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 and Roseanna on set with Carrie Ann Inaba of
Dancing With The Stars

mnichols@blueballroom.net
sdavis@blueballroom.net

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. Sarah studied and graduated from the University of Delaware with her Bachelors Degree in History. Her favorite hobby is Salsa Dancing!  Though Mike and Sarah have studied and competed in all four Ballroom categories, they are proficient in American Style.
 Between training for competitions, Mike and Sarah are studying for their Licentiate exam to become Judges.

Mike and Sarah are both registered as Professional Competitors with the National Dance Council of America (NDCA)

• 7th place in the Championship Smooth Division of the USA Dance Nationals,2009
• 4th place in the Championship Smooth Division at the Embassy Ball in California,2009
• 1st place in the Ohio Star Ball for the Adult Championship Smooth division, 2009
• Rising Star Finalists at the Tri State Challenge, 2010
• 2nd place Rising Star and 4th place Open Professional at the 2010 Maryland Dancesport Championship
• 4th place Open Professional at the Philadelphia Festival, 2010
• 2nd place Open Professional at the American Star Ball, 2010
• 5th place Rising Star and Open Semi Finalists at the Yankee Classic, 2010
• Rising Star Finalists, Millenium Dancesport Championships, 2010
• 2nd Place Rising Star and 4th Place Open Professional at Virginia State Championships, 2010

 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: 

• 2010 1st - Startdust Open, Professional Standard Championship
• 2010 3rd - TriState Challenge Open Professional Standard
• 2009 5th in the National US Professional 10-Dance Championships
• 2009 2nd place at the Embassy Ball's Rising Star Professional Standard Championships.

Vlada Martinek

vlada@blueballroom.net

Vlada with his student Josie in the Pro/Am Competition at the 2009 Ohio Star Ball

 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 continued his very successful dancing career through to 2001.  In addition to his competitive dancing career, he opened and operated five dance studios in the Czech Republic before he came to the United States in 2005.
In addition to his achievements as a dancer, Vlada has many other accomplishments in his life.  He earned a Masters Degree in Management with a specialty in Monetary Policy at the European University of Economics in Prague, Czech Republic.  He also studied at the Palackeho University where he obtained the highest dance degree as a qualified dance instructor and judge.
Presently, Vlada holds a Green Card based on his distinguished status as an individual of Extraordinary Ability.  Today, he shares his amazing talents with his students at the BlueBallRoom in Wilmington - DE.

WELCOME OUR NEWEST STAFF MEMBER... Salsa Specialist DARLIN GARCIA!

Check out his new salsa classes starting June 10th... See the calendar for more details!!

darlin@blueballroom.net

Darlin has been teaching, performing, competing, and choreographing salsa for 10 years.  He started his own dance company (Art In motion Latin dancers) and has taught and performed all over the country and internationally in places such as Japan, Holland, Ireland, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico, Puerto rico, Dominican Republic.

Darlin placed 3rd in the 2006 ESPN World Salsa Championships. 

He is in the process of moving to DE  with his family and the BlueBallRoom will become his new home for teaching.

Dance Hosts

Dave Russell  

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

For more information about becomming a dance host, please contact us

302-984-2583

info@blueballroom.net