DISCO AMERICA
June 6-9, 2024
2024 Staff
Ron resides in Southern New Jersey and has been dancing in the Hustle scene for over 35 years. He has performed on the nationally syndicated TV show "Dance Fever" and has won over 100 dance contests throughout the United States. Ron has been the Master of Ceremonies at many Hustle conventions and events for the last 20 years including the first Hustle USA, NY Hustle Congress, Disco American Dance Championships..... Currently he promotes/organizes dance socials, coaches dance couples and is the editor of the on line newsletter "DanceTalk®" - reaching over 20,000 dancers every week. In efforts to keep the history of the Hustle alive, he helped create, write biographies and design the 'Hustle Hall Of Fame' website. Ron was the recipient of the Icon Award at the 2011 'NY Hustle Congress, Christopher M. Nardone Award, The 'World Hustle Dance Championships' Life Time Achievement Award, and inducted into 'Disco America' Hall Of Fame in 2013. Ron has also promoted and CO-produced events including The PBS televised "Get Down Tonight - The Disco Explosion," and the annual 'Holiday Spectacular'.
Donna Boyle
Jose Boliva &
Satomi Montague
Ron Bess
MC
Veronica Castilla
DJ Cesar Cab
Christopher Cevatas &
Taryn Rucinski
Brian Fortuna
Debra Hampton
Head Judge
Steven James
Christy Kam
Jameson Kilburn
Annie Lebedeva
Jose Maldonado
Katie Marlow
Billy Marti
Daniel McGee
Steve Neeren
DJ
Louis Orlando & Elizabeth Darchi
Paul Pellicoro
Kelvin & LoriAnn
Roche
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Mary Ann Rosa
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Erica Smith
Jaime Serna
DJ Mark Routzhan
Kim Vanaman
Sharonne Vinokurov
Debra has been dancing, teaching, performing, choreographing and judging for over 40 years. With a strong focus on technique, Debra's teaching style is both fun and informative with an easy to grasp explanation of each movement. She was one of the originators of Hustle USA, the countries first all Hustle Dance Weekend, paving the way for other Hustle events, such as Disco America. Debra is the recipient of the Eddie Vega award. She is a 2 time Champion of Disco America, has received several Top teacher awards and has been very successful with her Pro-am students over the years.
Steven’s love of movement began on the stage. A graduate of Brock University, with an Honours BA in Theatre, he toured the world with the internationally acclaimed Canadian company Theatre Beyond Words before moving to Toronto and discovering dance. Steven has taught American style Ballroom and Rhythm at several studios across Toronto for over 10 years and he is a certified member of the Canadian Dancesport Federation. He dances and actively competes in both Hustle and West Coast Swing and supports both communities at home and on tour. He teaches private and group classes at Joy of Dance Studio where he met Annie Lebedeva and recently began performing and competing in the professional Hustle divisions of several events in Canada and the United States.
is co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studios of Philadelphia and Lancaster where he can be found teaching group classes and private lessons in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, & Hustle. For the past 10 years Jameson has continued to study, teach, compete, and perform in the arena of professional partner dancing. Recently Jameson received a score of "Highly Commended" on his certification examinations in International Standard dancing with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Jameson is also a proud member of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) and has been an active board member of the International Hustle Dance Association (IHDA) for the past 4 years. He can be seen at many different dance events throughout the country teaching, judging, performing, and competiting and is best known for the way in which he "de-mystifies" the technical side of partner dancing to make it obtainable by everyone.
Originally from Estonia and having lived and trained in England, Annie has been in the dance industry for 25 years. Her training and background includes International Ballroom & Latin as well as American Smooth & Rhythm and she is a certified member of the Canadian Dancesport Federation. From competitive circuit to performing and choreographing for various projects, coaching amateur dancers and competing Pro-Am with her students, she is now settled in Toronto for the past 5 years. Since moving to Canada, Annie has been training and competing in Pro Hustle with Steven James. They regularly perform together, teach and share their passion for Hustle in the Toronto dance community.
