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Karen began studying social dance in 1978, and after taking some time off to focus on career and family, she returned to ballroom dancing and teaching in 1991. She has studied with Mark and Dawna Nocera, Dan Radler, and Suzanne Hamby. She has also participated in numerous seminars with other dance luminaries including Ron Montez, Jim Maranto, Jonathan Wilkins, Michael Mead, Toni Redpath, and Edward Simon among others.

Prior to opening her own business, Karen taught a social dance curriculum for studios in Boston and Cambridge, MA, and Amherst, NH. Karen has competed pro-am at ballroom dance competitions on the Maine and Massachusetts circuits. She is an Associate Organization Member of USABDA. Karen is a Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA) certified instructor.

In addition to International and American Style Ballroom training, Karen's repertoire includes country western, west coast swing, lindy hop, hustle, salsa, and nightclub two-step. Karen's exposure to dance began as a youth, with a theatrical dance program under the direction of Mary Bertagna, former Radio City Music Hall Rockette.

Karen has been choreographing and producing showcases since 1996. Her work has been presented at five NH shopping malls as well as the Chestnut Hill Mall in MA, the Intown Manchester Buskers on the Bricks program, the Center of NH Senior Expo, the Palace Theatre's production of "Keyboard Lounge", the Bel Esprit Arts Festival, the Seacoast Classic, the Southern NH University Dance Club, NH Community Technical College, several local nursing homes, and various events sponsored by Queen City Ballroom.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Hampshire. While she was attending UNH she included some theatrical dance training as part of her studies.

Karen demonstrates longtime support of various nonprofit and charitable institutions through donations of dance lessons, and providing showcases for events. These include Emily's Place Shelter, The American Heart Association, The New Hampshire Coalition for Missing and Abused Children, The March of Dimes Special Olympics, Catholic Medical Center, Compassionate Connections Youth Mentoring Program, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Child and Family Services, The Acting Loft Studio, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, and The Villa Augustina Charitable Corporation.

Karen has one daughter, Nicki, whose recently earned bachelor's degree includes a minor in dance. When not on the dance floor, Karen enjoys photography, music, healthy living, floral design, decorating, writing, and fashion.

Karen can be contacted at Karen@queencityballroomnh.com.

Mica began his ballroom career in his hometown of Belgrade in Serbia. He trained at various studios but most of his training came at the renowned Prodance in Belgrade. Mica who maintains a strong desire for constant improvement has trained with numerous coaches throughout his career. Helping Mica throughout his career have been Carol MacRaild, Bo Loft Jensen, Daniela Skovic Novak and Fredi Novak.

Mica constantly strives to increase his knowledge of dancing and teaching. You can count on Mica to always be up-to-date regarding every topic in the dance world. He takes pride in sharing his experience and knowledge gained from over twenty years of involvement in the ballroom world, bringing joy and enthusiasm to every social dance, competition, showcase and class he teaches.

The excitement of competition has always been a favorite aspect of dance for Mica. Meeting others, socializing and the pageantry of competitions has always motivated him. Mica is currently pursuing judging as a means to increase his knowledge and involvement in the dance world.

Mica can be contacted at mica@queencityballroomnh.com.

Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.

Randy Avis is a well known and respected dancer and Tango DJ. He teaches, DJs, dances and performs through out New England where his clarity as a teacher and down to earth presentation are much appreciated. His own style has been informed by such illustrious teachers as Jackie Wong, Judith Schwartz, Christine & Homer Ladas, Gustavo Benzecry-Sabá & María Olivera, Michale Young & Beatrix Satzinger, Gustavo and Marie, and Lorena Gasse & Ariel Barrionuevo. Recent performances include 2010 The Mariposa, Peterbourough NH, St. Paul's School Concord New Hampshire and Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce.. Randy’s dedication to Tango is reflected in his full schedule of lessons, Milongas & practicas.

