4th degree within the Knights of Columbus order, a fraternal organization of Catholic men dedicated to families within the church and supporting local communities around the world. Corey is also the proud father of two amazing children, Kevin and Madison. They have been his biggest fans!

As a mother of four, Sheri Ridnouer knows what it means to be placed in the public eye and there isn’t much that can shake this Hampton Roads local….unless you turn on a little Kenny Chesney or Luke Bryan! She is known to be the life of the party, loves a good outdoor concert in the height of summer, and never lets a good beat go down without a decent twist of the hips. Simply put, Sheri isn’t shy and that serves her well during her day job where she is the face of the front office at Great Bridge Middle School.

Since 2012, Sheri has been sharing her warm smile and fun-loving spirit with all the students, faculty, and families that pass through the halls of GBMS. After all, all of her offspring have warmed the way while blazing plenty of trails for her in the Chesapeake Public School System, where she has her last child graduating from Grassfield High School in 2021. With her on-the-go schedule, fresh sense of humor, and willingness to try just about anything within reason, Sheri is looking forward to shaking things up while learning a few new moves along the way. So, have your cameras out and social media ready because this set is sure to go viral!

Ms. Sharon Smith was born in beautiful West Virginia near the famous Gauley River. At age nine her family moved to downtown Philadelphia and she now calls Hampton Roads home. She is quick to say that she still loves Philly and her beloved Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. Ms. Smith is the owner and president of six local flooring stores. She has three brands, including Carpet World Carpet One in Norfolk and Chesapeake, Floor Trader in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, and Prosource in Newport News and Chesapeake. She is blessed to have two beautiful and successful daughters, three wonderful grandsons and two handsome sons-in-law. Her passion is family, business and traveling. She feels that she is truly fortunate to have the opportunity to travel extensively and experience many cultures worldwide.

Ms. Smith is also a very dedicated community leader, and is currently the co-chairwoman of the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. The JCOC feeds and shelters the homeless in the resort area. In 2018 she was honored with the “Retail Donor of the Year” Award from Habitat for Humanity. Sharon also serves on the advisory board for the Art Institute of Virginia Beach. This is Sharon’s second year in Dancing with the Hampton Roads Celebrity Stars. She says that she “went from dancing at the bars to Dancing with the Stars”. She is very excited to be paired with Riccardo Pacini as her partner again this season, and wishes to thank Riccardo, Ms. Barbara Lewis and Mark Hudgins for allowing her to have this opportunity and is planning on having another exciting experience!

Savanna is currently a ballroom dance instructor and aspiring dance competitor at Arthur Murray Dance Studios; however she has always had an enthusiasm and passion for dance. Close friends and family say she was born to dance having spent the first few years of her life on her toes. From a very young age she showed a natural inclination and an early love for dance, and was enrolled in her first lesson at the age of 7. Savanna started her dance journey in a tiny purple dance studio right in the middle of Oahu, Hawai’i taking all types of dance classes: contemporary, lyrical, jazz, even a little hip-hop. However, Savanna ultimately fell in love with the poise and challenge of ballet and was encouraged by several dance teachers to not only take advanced private lessons, but also join a ballet company.

Less than a year later she was dancing with a prominent ballet studio, Ballet Hawai’i. Many company performances and Nutcrackers later she relocated to Virginia Beach, Virginia, which she now calls home. Savanna continued dancing ballet in Virginia, but eventually broke into the ballroom world through social swing and blues. She learned to swing locally, basically learning an entirely different style of dance while on the dance floor. After a couple years of social ballroom dancing Savanna was in love just as she had fallen in love with ballet as a child. Luckily, she was presented with the opportunity to not only dance everyday, but also share the joy of dance to people of all walks of life.

This opportunity was, of course, an instructor position at Arthur Murray Virginia Beach. As a teacher, she believes dance can fix any problem – and she intends to try just that! Savanna is so thrilled that she is able to combine her passion with her career and is looking forward to her future as a ballroom instructor, ballroom competitor, and Dancing with the Stars of Hampton Roads 2016 professional!

Simona Caporale – Has been dancing since the age of 5 starting with Ballet and then began training in  Latin competitive dancing 10 years ago.

