Our Staff
| Ken Richards Co-Director |
ken@blueballroom.net |
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Ken is a second generation dance instructor, has a Bachelors Degree from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Businees and a Masters Degree in business administration from Florida International University. He served as the Marketing Director for the International Franchise Headquarters of the Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios for 7 years, consulting studio owners around the globe and training the country's top dance teachers. He now serves in his second term as the elected Vice-President of DanceSport for USA Dance, the National Governing body for DanceSport in the USA. In this role, Ken administers the DanceSport Council, the DanceSport Rulebook and the National DanceSport Championships. In addition, Ken is the sole United States representative to the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF) and the National Dance Council of America (NDCA). |
| Ken, Carrie Ann Inaba, with US Amateur 10-Dance Champions Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov at the 2009 USA Dance National DanceSport Championships |
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| Roseanna Richards Co-Director |
roseanna@blueballroom.net |
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Roseanna has been a student and competitor of dance, training under the country's top instructors, since the 1970's. She has a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the Philadelphia College of Arts. She has run numerous businesses and is the person responsible for making the BlueBallRoom the studio that it is today. It was Roseanna's dream that brought this studio to life. She designed every aspect of the studio to optimize the dancers experience. |
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Ken and Roseanna on set with Carrie Ann Inaba of
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| Mike Nichols and Sarah Davis | |
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Mike started his athletic career studying Wu Shu Kung Fu and training for over 14 years. However, dance has become his number one passion as a teacher and competitor. Mike has his Bachelors in Human Resources from the University of Delaware and Masters in Education from Wilmington University. Though Mike has studied and competed in all four Ballroom categories, he is proficient in American Style. Mike and Sarah are both registered as professional competitors with the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) Recent dance achievements include WINNERS - '09 Ohio Star Ball Adult Championship Smooth Division, 7th place in the Championship Smooth Division of the USA Dance Nationals and 4th place in the Championship Smooth Division at the Embassy Ball. |
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Sarah recently graduated from the University of Delaware as a Bachelor of the Arts and Sciences. She started her competitive dance career in 2006, competing in American and International Styles. Currently, Sarah and Mike compete in American Smooth. She is proficient in the American Syllabus. Her favorite hobby is Salsa dancing. Recent dance achievements include 7th place in the Championship Smooth Division of the USA Dance Nationals, 4th place in the Championship Smooth Division at the Embassy Ball in California, and 1st place in the Ohio Star Ball for the Adult Championship Smooth division. |
| Emanuele Pappacena & Francesca Lazzari | Emanuele@blueballroom.net Francesca@blueballroom.net |
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Emanuele and Francesca are a remarkable couple that have joined our Studio all the way from Rome, Italy. Francesca owns and runs a Ballroom Dress shop where she is the head designer of LazzariDesign. Emanuele and Francesca are proficient in International Standard and Latin category. Emanuele and Francesca are both registered as professional competitors with the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) Recent competitive accomplishments include: 5th in the National US Professional 10-Dance Championships, 2nd place at the Embassy Ball's Rising Star Professional Standard Championships. |
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Vlada Martinek
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Vlada with his student Josie in the Pro/Am Competition at the 2009 Ohio Star Ball
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Vlada Martinek’s successful dancing career began in 1988 with the completion of the primary dancing courses in Jicin, Czech Republic, and meeting of his former dancing partner. Early in their career together, they became Champions of the Czech Republic in the Standard and Latin American Dance Competitions (Division E). Later, their commitment and passion for dance led them to compete in national as well as international events. In the 1990’s, their talent and ability was recognized when they became finalists at the National Championships in the Czech Republic for Standard dances in the highest level of Division M. In 1995, Vlada and his partner were invited to join the very prestigious national team. As one of the top three dancing couples on the national team, they participated in a competitive tour around Canada where they showcased their talents and won several first place trophies. Vlada's accomplishments of his dancing career since 1988
Multiple Czech Republic Pre/Championship Competition Wins each year from 1988-2001
Certified Ballroom Dance Competition Judge – Czech Republic
2001 Greece Thessaloniki, International Ballroom Dance Competition - Second Place
2001 Canada, Montreal, International Ballroom Dance Competition - Second Place 2001 Slovakia, Kosice, International Ballroom Dance Competition – Fifth Place 2001 Canada, Kingston, International Competition, IDSF - Sixth Place 1996 Canada, Toronto, International Ballroom Dance Competition - First Place 1996 Canada, Montreal International Ballroom Dance Competition - First Place 1996 Canada, Kingston International Ballroom Dance Competition - First Place 1995 Canada, Toronto, International Ballroom Dance Competition - First Place 1995 Canada, Montreal International Ballroom Dance Competition - First Place 1995 Canada, Kingston International Ballroom Dance Competition - 1st Place |
| Coach in Residence: Mazen Hamza |
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Mazen is currently 2nd place in the United States American Smooth Open Professional category. He has been a finalist for years in Open Professional Competition and Pro/Am as well. In 2007, Mazen and his previous partner took first place in the Ohio Star Ball Showdance Championships. Mazen continues to refine his technique, coach and choreograph many competitive students and professionals. |
For more information about becomming a dance host, please contact us 302-984-2583
Dance Hosts

Dave Russell

Jason Grassi
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Our receptionist, Samantha, with Dancing With The Stars' Johnathan Roberts

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