Officials

2024 Nationals Adjudicators & Officials

Organizing Committee Co-Chairs

KEN RICHARDS

DELAWARE

President, USA Dance

KEN RICHARDS

DELAWARE

Ken is a second-generation dance instructor, has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and a Master’s Degree in business administration from Florida International University. He served as the Marketing Director for the International Franchise Headquarters of the Arthur Murray Dance Studios for 7 years, consulting studio owners around the globe and training the country’s top dance teachers. And with all that experience and knowledge, his favorite activity is helping people learn to enjoy dancing which he does by running the BlueBallRoom Dance Studio in Wilmington, DE. After being recruited to serve the USA Dance Members in 2004 as the Director of Publicity, he served four terms as the elected volunteer Vice-President of DanceSport. In this role, Ken administered the DanceSport Council, the National DanceSport Rulebook and the National DanceSport Championships. Following this, he served as the Senior Vice-President of the organization, and assumed the role of President. He was elected again in 2020 as President – and currently serves in that role. In 2012 – due to the support and respect gained by a majority of countries in the WDSF and the need for change, he was the first person ever nominated from the floor to win the election to the Presidium over the Presidiums’ chosen candidate. He was re-elected to the Presidium in 2013 for a 4-year term. In 2015, after extensive studies in Europe, Ken became one of the first Certified Technical Examiners for the WDSF in the USA.

RENATA SHVARTS

NEW YORK

Education Director, USA Dance

RENATA SHVARTS

NEW YORK

Renata Shvarts is a retired professional competitor who is now highly in demand as an coach, choreographer, and adjudicator on the National and International level. She is a National Certified Adjudicator with USA Dance and a World Class Adjudicator for the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and the World Dance Organization (WDO). Additionally, she is a Chair of Judges with USA Dance, WDSF, and WDO – the first US based professional to achieve all 3 of these credentials. Her experience as an adjudicator and Chair includes National and World Championships. In addition to judging, Renata was a founder of both Basic Ballroom and Ballroom Hub Dance Studios in New York and is the co-organizer of the MAC and LA DanceSport Challenge. She previously organized the Islanders DanceSport Championships and the 2020 WDO Senior World Championships. Outside of dance, Renata holds Master’s Degree in Education, has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild of America (SAG), taken part in many events/theatrical and movie productions, and choreographed routines for Olympic level pairs figure skaters. In 2021 she returned to USA Dance leadership as the Director of Education and leads the organizations efforts to train athletes and professionals for success internationally as part of TeamUSA.

Chair & Co-Chair

Dan Calloway

MARYLAND

Chair, WDSF/WDO

Dan Calloway

MARYLAND

Dan has been competing professionally, coaching and judging for 40 years, repeatedly earning the distinctions of “Professional of the Year” and “Top Teacher” at many national level events and within numerous dance organizations. In 1985 Dan was the youngest dual fellow in the world with highly commended fellowships in the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, the London-based society, which embodies the world’s acknowledged leaders of the dance profession. Recent judging assignments have included France, Switzerland, Spain, Bolivia, and Canada. He has served as the Chairman of Judges at the North American and USA Dance United States National DanceSport Championships and many other national level events. Dan is also the DanceSport coach for the competitive DanceSport teams at Georgetown University and the University of Maryland, as well as serving as guest coach at numerous other universities, congresses, and dance camps, including moderating the professional discussion panels at key events in the United States. Dan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Religion and a Master of Arts degree in English Literature. WDSF Chairman of Judges, WDSF World Championship Adjudicator, WDSF A and Professional Division Adjudicator

Yuehwern Yih

INDIANA

Co-Chair, WDSF/WDO

Yuehwern Yih

INDIANA

Dr. Yuehwern Yih is a professional ballroom dancer, coach, choreographer, and adjudicator. She is a Certified Adjudicator by World Dancesport Federation (WDSF) in International Latin and Standard. She is a Championship Certified Adjudicator with North American Dancesport Teachers Association (NADTA) and USA Dance in both International Styles and American Styles. Yuehwern is also a Certified Scrutineer with National Dance Council of America (NDCA), and a Certified Chair of Judges with USA Dance. In addition to judging and choreographing, Yuehwern and her partner, Daniel, are head coaches of the Purdue Latin & Ballroom Dance Team. In 2010, the Team was invited to compete on Season 10 of Dancing with the Stars on Fox, they coached the dancers to a 1st round victory, and placed second in collegiate formation team competition at the finale. Yuehwern was finalists in many professional events and runner-ups in USA Dancesport Championships in a span of 15 years. She founded a college competition team at Purdue over 20 years ago. Each year Yuehwern is also the key person to organize the Purdue Ballroom Classic.

International Adjudicators

ARUNAS BIZOKAS

LITHUANIA

Adjudicator, WDO

ARUNAS BIZOKAS

LITHUANIA

Arunas was born in Vilnius, Lithuania. He started dancing when he was 7 years old. His mother loved Ballroom Dancing and so she took him to his first dance classes, which began as an after-school activity. Arunas, as a young boy, tried many different sports like football, basketball, and swimming, but it was the dancing that he eventually decided to stay with.

Arunas started dancing with Edita Daniute at the age of 13 and had very successful career in Juniors, Youth and Amateurs. They made their first finals in the European and World Amateur Championships when Arunas was only 19 years old. Together they won many titles including the WDSF World Amateur Champions, 2-time IWGA World Game Medalists, European, International, UK and British Championships.