With too many awards to mention over the past 25 years  – their most recent and impressive awards and rankings are as follows:

Simona Caporale and her husband Simone Spadoni rank 4th in the world in Italy.

First place finishes:
WDSF Senior Open Latin
Caserta 2017
Bassano Del Grappa 2017
Rimini Open 2017
Italian Championship of the world first place 4 years running -2013 – 2016
WDC Senior Open Latin
Disney in Paris December 2017
Italian Absolut 2017
Switzerland April 2018
Blackpool –May 2017 placed 6th in the world
Blackpool - May 2018 placed 4th in the world


  NDCA in the United States Simone and Simona in 2018 they placed in Senior International Open as follows:
Capital Dancesport August 2017
Charlotte Star Ball August 2018
International Championship October 2018
Championship of the World in Miami finished 8th in the world
Currently teaching at Studio 2C she is excited to share her knowledge with her students and the studio.

Taras was born and raised in Rochester, NY, where he found early in life a love and talent for dancing. Fostering an appreciation for the family’s Ukrainian heritage, Taras’s parents introduced their children to the country’s culture and customs. Through this exposure, Taras’s aptitude for Ukrainian Folk dancing became evident.

Throughout his childhood years Taras studied, practiced, and performed as a principle dancer for his group, and traveled to ballet workshops and intensives to solidify his foundation in this art. Seeking a means to supplement his lifestyle as a bourgeoning rock star, Taras stumbled upon the movie ‘Swing Kids’, which inspired a call to the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. After his initial visit, the studio owner offered him a position as an instructor.

Training in the array of positions Arthur Murray has to offer quickly commenced. Taras started his employment in 1996 at the Rochester studio. He would go on to achieve many goals and receive accolades as an instructor, from being one of the top teachers in the organization to becoming the franchisee of the studio within five years.

A few of his professional dance accomplishments with his wife, Wendy, include: Southern Ontario Rhythm Champions, World Salsa finalists, Arthur Murray Rising Star Rhythm Champions, and Open Rhythm Champions and World finalists.

In 2009, Taras and Wendy moved to Virginia Beach and opened the Arthur Murray Studio as it is today. As Certified Dance Masters, they travel across the country as Adjudicators, Trainers and Consultants. Their goal is to bring Hampton Roads the highest quality and the finest service dance instruction has to offer. They train their teachers and inspire their students locally as well as across the Arthur Murray organization to achieve their highest potential while having fun.

Dancing has been a lifelong passion and pursuit for both Taras and Wendy. When the two began their dance careers as Instructors with Arthur Murray Dance Studios, they joined the organization with individual, yet equally extensive backgrounds in Fine Arts. Wendy, a Musical Theatre Major, started dancing at a young age with a classical background in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. Her love and talent for the stage was highlighted in the well-known productions of Grease and Man of la Mancha. Taras found his love of dance through his culture, as he explored movement and music through Ukrainian Folk Dance. His natural ability and talent for Ballet earned him the title of Lead Dancer in the premier Ukrainian Folk Dance Group of Rochester, New York. Passion met opportunity when Taras and Wendy discovered the world of Ballroom Dance. Taras and Wendy chose to pursue their personal and professional dance goals, which led them to great achievement. Partnered in 2001, they dedicated themselves to the continued growth of their respective dance studios while simultaneously training to reach champion-level success in the competitive dance arena. Taras and Wendy professionally thrive in all positions within Arthur Murray as Instructors, Managers, Coaches, and most recently as Franchisees of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The successes and accolades of Taras and Wendy are numerous. Wendy’s ability to teach and motivate, with her reassuring and positive approach to students, earned her the title of Top Teacher in the Rochester Studio, which led to her promotion as Executive Supervisor overseeing the growth of her staff and helping to create one of the leading studios on the East Coast. As Dance Director of the Rochester Studio, Taras helped raise the area’s dance standard. As a natural leader, his ability to organize international competitive events helped Arthur Murray students and teachers broaden their perspective of the power of dance to connect people of different cultures. His ingenuity as a choreographer, as well as his skill for highlighting the unique talents and abilities of his students, is demonstrated with every formation, spotlight performance, dance show, and competitive routine to which he lends his talents.