He believes that learning Argentine Tango should be Fun! In teaching his focus is on helping students with the fundamentals of the dance. The emphasis on musicality, core technique and partner connection empowers his students to dance simply and musically from the beginning and really gives them confidence on the dance floor.

Randy can be contacted at 603-547-0402 or itangonh@gmail.com.

Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.

Jonathan Barbeau, owner of MrJonathanIsMyDJ.com, is Queen City Ballroom's West Coast Swing Pro, having become interested in West Coast Swing in 1999. His early dance training included classes in Classical Ballet starting in 1987. In the course of his dance career, he also trained in two-step and nightclub two-step. Among others, Jonathan has studied with John Festa, Larry Mongeau, and Anne Fleming. He has placed 1st in the novice division, two years running, at the Boston Dance Challenge, and has been a Finalist at Summer Hummer's Strictly Swing in the intermediate division. Jonathan has been teaching dance since 2004 in locations including Merrimack, NH, Cambridge, MA, and North Chelmsford, MA. Jonathan is also available for onsite private lessons.

Jonathan can be contacted at info@mrjonathanismydj.com.

Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.

Salsa New Hampshire is run by a team of instructors from The Masacote Dance School, a subsection of internationally renowned Masacote Entertainment. The company specializes in Latin music and dance entertainment with programs at Queen City Ballroom in Manchester, NH and Boston, MA. Directed by Ana & Joel Masacote, Masacote Entertainment is comprised of 3 entities: Masacote Latin Dance Company; the Ritmo Masacote Orchestra; and the Masacote Dance School. Originally founded in Okinawa, Japan in 2003, the company is now based in Boston, MA. Masacote company is respected worldwide for its artistry and musicality. Aaron Damus and Maylena Chaviano are the Masacote instructors who teach the salsa program at Queen City Ballroom.

Aaron Damus teaches Group Classes and the Adult Performance Team. His classes include Salsa Partnering for Levels 1, 2, & 3, and Salsa Footwork Level 3. Aaron began studying classical piano & vocal opera at age 5 and Chinese Martial arts at age 7. He began extensive studies in Salsa in 2005 and Gymnastics in 2007. Other skills include Swimming during his early college years and Rock Climbing. Aaron combines a lifetime of classical music training and extensive experience in martial arts with his knowledge of salsa to teach his students not only salsa technique, but also how the music drives us to dance.

Maylena Chaviano teaches Group Classes and the Adult Performance Team. Her classes include Salsa Partnering for Levels 1 & 3, and Footwork for Levels 1 & 2. Maylena studied at the Instructors Art School in Havana Cuba, where she trained in contemporary dance, ballet, choreography, history of dance, and Cuban folklore. At the age of 16, she began producing events at the State of Havana level and was in charge of students at some of the most important Art Schools, including ENA, Circus, Escuela de Espectaculos. n Maylena has trained and performed at prestigious theaters in Havana City such as Carls Marxs, Teatro Mella, Garcia Lorca - El Gran Teatro de la Habana, and Teatro America. Maylena travels periodically to Cuba for continuing education and training in Afro Cuban Folklore.

The Masacote Dance School can be contacted at infomasacote@gmail.com

Dance Professional Kimberly Vanaman has been a Hustle Specialist and enthusiast since 1978. Her expertise and warm, positive teaching style is in demand at National Hustle events and she is known as THE teacher to go to for Hustle in the New England area. In addition, she is trained in American Style Ballroom Dance with an extensive focus on East Coast Swing, Jazz and Tap dancing. 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; 1st Place, ProAm Showcase, The Easterns Dancesport Competition 2008; 2nd Place World ProAm Classic Hustle, IHSC 2007; 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 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. Kim 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. As Queen City Ballroom's Hustle Specialist, Kim teaches beginner and intermediate group classes, private lessons, and the Q665 Hustle team, a joint venture of Queen City Ballroom and Studio 665 in Woburn, MA where Kim also teaches a hustle program.

