Dave was born and raised in Alexandria, VA and spent most of his life in northern Virginia. Dave with his wife Karen recently moved to Virginia Beach as their final retirement destination. Dave has had a forty-year professional career in building construction, mostly with Skanska Building and Turner Construction, both are top ten construction firms in the US. Three years ago, Dave retired from Skanska Building as Senior Vice President, National Director of Project Scheduling.

Dave’s favorite color is yellow and his favorite car is the Corvette, so naturally he owns a yellow corvette which he shows in various corvette events on the east coast.

Earlier this year, Dave underwent hip replacement surgery to go with his two previous knee replacements. But his love of dance and his desire to get in and out of his Corvette keeps him going.

Dave and Karen have three adult children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. So far retirement has included traveling from Virginia Beach to visit families.

Ashley Savage Armbruster is a native to Virginia Beach. She was born at the hospital where she works, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. She attended Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) and completed her Doctorate of Pharmacy (Pharm D.) from Virginia Commonwealth School of Pharmacy. She works as a clinical inpatient pharmacist and is the lead pharmacist for the hospital’s IV room. Ashley channels her creative energy into Ballroom Dancing at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Virginia Beach since participating in Dancing with the Stars Hampton Roads as part of her tenure on the royal court with the Neptune Festival of Virginia Beach in 2022. Dancing is a lifetime hobby full of endless opportunities to express oneself and learn something new.

She is married to Stephen Armbruster, CPA and audit partner at Cherry Bekaert. They have two very energetic children, Bryce (8) and Blake (4)..As a family they love to travel together and get outside! They are happy to be a part of celebrating and supporting local arts in Virginia Beach. Being able to express oneself through the art and movement of dance is a shared joy between audience and performers, and she hopes you enjoy all the performances tonight!

Mirror Ball Female Winner 2023

Angela Bohon is a T.V. news reporter for WTKR News 3.  She’s been in the broadcasting industry for more than 15 years. She’s done everything from producing to anchoring and reporting, as well as shooting and editing video.  

Angela lives in Virginia Beach but is originally from Kansas City. She is a mother of two teenagers and the spouse of a retired Naval supply officer.  

She enjoys traveling, and so far, has had the opportunity to visit more than 25 countries. Other hobbies include attending concerts, playing tennis, and swimming.  

Fun fact about Angela: she is somewhat ambidextrous. She writes left-handed as do all of her family members.  

Scripps Howard Fund is helping to sponsor Angela as she participates in Dancing with the Hampton Roads Celebrity Stars.

Hampton Roads “Dancing with the Stars” had always been a bucket list item for Earlene since she watched her friend, Charlene Albertolli, perform back in 2016. Back then she watched the show and thought to herself, “Could I do that?” Well, she did just that in 2021 and not only did she “do that,” but she WON!

And even though she checked off her bucket list back in 2021, she’s back to see if she can do it again!

She thanks her friend, Mark Hudgins for his encouragement and support, and to Barbara Lewis, “Dumpling,” for her always positive, straight forward, never give up attitude!

Many thanks to her company, Portsmouth Trailer Supply and her incredible employees for their support and never-ending support. “I love you all!”

She also wants to thank her many friends, especially David Jordan of Boats by Norfolk, for their loyalty and support. “I could not have done this without you.”

Last, but not least, she wants to thank her Pro Partner, Simone Spadoni, along with his wife, Simona Caporale for their patience and incredible talent. “Thank you for believing in me!” Now, let’s go have “The Time of Our Lives!”

Bio and dance partner coming soon Jennifer Del-Castillo is the co-owner of DC Wrap Company.  She and her husband Dennis are experts at growing companies throughout the U.S. by creating large format graphics for storefronts, buildings and vehicle wraps. 

When she is not working, she is very active in volunteering on the board for EOA (Entrepreneurs Organization Accelerator program) and helping kids through Noblemen. She also enjoys networking with other business owners and spending time at the beach.

She is a native to the Hampton Roads area grew up in Virginia Beach.   She is married to her husband Dennis and they have 4 children Lexis, Alex, Landon, and Elizabeth.  They are also Grandparents to Lillie, River, and Juniper and the proud parents to their DC Wrap Company shop dog, Profit, the Labradoodle.