Taras and Wendy credit much of their competitive career success to their wonderful teachers and dance coaches. Having worked with some of the Industry’s best, Taras and Wendy acquired the skills and level of discipline necessary to achieve a level of professional success that only top competitors will know. In 2005 Taras and Wendy Denysenko became Arthur Murray Rising Star Rhythm Champions. Since then they have been finalists and champions in such competitions as the Caribbean DanceSport Championship, the New York City Superama and Dance-O-Rama, Atlanta Open, Atlantic City Dance-O-Rama, Las Vegas World-O-Rama, La Classique du Québec and Falls Premier Ball. They experience continued success in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

In 2009, an exciting opportunity led Taras and Wendy to relocate to Virginia Beach where they opened their own Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Since that time, their consistent efforts to evolve in the field of Performance Art have reinvigorated dance in Virginia Beach. The authentic quality and standard of dance that typically exists only in major cities, like New York and Los Angeles, can be experienced in their Virginia Beach Studio. Presently their goal is to expand so that everyone in Hampton Roads may have the opportunity to experience the magic that Arthur Murray’s brings. Visit www.cutarug.net

Eric is a Hampton Roads native, born and bred. As a child he grew up break dancing with local neighborhood kids, and experimenting with many different dance styles. He was first introduced to Latin dancing at a young age while working at a local nightclub. This sparked a passion for Latin dance in Eric; from then on he spent his free time learning those dances such as salsa, bachata, and merengue.

Eric then went on to honorably serve nine years in the United States Navy where he acquired many illustrious skills. He also took an interest in martial arts where he closely studied many techniques refining his speed, timing, agility, and strength. However, dancing had always left an impression that he just could not forget; he decided to pursue dance as his career.

Eric applied for a position as a ballroom dance instructor at Arthur Murray Virginia Beach and since that day has never had to work again – it’s a beautiful thing when one’s passion and career come together. Eric is known throughout the studio as having a keen eye for technique and instilling confidence in all of his students. Eric plans on continuing to teach while working towards opening an Arthur Murray studio of his own as well as develop his photography business.

Christiane is an active member of the Native American community participating through head dancing, singing, regalia design and historical presentation preparation and tribal dance competitions. Attending powwows and other tribal gatherings frequently, She and her family became increasingly involved in the Native community and helped to found Red Crooked Sky. Which is an Inter tribal dance troupe, which puts on historical and educational exhibitions and has performed for prestigious events such as the Dali Lama’s reception in the U.S. Christiane spent her young adult life expanding her dance knowledge by taking advantage of formal dance classes. She mainly focused on ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical dance.

After a year she was asked to become a student teacher and assist with the development of younger dancers, assisting with choreography and technique. During her high school she participated in musical theatre groups where she choreographed dances and performed for local businesses. Towards the end of high school, with a heavy heart, she hung up her dance shoes in order to focus on formal education. She first explored partner dancing in college, dancing anything from waltz and salsa to swing and blues.

She started dancing socially with friends and rekindled a love for dancing. Christiane is currently a ballroom professional at the Arthur Murray Ballroom Dance studio where she gives the gift of dance to her students through her warm enthusiasm and gentle encouragement. She hopes to continue pursuing a competitive career and to become an Arthur Murray executive. She hopes to show students and educators the many benefits of dance not only as physical exercise or a hobby but to also show the mental and emotional benefits of dance as therapy.

Zhenya moved to Hampton Roads thirteen years ago from Yekaterinburg, Russia. He began dancing in Russia when he was just 6 years old and holds many championship titles from his competitive career in Standard and Latin dancing in Russia. He currently competes with many students throughout the year at various competitions throughout the United States, some dancing at the highest level of competition available. He enjoys sharing his love of dance with people, whether they be beginner social dancers…or competitive advanced dancers.

He and his wife, Rebekah, have owned A Time to Dance studio in Virginia Beach for eleven years. At the studio they offer private lessons, group classes, instruction and entertainment for private events, and social dance parties. Additionally, they have two children, Izabella and Dmitry, and two dachshunds, Simba and Nala. He can be reached by calling 757.490.8999 or via email at learntoballroom@gmail.com. Zhenya would like to thank his partner, Kellie Gessler, for the privilege of dancing with her in this competition!

