Invited Staff, DJs, MC and Judges

Promising to be bigger and better than ever with the top instructors throughout the country. With DJs playing Classics, House and New Contemporary music.

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Bobbi Petri - Head Judge

Bobbi was trained in ballet in her early age. The ballet training gives her a solid foundation of dance where she is benefited throughout her dance career. She was introduced to partner dancing by her footloose father, master of the Peabody and fell in love with it. Eventually, she became one of the top club dancers in New York area.

Ms. Petri started her teaching career when local dance schools started soliciting the best dancers from clubs to teach the new dance "The Hustle". Over time, she found herself immensely satfsified giving students the confidence and social skills to students who thought they came to learn to dance.

Throughout her teaching career, she has trained many students who competed and ranked at top position in all major categories in local and national dance competitions. Many of them have progressed and become a dance teacher themselves. She was also responsible for expanding Salsa and Hustle programs for two of New York City's largest dance studios. Her expertise in teaching style, technique, interpretation, rhythm variations and developing the social dancer's imagination has made her a well-respected teacher among her students and colleagues.

Today, Bobbi continues her passion of partner dancing by owning a dance program of her own. She teaches and manages her dance program at Dance Upon A Time Dance Studio in Queens, New York, where she coaches social and competition dancers and trains her staff to pass on her philosophy and method of dance.

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Billy Marti

Billy teaches at stepping out studios in Manhattan. He started dancing at 18 and quickly mastered the fundamentals of dance. Within a year he realized he had found what would be his life’s passion. As his repertoire expanded to include other forms such as ballet, so did his experience with other dance studios. Billy was hired with his first dance partner, Nancy Melius, to perform in Israel as a “Fame” dancer with Robert Guillaume and Albert Hague who played Professor Shorofsky. Later Billy was inspired while watching a competition in a nightclub where he discovered his new love for Hustle Theatre Arts. He met Wanda Soto who began teaching him in the art of partnering and soon began dancing and performing with Hustle’s elite dancers of the time. He takes great pride in his ability to thoroughly prepare students for showcase and dance competitions by articulating a music and choreography mix that enhances the student’s individual style, and thus complementing their strengths.

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Brian Gallagher

Brian can break down patterns to help you understand the major components of hustle: movement, framework, footwork & timing. He trained in Ballroom and Latin prior to Hustle. He incorporates a variety of dynamics; traveling, shaping, syncopated rhythms, creative combinations, and speed. Known for traveling moves, creativity, and burning up the floor at a 130 bpm without hesitation. Current "2003 Professional Theater Arts Hustle Champion" and undefeated Pro Just Hustle Champion, Brian has won every major Hustle competition over the last decade. G11Brian@aol.com

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Diane Nardone

She began dancing Hustle in the early 70's with the Hustle Kings dance troop, taught at the famous Dales Dance studio's in NY and went on to open her own studio. She is still teaching, performing and competing. She has appeared in motion pictures and is the sole organizer of the annual "World Hustle Dance Championships".

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Donna Boyle

Founder of Disco America Dance Championships......Philadelphia's own Donna was the regional dance champion on the national TV show "Dance Fever". For 20 years, she has been competing performing, and exciting audiences with her polished and sensual style. Donna is the choreographer and principal dancer of the "Disco America Dance Troupe". She performed for acts such as: Billy Crystal, Tu-Pac, Sammy Hager, Deney Terrio of Dance Fever, etc. Her TV credits include: Discophonic scene and on the air with the Geater; 1999 QVC National Dance Promotion; 2 appearances at the Phillies game with the Phillie Phanatic; Good Day Philadelphia (with Dick Clark); 1999 PBS show "Dancing" aired in England; and two appearances on the CBS nationally syndicated competition " Dance Fever" in Los Angeles. She was director and choreographer for Radio 95.7 Jamming Gold dancers and one of the top 3 winners at the Harvest Moon Ball. Her performances in Atlantic City include: the Tropicana Hotel, Ballys Hotel, Resorts and Ceasars Hotel. Donna was one of the Event Directors for Hustle USA 1995.

Donna has been teaching, coaching and promoting Hustle in the Philadelphia area as well as traveling throughout the United States to conduct workshops and promote her dance event Disco America. She is also the proprietor of Party Pros Entertainment. Donna's success is evidenced by her awards and participation in competitions . She is currently on the teaching staff of Sandy Fortuna's Universal DanceSport Center (NJ), Tophat Dance Studio (PA), and Dance Manhattan Studio (NY).