Although she has no formal dance experience, she competed in Dancing with the Stars in 2021 and is excited to dance with Jay Leary again and add another mirror ball to her collection.

This Hampton Roads native is a former choreographer, model and motivational speaker. He left the stage and runway following a serious accident that required him to be in a body cast for six months with over 150 stitches. Doctors assured him he would have a pronounced limp and never be able to dance again.

Believing that “with God all things are possible, triumph can come from tragedy!” It was then that Mike became founder and senior chaplain of the Hampton Roads Christian Ministries, and outreach program for individuals and families in times of crisis. He also founded Families of the Heart, dedicated to working with veterans of all ages who are without families. He also facilitates coordinating final honors and Christian burials for unclaimed veterans who qualify.

“Pastor Mike,” as he is known to many Southside and Peninsula families heard a second calling, “Duty, Honor, Country!” Leaving the ministry in good hands, he accepted a position as Conditional Trainer for the U.S. Government, working with all branches of the military as a trainer for K-9 Explosive Detectors (Bomb dogs).

Pastor Mike is now a registered home health care provider for seniors dealing with Dementia. He also devotes his free time to coordinating and orchestrating memorial services honoring our fallen K-9 heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty or have retired in the service of their communities. These services are offered to any of our law enforcement divisions, military, and first responders, at no charge.

His favorite time of day is spent with his own K-9 family members, Jacqueline Abigail (a Boxer- Pit mix), and Trevor Patrick (a black Lab), both of whom are therapy dogs and like their Dad, volunteer in our community whenever possible.

Pastor Mike is once again excited for the privilege to be part of the Dancing with the Hampton Roads Celebrity Stars. He dedicates his performance to the Honor and Glory of God and in loving memory of his Mom, Dolores Hardin, Kente Hawks and Mary Ginger Hardin, and to our beloved Barbara Lewis and his sponsor, Sharon K. Smith, whose unwavering support, humor, and faith were his constant encouragement.

“Peace and blessings to all!”

Cheryl Hickok is a seasoned real estate professional with over two decades of experience, known for her exceptional skills in listing and sales. Born in Hampton Roads, Cheryl's upbringing was marked by the nomadic lifestyle of a military family, affording her the opportunity to immerse herself in diverse cultures across the United States and Europe.

Initially trained in law, Cheryl transitioned her career path to focus on sales and marketing, driven by a desire for a more dynamic and engaging role outside the confines of an office. Armed with a degree in Legal Assisting, she ventured into the realm of real estate, where she found her true calling.

Currently affiliated with Berkshire Home Services RW Towne Realty, Cheryl has established herself as a top performer in her field, consistently exceeding client expectations and earning accolades for her professionalism and expertise.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Cheryl is deeply involved in philanthropy and community service. She has dedicated many years to serving as an advisory board member for The Salvation Army in the Hampton Roads area and currently holds the prestigious position of President of the RW Towne Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

An accomplished dancer since childhood, Cheryl's passion for dance has taken her to remarkable places, including performances for Club MTV and The American School of Ballet in Italy. When she's not busy with work or community engagements, Cheryl enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, often accompanied by her favorite pastime: savoring a glass of wine.

Known for her compassionate nature and straightforward approach, Cheryl embodies the motto: "No one cares about how much you know until they know how much you care" - a sentiment she lives by in both her personal and professional life, inspired by the wisdom of Dr. Seuss.

Camron Jordan is the Vice President of Veteran Reporters, Inc., a national court reporting company with the mission of training and employing military veterans and their family members. He is Vice President County Court Reporters, Inc., the Academy for Veteran Education and Training, and an adjunct professor at Tidewater Community College where he teaches the Academy’s Digital Court Reporting course.

A 2-time mirror ball champion, Camron is excited to return to the stage once again, alongside the best of the best. Camron would like to thank his sponsor, Veteran Reporters for continuing to support him.

Meredith Lippert was born and raised in the Hampton Roads area and is an alumni of Liberty University where she studied Sports Management and was also a Cheerleader. She has been in the hospitality and event management industry for over 20 years and is the Regional Catering Director for Mission BBQ. She is also the owner of Belle Âme Designs, specializing in event production and venue management. Meredith is truly honored to be able to support the local Military, Police and Fire Community through her work with Mission BBQ and loves to bring her client's event visions to life.