Has been dancing for 13 years, starting in ballet with the Arizona Youth Ballet where he danced for two years, learning ballet and jazz. He extended his dancing styles to include other genres, including modern, contemporary, and hip hop. Jay attended Grand Canyon University majoring in Dance Education, where he choreographed and performed. He began dancing ballroom in 2012 with Fred Astaire Dance Studio, where he instructed and competed professionally. Currently serving in the Navy on active duty on the USS Abraham Lincoln, Jay continues to teach, as well compete at Dancesport VA.

Riccardo and Sonia both started dancing when they were 6 years old. They have both trained with some of the most prestigious coaches in the world. In 2002, they started dancing together at the Junior Open Gold level in Italy.

After only 1 year of partnership, they achieved 1st place at the Italian Open Championship in Latin and the Combined 10 Dance competition. Riccardo and Sonia also placed second at the Standard Open Championship. Two years later, in 2004 they began to compete internationally. By 2006, they were ranked 2nd in the world. That same year they placed second in the under 21 category at the World 10 Dance Championship in Platja d’Aro Spain. Finally, after a successful career at the Junior and Under 21 levels, Riccardo and Sonia began competing in the more challenging Adult category. After entering the more challenging Adult category, Riccardo and Sonia placed second at the Italian Open Champion in both Standard and Latin in 2008. They also placed second in the Italian Open Championship both Standard and Latin as well as reaching the finals in many prestigious competitions around Europe.

2010 was an exciting year for Riccardo and Sonia. They placed second in the Italian Open Combined 10 Dance Championship and opened their own studio in Rome, Italy and that same year. Three years later, in 2013 Riccardo and Sonia placed in the top three in some of the most prestigious competitions around the world. Such as the UK Open, the German Open Championship, and the Disney Cup in Paris, France. They also placed 2nd at the World Latin Show Dance Championship. The next year, 2014, they won the Italian Open Championship in Latin dance style. That same year they decided to move to USA. Since moving to the United States, they have achieved great results competing in the Professional Division. They have placed first in many competitions, such as Virginia State, New Jersey State, Maryland Dance Championship, Commonwealth Classic, Heritage Classic, Michigan Dance Challenge, Cincinnati Dance Challenge, and Philadelphia Dance Sport. Riccardo and Sonia are the Owners/Teachers of World Class Ballroom.

Allie Powers has danced most of her life, beginning at the early age of 4 training in ballet, tap, and hip-hop. She formalized her Ballroom Dancing career in 2004, training under Yevgeny Klyukin training in International Latin and Standard. She has competed in Maryland and Washington D.C. placing 1st and taking the “overall categories” in all of her competitions. For the past 15 years, Allie has been training and teaching at “A Time to Dance”. Allie specializes in International Latin, but has a passion for all forms of dancing and enjoys teaching the art of Ballroom Dancing to her students.

Marie Rants, Owner/Artist Director of Rants Ballroom Company, has been dancing professionally since 1996. She holds a BA in Dance and is also part of the adjunct dance faculty at Old Dominion University.

Ms. Rants has been coached by World Latin/Ballroom Champions and specializes in the American Rhythm & Smooth Ballroom disciplines. Having been awarded Top Teacher honors at the competitive level, she is also committed to teaching dance as art even at the social-dance level. Marie is passionate about sharing her love of dance with her students, from the young to the young at heart.

Simone Spadoni has been training in Latin dancing for 25 years and teaching for 18 years.

With too many awards to mention over the past 25 years for he and his wife/dance partner, Simona Caporale, here are their most recent and impressive awards and rankings:

First place is all the following:
WDSF Senior Open Latin
Caserta 2017
Bassano Del Grappa 2017
Rimini Open 2017
Italian Championship of the world first place 4 years running -2013 – 2016
WDC Senior Open Latin
Disney in Paris December 2017
Italian Absolut 2017
Switzerland April 2018
Blackpool –May 2017 placed 6th in the world
Blackpool - May 2018 placed 4th in the world

  NDCA in the United States Simone and Simona in 2018 they placed in Senior International Open as follows:
Capital Dancesport August 2017
Charlotte Star Ball August 2018
International Championship October 2018
Championship of the World in Miami finished 8th in the world.