Kim can be contacted at kimvanamandance@verizon.net.

Natalie has been dancing since the age of 5, having trained in modern dance, jazz, ballet, tap, flamenco and ballroom. At age 15, Natalie won her first U.S. Amateur Championship title in the Latin American style. Natalie went on to become the United States Amateur Latin American and U.S. Amateur 10-Dance Champion. She has represented the U.S. at six World Championships.

Natalie also claimed the U.S. Professional Rising Star Rhythm title, as well as winning the L.A. Salsa Championships at the Mayan Club, defeating all of the top local Salsa couples.

Natalie has performed worldwide and has been the featured dancer on such projects as the Young and the Restless, the Geena Davis Show, the Boston Tree Lighting Ceremony, including a dance performance with Harry Connick, Jr. at the Belagio Hotel in Las Vegas. She has also co-produced Crystal Cruises newest production show “That’s Dancin!”.

Natalie has worked for Norwegian Cruise Lines performing in “Hooray for Hollywood”, “Gotta Dance” and “Showstoppers”. She has been performing and choreographing for Wayne Forster Productions in San Diego, California, as well as for Crystal Cruise Lines in Los Angeles, CA.

Film credits include; “Can’t Stop Dancing”, “The Swan Princess”, “The Contest “ (Santa Monica Film Festival), “Dance With Me”, starring Vanessa Williams, The Disney Film, “Enchanted”, starring Partick Dempsey, as well as coaching actors for the film “Shall We Dance”, starring Jennifer Lopez.

Natalie has most recently finished working as a featured dancer on the 80th Annual Academy Awards Show.

She is completely versed in all styles of Ballroom dance including the International style and the American style of Ballroom and Latin as well as Salsa, Swing, Argentine Tango, and Adagio/lifts.

She has studied with Ron Montez and Elizabeth Curtis, Rick Valenzuela, Johan and Nadia Eftedal, Brian and Kristi McDonald, as well as studying Theatre Arts(adagio/lifts), with Tom Slater, Cate Camplin, Roy and June Mavor.

Natalie is accepting new students on a limited basis. She can be contacted at QnCtyBalrm@aol.com.

Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.

Tracey started her Zumba career in 2009. After her first class she knew she wanted to share all that Zumba can do for others, not just physically, but mentally as well. Tracey has developed a love and passion for Zumba, and wants to share a different and exciting way of exercising. It's truly amazing to see the transformation Zumba can do for others with all of its fun moves and steps. Tracey's classes are always comfortable, and with her professional guidance and outgoing, fun personality, you'll be exercising with a smile on your face.

Tracey has been a member of ZIN (Zumba Instructor Network) since March 2011. She is licensed to teach regular Zumba classes and Zumba Gold.

Tracey can be contacted at 603-341-2514.

Ron has been ballroom dancing for 14 years. He competed in the 2002 Seacoast Classic and won 1st place for Lindy Hop Team. Ron hosts the Beginner Dance Parties held monthly at QCB monthly and teaches the Concord Community Education Ballroom Dance Program through Queen City Ballroom. Ron also co-teaches the Intermediate/Advanced classes held on Fridays at QCB. Ron has choreographed many showcase performances such as waltz, foxtrot, cha cha, and rumba routines, as well as coaching waltz, salsa, foxtrot, and rumba/cha cha fusion teams. Ron is a frequent member of the Lindy Hop team. Ron received his training from Karen Shackleford and continues today to study and train with her. Ron has attended workshops taught by Ron Montez and by Natalie Mavor.

Ron holds a B.S. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Plymouth State College in Plymouth, NH and a Master’s in Education in Guidance and Counseling from Plymouth State College.

Ron and his wife Beth, enjoy Anya, their golden retriever and their “home away from home” in Madison, NH. He loves cooking and eating the great food they prepare. Ron stays active in addition to dancing by walking the dogs, playing tennis, and snowshoeing.