She is the proud mother to her 4 year old daughter and wife to Stephen, Director of Operations for Mission BBQ. When she is not working, you can find her spending time with family and friends, and creating memories with her daughter Harper. While Meredith has been a dancer, gymnast, and cheerleader from a young age, she is excited for the new challenge of Ballroom Dancing and is thankful for the opportunity!

Jay Jay is no stranger to Dancing with the Stars Hampton Roads. He is a two time trophy holder and back again for the ten year anniversary. Each year Jay Jay comes with dynamic fashion with music and routines that wow and awe the room. He currently is a member of Hot 91's Fresh Start Morning show. From 6am to 10am he brings love and laughter to the community. Let's see if he can bring the soul of Va to the floor this year.

Caleb Myles is a proud husband and father, US veteran, athlete and business owner in the Virginia Beach Community. Originally from Roanoke, Va., Caleb served in the US Navy with Strike Fighter Squadron 105, and has since put down roots in Virginia Beach, where he is now the proud husband of Natalia and father of Madeleine.

He and Natalia co-own Lantero LLC., - an Underground Utility Construction Company specializing in Horizontal Directional Drilling - contributing to efforts to rebuild, maintain and improve the infrastructure in the Virginia Beach area, as well as all along the Eastern Seaboard.

Caleb attended school at ODU and studied Psychology. While attending, he played rugby for the Monarchs and went on to play rugby with the Norfolk Blues Rugby Football Club.

During his free time, he has a few personal hobbies that bring out his artistic/creative side, chief among them being woodworking. Caleb is fanatical about the sport of swimming and enjoys coaching youth teams. His many pursuits and interests make this dynamic individual an invaluable member of the Virginia Beach community.

The long-standing theme across Caleb’s life is caring. He cared for his country and fellow citizens enough to serve in the US Navy. He cared for his students and for athleticism enough to be a coach, pushing the next generation to improve their fitness and health through swimming as a competitive exercise. He deeply cares for his family, and along with his wife he started a business that contributes to the maintenance and improvement of his community. He cares about the quality of life for those around him and has dedicated his time to working towards improving it. Whether it’s through athleticism, protecting our nation, or being present as a loving family man, Caleb is a hard-working, dedicated man who cares about those around him, doing everything he can to support and improve the quality of life for his friends and family. The Virginia Beach Community is lucky to have him as one of their members.

A Norfolk native: born and raised. Michael has been a hair stylist at Changes City Spa for a devoted 37 years. Through his charitable work with the support of other donors Michael is celebrating his 20th year helping the Hampton Roads community during the holidays by providing groceries, clothes and gifts to families in need. Michael believes in building lifelong relationships with his clients, co-workers, and community. In his free time he enjoys gardening, spending Septembers in Miami, and is quite fond of a lovely glass of Red paired with a juicy savory steak.

Nick is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of a Regional Innovation and Technology Hub called Neptune SHIELD with a mission to Protect the Homeland Ports and Borders by Empowering Veterans thru education and training while developing innovative technologies to support the warfighter, intelligence community, local law enforcement, and emergency management practitioners. Neptune SHIELD is made up of a consortium of approx. 20+ companies protecting critical infrastructure and cyber security across the whole of Government.

Nick is a combat proven Senior Enlisted Leader who served 26 years as a Navy SEAL in various positions and commands across three major Theatres of Operation. His tours within the Special Operations community include nine combat deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. From 2013 to 2016 Nick served as Senior Enlisted Leader for the Operations Department of Naval Special Warfare Unit Two in Stuttgart, Germany. He was responsible for the leadership and direct oversight of 160 permanent and deployed personnel, managing 36 annual operational exercises in collaboration with 28 NATO partner nations, and two real world military maritime missions, while overseeing a $35.5M budget under Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR). This elite organization honed his abilities to deliver results with efficiency under intensely challenging circumstances by leveraging the strengths of his personnel as well as professional training to complete the mission.