Simone currently teaches at Studio 2C in Suffolk, where he is excited to share his knowledge with his students and the studio.  

Riccardo and Sonia both started dancing when they were 6 years old. They have both trained with some of the most prestigious coaches in the world. In 2002, they started dancing together at the Junior Open Gold level in Italy.

After only 1 year of partnership, they achieved 1st place at the Italian Open Championship in Latin and the Combined 10 Dance competition. Riccardo and Sonia also placed second at the Standard Open Championship. Two years later, in 2004 they began to compete internationally. By 2006, they were ranked 2nd in the world. That same year they placed second in the under 21 category at the World 10 Dance Championship in Platja d’Aro Spain. Finally, after a successful career at the Junior and Under 21 levels, Riccardo and Sonia began competing in the more challenging Adult category. After entering the more challenging Adult category, Riccardo and Sonia placed second at the Italian Open Champion in both Standard and Latin in 2008. They also placed second in the Italian Open Championship both Standard and Latin as well as reaching the finals in many prestigious competitions around Europe.

2010 was an exciting year for Riccardo and Sonia. They placed second in the Italian Open Combined 10 Dance Championship and opened their own studio in Rome, Italy and that same year. Three years later, in 2013 Riccardo and Sonia placed in the top three in some of the most prestigious competitions around the world. Such as the UK Open, the German Open Championship, and the Disney Cup in Paris, France. They also placed 2nd at the World Latin Show Dance Championship. The next year, 2014, they won the Italian Open Championship in Latin dance style. That same year they decided to move to USA. Since moving to the United States, they have achieved great results competing in the Professional Division. They have placed first in many competitions, such as Virginia State, New Jersey State, Maryland Dance Championship, Commonwealth Classic, Heritage Classic, Michigan Dance Challenge, Cincinnati Dance Challenge, and Philadelphia Dance Sport. Riccardo and Sonia are the Owners/Teachers of World Class Ballroom.

As the oldest sibling of four naturally gifted people, Noah Stovall grew up surrounded by the arts and always possessed a talent for leading. So it comes as no surprise that his leading abilities easily transferred to the dance floor! Noah’s first formal dance lessons were with a youth dance troupe in middle school. Here he explored all different genres of dance: ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, even krump and tutting. After graduating from Tallwood High School, Noah was introduced to ballroom and was hooked.

A mere month after studying ballroom Noah competed in an independent ballroom contest, and his success there furthered his love for ballroom dance even more. After a brief hiatus from ballroom due to an injury, Noah couldn’t stay off the dance floor any longer. He took up social swing and blues in the Hampton Roads community and realized that he wanted to spend the rest of his life dancing. Luckily, he found that in Arthur Murray Virginia Beach over a year ago and has been dancing every day ever since. Noah takes such pride in his students and believes the best part of his job is watching his students grow into confident dancers.

Mark Williams started his Ballroom and Latin dancing in 2000 with the International Dance Studio, here in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

He has studied and been coached by some of the top world champions and distinguished dance Instructors such as Bill Sparks, Marcel Vilonel, Clive Stevens, Forrest Vance, Alan Hedgepeth, Brent Dunn, Marie Rants, Brennar Goree and Melinda Spencer.

Mark and his wife Julie Williams competed in the 2007 Ohio Star Ball and they took “Top American Style Couple”. Mark loves to perform at many of the local organizations and is very passionate about helping others of all ages learn to Ballroom dance and perform. Mark is currently dancing at the Rants Ballroom Company here in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The Cumascaigh School of Irish Dance, with locations in Yorktown and Williamsburg, VA, is registered with An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha (CLRG), the most prominently recognized and oldest Irish Dance Authority in the world. As a CLRG member, the Cumascaigh School seeks to foster a love for Irish Dancing, music, and culture!