Ron is accepting new students on a limited basis. Ron can be contacted at ron@queencityballroomnh.com.

Bob has been ballroom dancing since 1991, and began his dance teaching career in 1992 in Warwick, RI. He has been an instructor for Queen City Ballroom since 2002.

In addition to teaching private lessons for the studio, Bob also participates one or two times a year in offsite dance showcases, sponsored by Queen City Ballroom. Our audiences always enjoy his artistic and appealing choreography and his enthusiastic showmanship.

Bob can be contacted at QnCtyBalrm@aol.com.

Music and dancing have always been an important part of Carol's life, having grown up in a family of musicians. As a teenager, she was introduced to ballroom dancing but only started taking lessons as an adult in 2005. Carol's theatrical dance background includes nine years experience in ballet, point, jazz and tap.

Carol has studied with Karen Shackleford, Ron Blankenstein, Natalie Mavor and Jim Maranto as well as other dance professionals. Her instructing career began in April of 2010 as a substitute and she now teaches on a regular basis at Queen City Ballroom. Carol also assists Ron Blankenstein with the QCB classes taught on Thursday nights in Concord, in conjunction with the Concord Adult Education program. Since 2005, she has performed in numerous showcases.

Carol's professional life, apart from ballroom dance instruction, has revolved around children and training adults who work with children. Her responsibilities include creating and presenting professional development opportunities for adults, and event planning for educational retreats.

Carol is available to teach beginner to intermediate private and semi-private lessons. Please contact her at carol@queencityballroomnh.com to discuss availability.

Nicki has 11 years of ballroom dance experience. She has also studied jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, and lyrical dancing. She has trained with Karen Tebeau and Bill Morganti. Nicki has participated in various dance competitions such as the Yankee Classic, the Commonwealth Classic, and the Connecticut State Challenge. Nicki has been the instructor and choreographer for the QCB Teen Team in the past. Nicki also gives private lessons and choreographs many wedding dances.

Nicki attends Springfield College. In her free time from school and the dance studio, Nicki is a professional wrestler and she plays the French Horn.

Nicki is currently accepting new students. Nicki can be contacted at nicki@queencityballroomnh.com.

Shelley has been involved in Ballroom Dancing since the 70’s, starting in 1973 at the Boston Ballroom and Metro Dance Studio in Boston. In 1974 she received International Medals in Quick Step and Cha Cha and also joined the Formation Team at Chestnut Hill Country Club, performing at Chestnut Hill and Copley Plaza. From 1974 through 1975 Shelley participated in competitions throughout New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachussetts with Mrs. Tina’s Dance Studio (Gloucester,MA) in the ProAm Division. She has been dancing at Queen City Ballroom since 2007, performing in various showcases. Shelley also participated in classes and workshops by Ron Montez, Natalie Mavor and Bill Morganti.

Shelly can be contacted at shelly@queencityballroomnh.com.

Cheryl joined the Queen City Ballroom staff in June of 2012. A notorious non-dancer and natural born klutz, Cheryl opts to sit behind the front desk and facilitate the dance instructors and students. She has mad computer tech skills and a sense of humor to match!

When not at Queen City Ballroom, Cheryl works at Coderre Studios creating fine/commercial art and design. Her two adult daughters, fiancé, assorted relatives and friends, 3 cats, one dog, betta sorority and chocolate fill up the rest of her time.

Cheryl can be contacted at cheryl@queencityballroomnh.com.

Mary has been ballroom dancing since 1998. She also has a background in ballet, jazz, and square dancing. Mary works part-time as an administrative assistant for QCB, in addition to another job. She holds a BS in Statistics and Computer Science from the University of Delaware.

When she is not busy dancing, she enjoys activities such as hiking and backpacking, playing with her 3 dogs, camping, snowshoeing, yoga and tai ji, gardening, and biking.

Mary can be contacted at mary@queencityballroomnh.com.