Nick is a graduate of Norwich University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis with summa cum laude (2018), a graduate of the Joint Special Operations University graduating from the prestigious Senior Enlisted Academy with a focus on Cyber Security (2019), and received a partial scholarship to attend Harvard Business Online – Business Fundamentals CORE certification program (2024)

In 2002, Nick became the founding President of Special Ops Survivors, a non-profit 501(c)3 charity with a mission to embrace and empower military widows to find peace, healing, and community with other military widows. Their programs include educational workshops, college scholarship grants, and forget-me-not outreaches. After 20 years, SpecialOpsSurvivors.org has helped thousands of military widows across the USA turn tragedy into triumph.

Nick’s Federal legislative accomplishments include lobbying to get the Service Group Life Insurance (SGLI) increased from $150K to $400k in (2010), and in (2018) the Fry’s College Scholarship bill into law.

Nick has demonstrated sustained superior performance over a career-long journey guiding multi-faceted cross-functional teams in the design and deployment of critical projects across diverse environments. The ability to forge solid strategic level relationships building consensus across multiple organizational levels, nations, and cultures.

Born, raised, and still residing in the Hampton Roads area, Cameron Simpson has forever been impacted by the region’s performing art community. She grew up very close-knit with her cousins, many of whom were incredibly talented in musical theater and other various art forms. And while the performing arts genes may have skipped over Cameron, she was always front row (or backstage) supporting her loved ones.

In 2011, her beloved cousin, Tara Lynn tragically passed away and in November 2023 she lost her son Joshua in a car accident… both Joshua and Chelsey grew up performing with Tara Lynn and now Cameron has made it her mission to support causes that would continue the legacy of her family members who have passed. With the support of her employer Keller Williams Town Center and her previous employer Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, Cameron is proud to enter the competition in memory of her cousin and son to continue to enrich the region’s art community.

Outside of wearing dancing shoes in preparation for this competition, you can find Cameron working hard in her role as Director of Growth at Keller Williams Town Center.

Heather is a native of Hampton Roads and lives in Virginia Beach where she loves nothing more than spending time with her three incredible sons – Sebastian, Josh, and Trey as well as her sweet fur baby, Bubba.  Her hobbies include relaxing at the beach and traveling. 

As a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty with over 8 years of dedicated experience in the real estate industry, Heather has established herself as a trusted and knowledgeable realtor in the Hampton Roads area.

As a Military Relocation Specialist, Heather is adept at assisting military families with their unique real estate needs, ensuring smooth and efficient transitions. Additionally, Heather is passionate about supporting first responders, offering tailored services to those who serve and protect our community.

Heather’s approach to real estate is client-focused and driven by a genuine desire to help individuals and families find their perfect home. Whether you are buying or selling, her expertise, dedication, and personalized service will ensure a seamless and successful transaction.

Heather would like to thank Towne Bank for their sponsorship and Zhenya Klyukin for his dancing expertise!

Kevin Taylor is a highly accomplished and skilled real estate professional with a rich background of experience. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Kevin has established himself as one of the most reliable and trustworthy real estate agents in the business.

Kevin's journey into the real estate industry began in 2012, after he honorably served in the military for 9 1/2 years, including serving on the USS Truman and completing deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with various branches of the military. After his military service came to an end, Kevin joined the real estate firm Creed Realty and quickly made a name for himself in the industry.

Currently serving at Iron Valley Real Estate, Hampton Roads, Kevin's expertise and knowledge of the local market has helped many clients achieve their real estate goals. With an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service, Kevin has built a reputation as an agent who always puts his clients first.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Kevin is deeply committed to giving back to the community through charitable work and philanthropy. He owns multiple companies and is always looking for ways to help others.

Overall, Kevin Taylor is a dedicated professional who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the real estate industry. His exceptional track record and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to any client seeking to buy or sell a property in Hampton Roads.

Stella is a Norfolk native and an alumna of Booker T. Washington, Va. Wesleyan, and ODU. She practiced physical therapy for 15 years and worked with her husband Jesse in the company he founded—JES Foundation Repair, a company they have owned for 31 years.

Through JES, Stella began an American worn/torn flag retirement campaign that evolved into her giving presentations on U.S. Flag history, etiquette and protocol. She is known by many as “The Flag Lady.”

Stella loves fresh air and wants to explore the beauty of our nation’s national parks. She enjoys kayaking, shoreline fun, game nights, roulette, intimate family/ friend time and learning ways of turning plant-based foods into yummy meals.