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Donna Desimone

Donna has been dancing since the age of 4,studying Ballet, Tap and Jazz and teaching 30 years. In 1975 Donna was introduced to a dance called the Hustle. Two years later she started to teach it in a near by studio. In 1978 she opened her first Dance Studio. Four years later opened her second studio. Donna entered many New York nightclub competitions with much success. In 1983 she discovered the world of Ballroom dancing and competed for 8 years in American & International styles. In 1986 she won her first United States title, USBC American Rhythm Champion in Miami Florida.

Donna went on to choreograph for dance tours to China, Italy, Florida, Hershey Park, Carnegie Hall ( Cole Porter s 100th Birthday Celebration and An invitation to Dance with the NY Pops Orchestra). Currently Donna teaches, Choreographs and performs in New York. For the past 12 years Donna has been the Entertainment Director for the Stardust Dance Weekends in the Catskills.

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Eddie Simon

Edward Simon is a former United States American Ballroom Champion and a World Showdance and US Theatrical Finalist. He received a North American Dance Award for the "Favorite Couple of the Year". This year he has been nominated as "Choreogragher of the Year" He is a co-owner of Dance New York and the Empire State Dance Sport Championships.

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Elizabeth Darchi & Louis Orlando

Elizabeth has been dancing for many years with an extensive repertoire in Ballet, Jazz, and Ballroom with Hustle as her main love. She has taught ballroom and hustle for the Battista Dance Studio, Stepping Out Dance Studio, Sandra Cameron's Studio and Authur Murrays. Her unique style has also been recognized in front of the camera by both the film and television industries. She taught hustle workshops for the NY Julliard School of Dance, Lincoln Center Swing Fest and she was assistant instructor for the stage production of "Saturday Night Fever" in the National Theater, Santo Domingo. As a performer she has been part in many Theatrical numbers to be performed at many venues. She is the 2009 recipient of the Arte Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award.

Louis has been dancing hustle for over 25 years. His expert lead and rythym has gained him great exposure. He has judged for many events, danced for the film and television industries and has been teaching as an independent instructor at Stepping Out Dance Studios.

Both Elizabeth and Louis' approach to teaching is fun and informative and they emphasize a strong and solid foundation in hustle technique. When teaching their workshops, they have a chemistry that will have you wanting more. They are top competitors in the Pro hustle divisions. They have judged and taught workshops thoughout. The Hip-Hop, Rumba, Cha-Cha style in their Hustle has been the hallmark of their career. They teach privates in New York/New Jersey and throughout all dance events.

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Johnny Ortiz, DJ

(aka DJ Johnny 'O') is a seasoned professional Disc Jockey who has been playing for audiences for over 30 years. He grew up in a musical background performing with his father's Latin Orchestra at the age of 9, singing and playing percussion. He continued his musical education at NJSC College majoring in music. In 1975, he became interested in disco music and apprenticed under the direction of Robert Aquino a well know DJ of that time. From 1976 Johnny started playing at popular night clubs such as: Dimples, Strawberry Patch, Joey's, Krackers, and Creations in NJ, and Starship, Omega Club, and Metropolis in NY.

Johnny's unique, melodic and pulsating creative style of blending music has satisfied audiences for 3 decades. He was recently voted #1 favorite DJ in the "People's Choice Awards". Johnny has been a DJ for National dance competitions such as : "World Hustle" in New Jersey and the "Big Easy Dance Classic" in New Orleans. Johnny has partnered up with Nina Marks of the Starlight Dance Center and John Lindo to bring the ultimate "Swustle Party" to the Hustle & West Coast communities coming in September of 07'.

Joseph Kerner

Joe comes to us from Top Hat Dance Studio in Philadelphia. A dance performer, competitor and instructor for over 10 years – Joe has studied a variety of dance styles since 1989, including a mixture of street, social and ballroom dances along with ballet, jazz and modern. He is a 3-time International Hustle & Salsa Dance Champion, 2-time Disco America Champion, and Hustle USA Champion. Under the direction of choreographer Arte Phillips, Joe was the dance captain of Philadelphia’s celebrated dance troupes “Philly Dance Connection” in 2003 and “The Hustlefactor” in 2004 and 2005. Look for Joe in the Disco America dinner show as he celebrates his 7th year as a cast member and performer. When not performing, Joe teaches his unique blend of Hustle w/funk, along with Latin and ballroom dance at Top Hat’s Northeast Philly studio and competitions across the country.