Founder and co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studios in Philadelphia and Lancaster as well as Top Hat Dance Studio School of Ballet. Since its grand opening in 1995, the strength of Top Hat Dance Studio has been attributed to his abilities, both as a dancer and an instructor. For over 15 years, Daniel has continued to teach, perform and compete in the Ballroom, Latin, and Hustle dance forms. He is currently one of the top ranked competitors in the country and undefeated in the Pro/Am Theatre Arts Hustle division. Daniel is currently on the board of the International Hustle Dance Association. In addition, Daniel received his Associate certification in International Standard with a "Highly Commended" score by the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) in 2007. In 2008, Daniel recieved, "with Honors" his ISTD Licentiate Theatre Arts certification. Daniel is also a member of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA).
Louis and Elizabeth have been instructors for dance events: IHSC, Disco America, Tri-State Dance Festival, Canada Salsa and Bachata Congress, LA Hustle Congress, plus more. Louie has been teaching and dancing for many years and is considered one of the best Hustle leaders. Elizabeth has attended Performing Arts High School as a Ballet major. She also has an extensive dance repertoire of Jazz/Theater, Salsa, Ballroom and Hustle. As a choreographer she has touched the realm of show productions and choreographing for major Dance events.
Louis and Beth’s workshops are fun and informative where they have a chemistry that will have you wanting more. They strive to introduce their innovative funky/rhythm and creative style in Hustle by utilizing Classic House, Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B and old school Disco music. Their diversity in hustle has been the hallmark of their career.
Together they are 9 time World Hustle Champions. Featured in many movies together, such as Disney's Enchanted and El Cantante with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez. They have traveled around the world preforming in places like Egypt, China, Japan and Hawaii. Choreographed So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Kelvin, with a Latin background, has been dancing all his life. Studied with Joffrey Ballet, trained in Latin and ballroom. Has background in jazz and modern from studying in New York City. Finalist at USBC in International Latin.. Featured in several commercials, television shows and movies as well as Life Magazine. Worked with Vanessa Williams, Rubin Blades, Conan O'Brian and more. Since the age of 4, Loriann found a love for dance. Trained in ballet for 15 years, and ballroom and Latin for 25. Studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in England. Finalist at USBC in American Rhythm and Theater Arts. Also a finalist in the Invitational Theater Arts in Blackpool, England. World Hustle Champion 9 times.
Mary Ann Rosa has danced professionally for 35+ years. She started the Latin Dance Connection with her late husband Luis Rosa in 2000. She competed, performed and taught all over the world specializing in Latin hustle, salsa, and theater arts. Hustle champion and Feature dancer in televised events and film such as the Christina Show and Summer of Sam. She was Inducted into the Hustle Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Division and Received the Hustle Hall of Fame award in 2011. Mary Ann choreographed and organized adult and children’s dance teams. Performed alongside many 70s and freestyle recording artists such as the Village People, Carol Williams, and Deney Terrio at such venues such as The Patchogue Theater, Lehman Theater, The Poconos and Atlantic City. Mary Ann continues to be active in the dance community as an event planner, promoter, instructor, performer and choreographer. Mary Ann's goal is to continue what Luis and her started and share her passion and love for dance. Mary Ann has a doctorate in health practice and combines that with professional dancing to help others gain the health benefits of dance along with having the time of their lives.
Steve Neeren is a nationally recognized Champion West Coast Swing Instructor, Judge and DJ.
He is a 3-time NASDE Award recipient and was named “Most Improved Male Swing Dancer” at the 1997 U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships.
Steve has many competition titles to his credit, including:
-1st Place Classic Division Boogie by The Bay
-1st Place Classic New Year’s Dance Championships
-1st Place Invitational Jack & Jill at Jack & Jill O’Rama
-1st Place Professional Strictly Swing Michigan Classic Dance Championships
He has also taught at many National Swing events and in England as well.