She sends MEGA KUDOS to her dance instructor Taras Denysenko for his teachings and hard work following his left AND right hip replacements!!! Go, Taras!!

She thanks her friends and family for their love and support, and she adds an extra thank you to ALL active-duty Military and U.S. Service veterans in the audience tonight, including her 99 y.o. WWII veteran father, who recently returned from Normandy, France’s remembrances and tributes. Stella’s parents met on a Navy Y dance floor in 1947 and recently celebrated their 73 rd wedding anniversary. She dedicates tonight’s dance to them.

Born and raised a Florida native, Michelle has experienced marketing from several different aspects, from Florida to Wyoming, Colorado to California and now here in Virginia Beach. She has been in marketing since 1996 and loves helping others succeed in their adventures. In her spare time, you can find her at local nonprofit benefits, local hotspots and /or volunteering at local organizations that give back to our communities. Michelle is the CEO of West Productions and publishes several local magazines, including VA Locals, which can be found in our lobby so be sure to grab one to take home! Michelle loves her work as it allows her to be a part of everything local and help give exposure to the locals’ success stories. She has made it her mission to build stronger communities, one neighborhood at a time.

Michelle has zero experience in professional dancing but loves music and cries when watching others on these types of reality shows because she knows what it is like to work hard, succeed and often fail. This is a challenge she took on to better herself as well as helping local charities! Her hopes are to, at minimum, be able to dance on the floor of a ballroom one day with a special other.

Simona Caporale – Has been dancing since the age of 5 starting with Ballet and then began training in  Latin competitive dancing 12 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
Finalist in many professional competitions.

Currently teaching at S&S DANCE in Portsmouth, she is excited to share her knowledge with her students and the studio.

She is the co-organizer of the FANTASYBALL Competition in Norflok at the Sheraton Hotel waterfront.

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.

Originating from Maine, Wendy is a dedicated and humble dancer whose love for the arts has paved the way for numerous achievements. She has delved into various dance genres, such as ballet, tap, and jazz, eagerly embracing each style's unique teachings. Her versatility extended beyond dance, with excellence in singing and acting, which has earned her recognition and accolades in musical theater productions and prestigious pageants.

After pursuing her dream at Centenary College, Wendy's talent and artistry shone through in unforgettable productions and collaborations with renowned choreographers. Her commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of her craft led her to join the esteemed Arthur Murray Dance Studio, where she embarked on a remarkable journey as a professional dancer and instructor.

Alongside her husband, Taras, Wendy has been blessed to secure numerous prestigious titles and championships. They have been crowned Southern Ontario Rhythm Champions, World Salsa Finalists, Arthur Murray Rising Star Rhythm Champions, Open Rhythm Champions, and World Finalists. Their performances exude a seamless connection and undeniable chemistry on the dance floor, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Wendy's impressive achievements and unwavering passion for dance have established her as a respected figure in the dance community. Together with her husband Taras, they serve as franchisees of the Virginia Beach studio, working harmoniously to inspire and guide aspiring dancers. Wendy is grateful for the opportunities she has had and attributes her success to the unwavering support and love of those around her.

Brent Dunn is a retired professional ballroom dancer currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona. After graduating High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy, eventually gaining the rank of Second-Class Petty Officer. After 8 years in the military, Brent became a professional ballroom dancer and soon after became the owner of Shall We Dance VA, in Virginia Beach, VA. After a successful 30-year career in ballroom dancing, Brent fills his spare time traveling the country as a marching band adjudicator and coach. His group, American Leadership Academy Ironwood is the current Arizona Division 1 State Champion. He is excited to dust of the dancing shoes and return to the dance floor with his partner Sarah Boyce Castleberry.

Jack, a native of High Springs, Florida, defied the norm among his peers by harboring a passion for sports rather than dancing. Throughout his formative years, he enthusiastically engaged in a diverse range of solo and team sports. Despite his aspirations of pursuing a sporting career in college after graduating from high school, that dream remained unfulfilled.

In 2018, seeking newfound independence and a chance to experience different parts of the country, Jack made the decision to join the Navy at the age of 19. Assigned to the USS San Antonio, LPD 17, he swiftly established himself as a pivotal figure in ship communications, assuming the responsibilities of a Radio IT. Furthermore, Jack was one of only two Search and Rescue swimmers on board. In 2020, he embarked on a series of underways to support the ship's preparation for its scheduled deployment in 2021, a deployment in which he actively participated.