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Kim Vanaman

Dance Professional Kimberly Vanaman started off her career as an artist and tennis instructor before discovering her love of dance. She then began in the performance arena, initially Tap dancing as a member of Providence, R.I.'s "All Tap Revue," under the direction of Brian Jones. One dance form led to another and she spent many years studying and performing Jazz Dance at the Jeannette Neil Jazz Studio in Boston, MA. Simultaneously, she began her love affair with Hustle. Kim has been a Hustle Specialist and enthusiast since 1978. Since then, she is the primary source responsible for keeping Hustle alive in the New England region. She has also trained in American Style Ballroom Dance with an extensive focus on East Coast Swing. Kim teaches at the very classy Studio 665 in Needham/Newton. This successful competitor, performer, teacher, judge and choreographer includes among her favorite credits: consistently finishing in the top 3 of all National Hustle Pro Jack and Jill events; 3rd Place, Professional Classic Hustle, Hustle USA 2002; a founding member, one of the original officers and currently the Regional Representative for the IHDA(International Hustle Dance Association); reviving the art of the Hustle formation team for the National Hustle events; receiving "Top Teacher Award" at Hustle USA 1997; choreographing for several Professional theatres in Mass.; making NE Regional finals for Dance Fever; being happily married for more than 20 years and being the mother of two wonderful daughters.

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Lisa Nunziella

Lisa Nunziella ’s mission is to motivate and inspire everyone to make positive changes in their lives through dance, fitness & good nutrition; and to express oneself through dance.

As a dancer, choreographer, trainer, life coach and mother, her best work is empowering her clients, friends and family to move forward with no fear, to take a chance on life using dance as a tool to feel good, stay positive, be creative and get out of your comfort zone.

Lisa has performed all over the world, winning virtually every title with various partners (Eddie Vega, Danny Llaurado, Ricky Quintana, Arte Phillips & Deano Georgio); a true pioneer of the hustle, we dance today.

Lisa won the World Hustle title, two time winner of the United States title(USBC’s), Harvest Moonball winner at Madison Square Garden and was undefeated winning 13 consecutive weeks, (never done before) on Ed McMahon’s Nationally televised “Star Search,” winning the $100,000 Grand prize along with partner Eddie Vega.

With a background in all forms of dance and gymnastics, she brings to the dance floor a level of energy rarely seen today. A consummate professional, she has landed numerous movie roles in Hollywood. Some of her movie credits include, “Dance with me,” “Mambo Kings,” “Naked Gun 2 1/2 ” & “The Mask . In addition she has worked on a number of commercials, TV Shows and MTV Videos. Lisa has worked with Prince, BabyFace, Cher, and Laura Branigan to name a few.

Lisa has an ongoing series of successful dance/workout and liftwork DVD’s, a brand new series of Dance Fitness DVD’s and check out her new book launching at Lori Brizzi’s New York Hustle Congress.
Lisa is the recipient of the first New York Hustle Congress Inspiration Award 2005,The Augie and Margo Award in Miami 2008 and The Hustle Hall of Fame Award at the World Hustle Dance Championships in 2009.

Available for private coaching: www.lisanunziella.com.

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Louis Del Prete

Louis is a talented musician and dancer. He is accomplished on drums, keyboards, and trumpet, and is a fantastic singer. Louis is also an excellent ballroom dancer and teacher.

Louis’s skills started at the age of 13, when he joined his talented mother and father, Rosann and Louis (also known as the “Perry Lane Orchestra”) at the former Island Squire Restaurant in Middle Island, where they performed for many years! His mom, Rosann, was a member of a popular all-girl band in the 60’s called the “Female Beatles”. His dad toured the United States with various bands as a trumpet player with a sound like Harry James.

When Louis is not playing music, he is dancing. He is accomplished in ballroom and Latin dancing, having an excellent lead, precise technique and smooth style. At one time, he taught dance on popular cruise lines. Now he teaches group and private lessons and runs many dance venues on Long Island.

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Mark James & Karen Lupo

Elite Member of the Hustle Dancer's Hall of Fame, 6 time American Star Ball Theatrical Champion, the only 4-Time Zachary's Show Dance Champion, As seen on PBS' - Championship Ballroom Dancing, Sought after Coach, Dance Teacher & Choreographer - Expertise in Hustle, WCS, Salsa, American & International - Whose motto is "Anyone can do almost anything given Time, Energy, Motivation plus Loving Patience with Themselves".