The Cumascaigh School performs in many “shows” or performances throughout the year. For those who are interested, there is a competitive side of Irish Dance where dancers may compete in a “feis”, a competition which allows them to earn medals and trophies for their dancing. The Cumascaigh School has dancers who participate in both of these aspects of Irish Dance. You will learn more about these opportunities as you become more involved in Irish Dancing. Many dancers may choose to compete annually at the Regional, National, and World level, and some simply take classes for pure enjoyment of honing their dancing skills and learning the culture.

For our sponsorship we would like to thank Priority Pest Services and dedicate our performance in memory of their late owner, Larry Pilkington, and his family. We are grateful for the opportunity to benefit local arts!

Red Crook-ed Sky is a Virginia-based American Indian dance troupe composed of members from over 40 tribal affiliations from across the United States and Canada To name a few, the artists are Nansemond, Chickahominy, Saponi, Lakota, Osage, Menominee, Chickasaw, and Seneca. In addition to their tribal diversity, performers showcase a variety of dance style which include: Men’s and Women’s Traditional, Eastern Woodland, Grass, Fancy Shawl, and Jingle. RCS also performs a variety of audience -favorite social dances such as the Round, Snake, and Two-Step. Spanning close to 14 years in existence, RCS has been featured at over 200 venues across the United States and Canada. Highlights include:

• The John F. Kennedy Center – Washington, DC
• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN.
• McCormick Place Convention Center – Chicago, IL.
• Virginia Tourism Corporation with Governor Tim Kaine – Toronto, Canada
• The Memphis Convention Center– Memphis, TN.
• The Embassy of Italy – Washington, DC.
• Pinehurst - Pinehurst, NC.
• Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. – Los Angeles, CA.

In addition to their distinguished concert resume, many RCS artists have been featured in a variety of film productions, documentaries, and artworks. Without a doubt, Red Crook-ed Sky is affectionately embraced as THE premier indigenous dance troupe in Virginia and one of the best in the country.

Brent is the owner of Shall We Dance Virginia specializing in Wedding Preparation, Social Dancing and Competitive Ballroom and Latin Dancing.

Brent has been awarded Top Teacher at the Virginia State Ballroom Championships for the past three years as well as Top Teacher awards at The Heritage Classic, Philadelphia Dancesport Festival and Randy Ferguson’s Dance Houston. Brent is also the leader of the Shall We Dance Competition Team. Brent has been involved with the Performing Arts for over 30 years and a Professional Ballroom Dance Instructor in the Hampton Roads area since 1995.

Sarah grew up in Detroit and had a love for gymnastics and dance early on. She studied modern dance at the University of Michigan for a couple of years before trying to make “a go of it” in New York City. Her time in the Big Apple was filled with great experiences studying dance, performing in small modern dance companies and waiting on a lot of tables to pay the bills! After deciding she was not going to “make it” as a dancer, she eventually ended up in Virginia Beach and went back to school earning her B.S. in Computer Engineering at ODU. Sarah is President and Chief Administrative Officer of The GBS Group (GBS), a systems engineering, technology integration and reliability engineering services company headquartered in Virginia Beach. Outside of GBS, Sarah is proud mom to sons Samuel and Aaron, supports ODU Engineering, is a member of the ODU Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), mentors young female students at ODU, as well as serving on the Board for Samaritan House. Sarah is loving being back on the dance floor again this year!

I grew up in Upstate New York near Lake Placid, close to the Canadian border in the magnificent Adirondack Mountains, site of two Winter Olympics. Having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, I moved to Richmond, Virginia and pursued a long and successful career in Marketing, Sales and Public Relations. My work took me around the country working with corporate and non-profit clients.  For over 30 years I owned and operated several Christmas tree lots in Richmond during the month of December.

My travels have taken me to 48 states and countries all over the world. Having studied gardening in England, I have enjoyed spending decades designing and developing an authentic English garden at my home in Richmond. I enjoy sharing plants with friends and neighbors. 

Organizational membership includes: OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute, American Marketing Association, Public Relations Society of America, Richmond Symphony Orchestra League, National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, International Council of Business Communicators, James River Hikes and the Garden Club of Virginia. I began traveling to Virginia Beach for ballroom dance lessons just a little over a year ago and have enjoyed working with Riccardo and Sonia.

My greatest joy are my two sons, four precious grandsons, four brothers and one sister.