Following the deployment, as Jack's initial Naval contract drew to a close, he found himself faced with a significant decision—whether to part ways with the Navy or re-enlist. Simultaneously, in early 2022, he embarked on a dancing journey as a student at the Arthur Murray Virginia Beach Studio. Today, not only does he instruct aspiring dancers at the studio but he also competes with zeal. Embracing dance wholeheartedly since its inception in his life, Jack seizes every opportunity to refine his artistry and immerse himself in the dance community.

Rebekah Klyukin has been living in the Hampton Roads area since she was one-year-old. She discovered her passion for dancing in college. She is a biologist by education and prior to pursuing professional ballroom dancing, she had planned to attend medical school. Rebekah has participated at Dancing with the Hampton Roads Celebrity Stars before and multiple students have won the coveted mirror ball trophies. Together, with her husband Zhenya, they own A Time to Dance dance company, where they teach beginners through advanced competitive dancers. They offer private lessons, group classes, instruction and entertainment for private events, and social dance parties. Rebekah and Zhenya have two beautiful children, Izabella and Dmitry. She can be reached by calling 757.620.3254 or emailing learntoballroom@gmail.com. Rebekah would like to thank her amazing partners, Jay Jay Mayo and Caleb Myles, for all their hard work and dedication for the dance competition!

Zhenya moved to Hampton Roads in 2005 from Yekaterinburg, Russia. He began dancing when he was just 6 years old and holds many championship titles from his competitive career in International Ballroom and Latin dancing in Russia. He currently is competing professionally in the country-western circuit and he and his partner were the 2021 Division 1 Couples World Champions and are currently competing at the Masters Level. Additionally, he competes with many students throughout the year at various competitions in the United States, in all styles of dance. He enjoys sharing his love of dance with people, whether they be beginner social dancers…or competitive advanced dancers. He and his wife, Rebekah, own A Time to Dance dance company in Virginia Beach. They offer private lessons, group classes, instruction and entertainment for private events, and social dance parties. Additionally, they have two children, Izabella and Dmitry. Zhenya can be reached by calling 757.620.3254 or via email at learntoballroom@gmail.com.

Zhenya would like to thank his fabulous partner, Heather Sterling, for the privilege of dancing with her in this competition and for all her hard work!

Jay is 30 years old and from Phoenix, AZ. He has been dancing for 20 years starting in ballet with the Arizona Youth Ballet where he danced for two years, learning ballet and jazz as well as 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 started dancing and competing professionally.  Now a Navy veteran, he joined the Navy and moved to Virginia in 2014 where he worked at various studios before starting his own studio, Cutting Edge Ballroom in 2019.

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.

Blake, born and raised in the small town of Oelwein, Iowa, has been immersed in the world of arts since a young age. Throughout his school years, he actively participated in various artistic endeavors such as choir, musical theater, and cheerleading. At the age of ten, Blake commenced his dancing journey at Steil's Studio of Dance, now known as Northeast Iowa Dance Academy, where he specialized in Hip Hop, Modern, Jazz, and Musical Theater styles.

Upon graduating in 2020, Blake initially enrolled at Kirkwood Community College but decided to follow his passion for the arts and withdrew from the program. In 2023, while working a nine-to-five job in Dubuque, Iowa, fate led him to discover an advertisement seeking dance instructors at Arthur Murray Virginia Beach. Following a successful zoom interview and a swift flight to the East Coast, he embraced the opportunity to delve into ballroom and Latin dancing, becoming an integral part of the AMVB Team. Blake feels grateful for the privilege of dancing every day and cherishes the chance to share his passion for dance with his students.

Marie Rants, Owner/Artist Director of Rants Ballroom Company and adjunct faculty at Old Dominion University, has been dancing professionally since 1996. She holds a BA in Dance from ODU, where she was the recipient of the Eva May Morris Scholarship, and studied MA in Communication at Johns Hopkins University.

Ms. Rants is 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.

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.

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.
Finalists in many professional competition.