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Nino DiGiulio

One of the most accomplished and respected social dance instructors in the US, Nino is the Founder and Executive Director of May I Have This Dance Inc, a dance school based in Chicago, with outreach throughout the United States and Internationally. Teaching social Ballroom, Latin, and Salsa professionally since 1995, he is most well-known and sought after for his in-depth, technical, yet fun and creative way of teaching West Coast Swing and Hustle. An All-Star and Champion dancer himself, Nino has trained numerous other dancers who’ve rapidly rose to the level of Advanced, All-Star, and Champion dancers. Chicago, and the Midwest, is quickly becoming a hotbed for West Coast Swing and Hustle thanks in large-part to Nino, the May I Have This Dance staff, and students. Drawing on his background as a Corporate Trainer and Motivational Speaker, as well as his Masters Degree in Education, Nino has created the most comprehensive social dance curriculum ever available. Nino has taught over 10,000 lessons, workshops, and seminars. Just as comfortable in front of a crowd of thousands, or in a private one-on-one session, Nino’s students rave about his ability to diagnose trouble-spots and get students to take their dancing to higher levels quickly. As a dancer, he is known for his musicality, groove, smoothness, ability to dance to all types of music, and taking care of his partners.

Dawn Lara

Dawn is a Senior-Instructor at May I Have This Dance Inc, an Advanced-level competitor on the national West Coast Swing and Hustle circuits. She has won or consistently placed near the top of several major J&J and Strictly Hustle & Swing competitions, including Professional Triple Threat (WCS, Hustle, & Salsa) with Nino. An inspiring dancer, she has a very loyal following of students that adore her warm and endearing style of teaching as well as her ability to make learning to dance fun and successful for anyone.

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Paul Pellicoro

Paul Pellicoro began his illustrious career as an athlete and artist. He trained in modern and ballet before finding the right fit in the Ballroom and Latin Dance arena. His inspiration came in the 1970’s as a New York Hustle street dancer. From there he continued his professional training in International Style (ISTD) as well as American Style dancing. He is one of the few experts in the varied authentic styles that he himself helped bring back into fashion. The genres and trends he crusaded for include Argentine Tango, NY Palladium style Mambo “On 2”, and of course the Hustle.

In 1985 he opened the doors to his own studio. It occupied three large floors in a famous dance building at Columbus Circle. Paul and his DanceSport studio became instrumental players in the renaissance of partner dancing in New York City which set the trend for every major city throughout the world. Paul Pellicoro’s DanceSport became New York’s Largest Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio and eventually outgrew its old space at Columbus Circle and moved in November 2006 to its larger newly renovated facility at 22 W. 34th Street adjacent to the famed Empire State Building.

He also is well known as the choreographer and the man who taught Al Pacino the tango sequence in the award winning film “Scent of a Woman”. Some other of Paul’s distinguished work in film also includes “The Object of My Affection”, “Summer of Sam”, and “Flawless” with Robert DiNiro. In addition, Paul is a professional adjudicator and he is certified by the Imperial Society of Dances (London).

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Robert Anthony Vance

Robert is one of NYC's finest dancers and dance instructors. With over 25 years of experience in all forms of dance, and many awards and titles to his credit, he has gained a vast knowledge in all the partnering dances. He is a former National Champion and has taught dance for over 20 years.

In specializing in all the partner dances, Robert is especially fond of Hustle, Salsa and all the Latin Dances as well as the Ballroom dances. He has toured the U.S. with different Broadway shows among which, he co-starred in Grand Hotel.

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Roberto Pagan & Rosa Paredes

Roberto has won over 200 titles in five professional divisions in the United States, Canada and England. For the last three years, Roberto has won top Hustle Instructor by DanceTalk Magazine. In 2008 Roberto and Rosa Guiliana partnered up, winning the following titles: Triple Threat –1st place (Disco America ‘08), Strictly Hustle –1st place (World Hustle Dance Championships ‘08), Classic Hustle—1st place (Madjam ‘09), Theater Arts Hustle & Cabaret—1st place (Disco America ‘09), Theater Arts Hustle & Salsa Showcase– 1st place (Swing Fling ‘09), Salsa—1st place (NY Hustle Congress’09) , and World Hustle Championship– 1st place (World Hustle Dance Championship ‘09).

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Ron Bess

Ron has worked tirelessly to promote and preserve Hustle nationwide. He has danced in the Hustle scene for over 30 years since discovering the dance in high school. Some of his achievements include: dancing six years with the Ralph Lew Dance Company, amateur Imperial Dance Society Champion, Dance Fever representative and American Star Ball Champion. Ron was the recipient of the 2002 Christopher M. Nardone Award. He currently promotes and organizes dance socials, coaches dance couples and is the editor of "Dance Talk" an on-line dance newsletter." Ron created and helped organize the Hustle Hall Of Fame website to promote and preserve the history of the dance. He has been performing hustle / theatrical routines with his daughter Lauren for the last 9 years.