As a DJ he’s played at many national Hustle events including:
Disco America; International Hustle & Salsa Competition; Hooray For Hollywood; Swing Dance America; LA Hustle Congress; NY Hustle Congress.
Bio to follow
Brian was brought up with dance and started dancing at just 5 years old at his mother's dance studio in New Jersey, Fortuna's Universal Dance Centre. Brian Fortuna's early credits, after college, were a Canadian TV show called Live To Dance and dancing in a nightclub scene in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator.
As well as appearing on season 4 of Dancing with the Stars, Brian Fortuna has appeared in three Dancing With The Stars tours and has been the presenter of the ABC.com online results show Dancing With The Stars Online Encore.
Brian Fortuna has coached and choreographed the salsa team 'Ritmo Latino'. Brian's speciality is street-style salsa. Brian Fortuna has been a United States ten dance finalist and a United States North American Top Teacher.
Bio to follow
Paul is a professional ballroom dancer, instructor, and choreographer. He had owned and operated New York City's largest ballroom dance studio, Paul Pellicoro's DanceSport, since 1985, to recently in New York City. Renowned for his work in films, Paul has extensive film experience both as a performer and as a choreographer. Among his notable students were Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, John Leguizamo, Mira Sorvino, Richard Gere, Wynona Ryder, Sigourney Weaver, Anthony LaPaglia, Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, Brian Cox and Marilyn Cole. Paul recently received the Hustle Congress Icon Award. Paul is a world renowned ballroom and hustle instructor with years of international experience.
Philadelphia 's own Donna was the regional dance champion on the national TV show "Dance Fever". For 30 years, she has been competing, performing, and exciting audiences with her polished and sensual style.
Jaime has been competing on the national Hustle circuit for the past 22 years holding numerous titles as an amateur and several since becoming a professional. Jaime learned by training and competing with several of the top Hustle Legends/Dancers/Instructors of years past. Since becoming a Hustle Pro, Jaime has taught Hustle classes and workshops at various dance studios in New Jersey and at Dancesport New York City. He is currently teaching independently in the tri-state area. He has been on staff at Disco America, IHSC, World Hustle Dance Championships, New York Hustle Congress, Swing Dance America, Mad Jam and Swing Fling. Jaime's passion and talent for Hustle, combined with his precise movements and smooth style has made him a prominent figure in the Hustle scene. He continues to compete in Pro/Pro and Pro/Am's with his students receiving top honors at events around the country. Jaime's goal is to inspire his students to develop their own personal style and to be the best they can be while having fun, whether it's preparing for a competition or just social dancing. Jaime believes in using traveling patterns to move around the floor to show footwork and flair.
Christy is a ballroom, latin, salsa, and hustle pro with over 20 years of teaching experience located in central PA. She first fell in love with partner dancing after a 15 years of intensive ballet training, which formed the foundation of her love of technique and movement. Recently, she has also danced rhythm with Jameson Kilburn, making finals in professional rising star rhythm. Jameson is also her partner for hustle and triple threat (hustle, salsa, and west coast swing), where they have won many titles, most notably winning the first place title in the open professional world hustle championships, professional strictly hustle, and professional triple threat in 2014, making her the current and reigning world hustle champion.
With multiple widely recognized hustle titles, Veronica has earned
her stripes of an esteemed hustle dancer and instructor over the
years. As a 7X World Salsa Champion, Veronica has extensive
training and expertise in partner-based dances. Through the
tutelage of Paul Pellicoro and many other instructors, she began
her hustle and Salsa training in 2006 at DanceSport in NYC,
prompting her partnership with tricks and lifts specialist,
Rainer Trubiere and salsa pioneer, Nelson Flores. While specializing
in lifts and tricks, Veronica is also known for her keen attention to detail and effortless style of hustle dancing, which has amassed the wide/ranging student base she possesses today. Influenced by prior hustle pioneers, Veronica hopes to bridge the gap between the younger and older generations of hustle to further develop and grow the hustle communities. You can catch Veronica in the highly regarded Lin Manuel Miranda directed dance film, In the Heights.