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

A former Mirror Ball Champion and a competitive ballroom dancer, Amy is excited to dance again on the Sandler Center stage with her long-time dance partner, Dmitry Sviridov. She is Partner at Amy C. Bowden, CPA, LLC and has an extensive background including work in public accounting for corporate executives and high net worth clients, as well as currently serving as the CFO for Davis Ad agency. Amy is a graduate of the McIntire School at The University of Virginia. She is married to Keith Dennis and the proud mom of three wonderful kids.

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 in the mid 1980s. Her time in the Big Appled 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 back to school earning her Engineering degree from ODU. Sarah is President and Chief Administrative Officer of The GBS Group, an engineering services firm headquartered in Virginia Beach. Sarah is also thankful to Barbara Lewis for inspiring her to put on her dancing shoes once again! She is proud to be a three time HRDWTS Mirror Ball champion in 2015, 2016, and 2017 and a show exhibition dancer in 2019. How exciting to have the opportunity to dance again for this year's show and to step onto the stage one more time with her Pro dancer and partner and friend Brent Dunn!

Maya Khanas, from Richmond, Virginia, is a 14-year-old ballroom dancer set to start high school next year to continue in the International Baccalaureate Program.

From the tender age of 5, Maya has consistently demonstrated not just a passion for dance, but also the discipline and commitment it requires. She trained for 7 years at Dance4Life RVA Studio in Richmond, where she developed a strong foundation in ballroom dancing and achieved remarkable results at various competitions. Maya possesses a rare combination of talent, determination, goal-orientation, and accountability.

Two years ago, she had the great fortune of meeting Volodymyr Yakovlyev, and they began training at A Time to Dance Studio with Zhenya Klyukin in Virginia Beach. Since then, they have been dancing and successfully competing with top dancers in the country in numerous National DanceSport Championships, showcasing their talent and tenacity in each performance. Together, they have formed a strong partnership built on hard work and a shared love for dance. Volodymyr and Maya, after placing first at the Atlantic Dancesport Challenge in June, have been invited to participate in the Best of the Best Competition at the prestigious Ohio Star Ball in November. They are hoping to secure sponsorship funds in order to attend this competition as well as others throughout the country. Maya, along with her teacher, Zhenya, would like to thank the anonymous donor who is sponsoring them to participate in this year's Dancing With The Stars.

Volodymyr Yakovlyev, fifteen, known by his friends as "V", started his dance journey when he was 6 years old. He was born in Sumy, Ukraine, and happily lived there until the war with Russia started on February 24th, 2022. He had actively participated in numerous dance competitions, competing in International Championship and International Pre-Championship levels. He was taught high standards of discipline and goals, dedicating most of his spare time to practicing and developing his skills.

After relocating to Virginia Beach on February 28th, 2022 he was extremely lucky to be able to continue his dancing here. Thanks to the efforts and support of Rebekah Klyukin, Volodymyr found his dearest partner Maya Khanas in Richmond, VA. They are proud to be trained by Zhenya Klyukin of A Time to Dance and to represent the Hampton Roads area in competitions throughout the United States. Volodymyr will be attending 10th grade at Landstown High School in September and is a Governor’s School for the Arts student. He was also accepted to Governors STEM Academy for the next year. He and his partner would like to thank XXXXXXX for sponsoring them so the could be part of this year's Dancing With the Hampton Roads Stars.

Renee competed in DWTHRCS nine years ago. She enjoyed the challenge so much that she has danced competitively ever since. She now holds two National Titles, one in American Smooth Style and the other in International Standard Style. She has definitely been able to fulfill her passion for dance. Renee is a proud grandmother of one and one on the way. She loves being outside, gardening, and has picked up the ever popular pickleball craze.

Dmitry Sviridov's dance journey began in Belarus at the age of 9. He represented Belarus at the World DanceSport Championships before making the life-changing move to Moscow at the age of 14, furthering his dance journey and education. At 24, he continued his pursuit of excellence by making the USA his new home. In the US, he became a successful coach, guiding students to victory at many Scholarship events including National Championship and competing professionally himself. Dmitry's skills extend to choreography, showcased in captivating performances at local "Dancing with the Stars" events, where he and his students consistently claimed top honors. In Dmitry Sviridov, dance finds a teacher, competitor, and choreographer of exceptional talent and dedication.