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Silvana Gallagher

Silvana is known as one of the top professional Hustle and Theater Arts dancers in the United States. Having a successful 10 year career with her partner, Brian Gallagher, Silvana is now working towards becoming one of the countries top Dance Instructors in her field of Hustle. Her mission is to inspire, create, and achieve artistic dancing.

Silvana's dance career began in 1988. She started with a local Ballet and Jazz dance company in Doylestown, PA. Though Ballet and Jazz were her start, partner dancing was her true passion. Three years later she moved on and into the city of Philadelphia for formal Ballroom and Latin training. She has not stopped since.

In 1992, shortly after starting her training in Ballroom and Latin, Silvana was introduced to Hustle and Brian Gallagher and together they trained and pursued a competitive career in Hustle and Theater Arts. Though Hustle became her competitive dance, Silvana never stopped training as a dancer. She continued and still continues her coaching in Hustle, Jazz, Ballroom, Latin and has added dances to her repertoire since, such as West Coast Swing and Salsa.

Silvana is based in Philadelphia. She primarily teaches out of two locations: DanceSport 101 in West Philadelphia, PA and La Luna Dance Studio in Bensalem, PA. She also travels nationally coaching, judging, performing and competing. So look for her in a city near you.

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Simone Assboeck

Simone originally from Germany, came to the United States with a long dance history and broad dance background. She began Ballroom dancing when she was 7 years old, and has competed successfully for over 10 years in the International Latin and Standard divisions. Within that time, her achievements and titles ranged from German State Champion, to being a finalist in the European dance community, to the most prestigious of all competitions in the world, the 'Blackpool' competition in England. Simone is the new NORTH AMERICAN FEMALE VICE-CHAMPION, NEW YORK STATE VICE-CHAMPION, and NORTH AMERICAN FEMALE SHOWDANCE CHAMPION having won all 1st places at the 2008 5-Boro Dance Challenge. Her love for, dedication to, and knowledge of, dancing drove her dance career and she became a professional judge and dance coach. She devoted herself full-time to the competitive Ballroom dance community, teaching both adults and children. A Masters degree in Physical Education with the focus on Modern Dance and Rehabilitation rounded out her expertise in movement and dance. Simone has 17 years' experience teaching dance, and has been teaching at Stepping Out Studios, one of New York's most renowned Ballroom dance studios, since 2001. There, she added Hustle, Salsa, Swing and American Style Ballroom to her repertoire. Her passion for dance paved the way for her to perform at such events as the New York City Festival of Dance, Midsummer Night's Swing at Lincoln Center, the Brooklyn Museum of Art; and to compete victoriously at Hustle competitions such as the International Hustle & Salsa event in Miami and Hustle USA. Simone has also appeared on television shows including ABC News, NBC's Today Show, ABC Channel 7, and a Japanese Real Estate Commercial.

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Smitty

Smitty has been in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. He is one of the most recognized performers in show and dance industries with both customers, peers and friends. He has also been dancing hustle for many years. With flare and charisma which he carries on the dance floor, you cannot take your eyes off him.

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Stephanie Risser

Stephanie began her dance training with Carolyn Trythall at what is now Lancaster School of Ballet, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There she studied the Cecchetti Method of ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. Stephanie was a founding member of the Ballet Theater of Lancaster, as well as performing in the Donetsk Ballet’s The Nutcracker. After graduating from high school Stephanie attended the University of Hartford/School of the Hartford Ballet (now Dance Connecticut) BFA program, where she had the opportunity to perform with the Touring Ensemble, a performing group that toured Connecticut, and work with the Hartford Ballet. After graduating with a BFA in Dance Pedagogy Stephanie returned to Lancaster where she taught for Lancaster School of Ballet and worked with Ballet Theater of Lancaster. Stephanie also began studying ballroom dancing with Top Hat Dance Studio. She continued her ballroom training after she moved to Connecticut to teach at the School of Dance Connecticut. There she taught students from ages 3-15 and was the children’s rehearsal co-coordinator for Adam Miller’s production of The Nutcracker. In 2002, she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she was the Director and main instructor of Top Hat Dance Studio School of Ballet and a ballroom instructor for Top Hat Dance Studio for 3 years. Here she began competing professionally in hustle, winning 2nd place at Disco America in 2004, 1st place at Dance America Seattle in 2005 and 3rd place in the Van McCoy Professional World Open Hustle Championships in 2005. Stephanie has also performed in many dinner shows at various competitions, including Disco America, International Hustle and Salsa Competition and New Year’s Extravaganza.

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