Professional Hustle Rising Stars, Christopher Crevatas and Taryn Rucinski have been partnered since 2020 and are based in Fairfield, New Jersey. Christopher is a DVIDA certified dance professional and instructor with over 18 years experience, who specializes in teaching Hustle, Salsa, Ballroom, and the Rhythm dances. Taryn is a Hustle professional who has been partner dancing for the last 8 years; she also holds her AIDA (formerly USISTD) Student Teacher certification, and bronze medals in Standard, and is a high-level competitive dancer in Smooth and Latin. Most recently, in 2023, Christopher and Taryn have taken 2nd Place in Professional Just Hustle at Disco America and Tri-state Dance Festival, 2nd Place at Disco America and the New Jersey Hustle Congress in the Professional Showcase Divisions, 2nd and two 3rd places in Professional Jack & Jill and the Professional Medley at the L.A. Hustle Congress, 1st and 2nd Place in Rising Star Jack and Jill at the International Latin Hustle Festival, and 1st Place at New York's famed Copacabana, in their 2nd Annual Disco Fever Friday's Hustle Competition. Taryn was also recently named to the 2023 DanceTalk Readers Choice Awards in a tie for Favorite Female Dancer.
Bio to follow
Kim is a National Hustle Specialist and is THE “go-to” Hustle Dance
Instructor in New England: responsible for keeping Hustle current in
the region. Kim is also trained in American Style Ballroom Dance
with an extensive focus on East Coast Swing, WCS, Jazz and Tap.
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; Finalist, World Hustle Professional Division, International Hustle and
Salsa Competition; 3rd Place, Professional Classic Hustle, Hustle USA;
1st Place, Classic Hustle ProAm Showcase, The Easterns Dancesport
Competition; "Top Teacher Award", Hustle USA;
The Arte Phillips Lifetime Acheivement Award for her excellence in
Hustle, including her role as ambassador and instructor for this fierce
and fabulous dance.
Sharonne Vinokurov is the Founder/Artistic Director of Prima Dance Company, a co-owner of Philadelphia Dance Connection, and a World Champion with titles in Salsa, Bachata and Latin Hustle. With over 35 years of dance experience, she has trained in various styles, including Ballet, Ballroom, Jazz and more. Over the course of her career, she has traveled all over the world performing, teaching, competing, choreographing, and sharing her passion for dance with all of her students.
Erica Smith is a versatile dancer from the Washington, D.C. area with extensive backgrounds in West Coast Swing, Hustle, Ballet and Salsa. Erica has been undefeated in the Professional Freestyle Hustle Division with partner Shay Dixon since 2017. Erica is a World Professional Triple Threat Champion (West Coast Swing, Salsa and Hustle), Professional Just Hustle Champion, Hustle Hall of Fame Inductee, and a US Open Strictly Hand Dance Champion. Erica is also a Champion West Coast Swing competitor and a long time Director of JT Swing Teams DC – a performance based West Coast Swing Team. Erica is passionate about sharing her love of dance with her students. As a 15 time Top Teacher recipient, Erica is a highly sought-after instructor. Erica travels to 15-20 competitions and workshop weekends per year as an invited instructor, judge, performer, and Master of Ceremonies.
Erica is a brilliant dancer and teacher who leaves a lasting impression on her admiring audiences and students. To reach Erica for private coaching, contact her at: jtswingteamsdc@yahoo.com
Bio to follow
Bio to follow
Billy Marti, is a dynamic dancer known for blending classic hustle with contemporary flair. With a background in street dance, jazz, and ballet, Billy's high-energy performances have earned him recognition on both national and international stages. As a choreographer and mentor, he's dedicated to nurturing new talent and promoting hustle dancing.