Arunas began his partnership with Katusha Demidova in October 2007. The couple immediately became an unstoppable force. After only one month together, they swept the Ohio Star Ball Championships, and then two months later participated in the United Kingdom Open Championships where they placed second among all the best dancers in the world. It was an unbelievable result, which came as a surprise to many people, including Arunas and Katusha, who worked very hard preparing for this championships, but didn't expect to be awarded such high placing. They won their first World Championships title in September 2009 and remained undefeated afterwards! They retired from competition in 2019 after winning 10 World Championships, 8 Blackpool Dance Festivals, 9 UK Open Championships, 9 International Open Championships, among other titles. Today Arunas travels the world as a top judge, coach, and choreographer and is a founder of the World Dance Organization – where he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

CARMEN

GERMANY

Adjudicator, WDO

CARMEN

GERMANY

Carmen is one of the most accomplished professional and amateur Latin dancers of all times. She is a 9-time WDC World Professional Latin Dance Championship, a 7-time British Open Professional Latin American Championship, World Professional South American ShowDance Championship, and a finalist in all major professional championships. Before turning professional, she was a regular Amateur finalist in all championships. Today she travels the world as one of the most sought-after adjudicator, coach, and choreographer who represents Germany in the World Dance Organization (WDO) Board of Directors. Outside of competition DanceSport, she has been a choreographer for the hit television show So You Think You Can Dance.

SALVATORE TODARO

BULGARIA

Adjudicator, WDSF

SALVATORE TODARO

BULGARIA

Salvatore Todaro is a top WDSF judge, coach, and choreographer from Bulgaria specializing in international standard. He is the coach to many current top national and world championship finalists. Before retiring from competing, he achieved top placements in most competitions including UK Rising Star Amateur Champion, Blackpool Rising Star Amateur Ballroom Vice-Champion, German Open Rising Star Ballroom Vice-Champion, 11 times Bulgarian Amateur Ballroom National Champion, 2 times IWGA World Games Standard Finalist, WDSF World Amateur Ballroom Championship Finalist, WDSF World Cup Amateur Ballroom Champion, and WDC UK International Amateur Ballroom Finalist.

TOMAS VASICEK

CZECH REPUBLIC

Adjudicator, WDO

TOMAS VASICEK

CZECH REPUBLIC

Born and raised in Prague, Czech Republic, Tomas began dancing at age 12. He successfully won many titles as a Rising Star Champion and was an Open Professional Latin and American Rhythm finalist in multiple competitions across the US and Europe. Some highlights 2018 United States Mambo Vice Champion, Professional British Open championship - 2019 American Rhythm Finalist. After retiring from competitive dance he turned his attention to training the next generation of champions and judging competitions as a WDO licensed adjudicator representing the Czech Republic.

ASHLI WILLIAMSON

DENMARK

Adjudicator

ASHLI WILLIAMSON

DENMARK

Ashli Williamson is a highly sought after European lecturer, coach, and choreographer. Along with her husband and partner Bjorn Bitsch, she represented Denmark at most prestigieus DanceSport competitions throughout the world. Their many titles include Professional Standard World Champions, 2 times Standard Showdance World Champions, 7 times Ten Dance World Champions, and 19 times Danish National Champions. When not traveling the world coaching or judging, she is training top national dancers based out of JDS, one of the top Danish DanceSport Clubs located in Aarhus, Denmark.

USA Dance Adjudicators

ILYA BARMOTIN

NEW YORK

Adjudicator

ILYA BARMOTIN

NEW YORK

Ilya Barmotin is the owner of Basic Ballroom in Staten Island, New York and one of the studio’s main instructors. His trophy room houses awards from the World Cup, US Open, and South American Showdance. He is a current adjudicator for USA Dance.

HANNAH COLE

NEW MEXICO

Adjudicator

HANNAH COLE

NEW MEXICO

Hannah Cole is a teacher, coach, choreographer, certified adjudicator, studio owner and renowned trainer of teachers in the US. She is a former Rising Star Smooth finalist and has won numerous top teacher awards to most recently include 2021 Dance Vision Student Achievement Teacher of the Year. Hannah co-authored Dance Vision's Silver American Rhythm manual and is a Dance Vision Regional Examiner since 2006. In 2012, Hannah established the New Mexico State University degree granting DanceSport program. Through her direction, her students won 47 National and National Collegiate titles in just 3 years. In 2015 Hannah was honored with Congressional Recognition for her team’s achievements. She was the USA Dance Director of College Network for nearly 6 years. Hannah currently resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico where she is founder of the Sol Ballroom Dance Center and director of the state licensed Ballroom Dance Teachers College & Academy.

ALAN DIXON

CALIFORNIA

Adjudicator, WDO

ALAN DIXON

CALIFORNIA

Alan Dixon is originally from Windsor, Berkshire, England where he was a successful Amateur competitor, becoming a 3-time undefeated United Kingdom Ten Dance Champion. Upon moving to the United States, he turned Professional and began a successful professional career dancing with Debbie Avalos Kusumi.

Upon his retirement, Alan turned to coaching where he nurtured 3-time Amateur National Champions, Amateur U.S. National Finalists, 4 Blackpool Professional Rising Star Champions, 14 United States, 16 Ohio Star Ball and Embassy Ball finalists along with 16 U.S. National Professional Rising Star Champions. Alan Dixon has more than 35 years of dance experience and it is this depth of knowledge, experience and a life-long love of Ballroom Dancing that makes him a successful coach, choreographer, and adjudicator with the World Dance Organization where he serves on their Finance & Strategic Planning Committee.

VIKTORIYA DRUBETSKAYA

NEW YORK

Adjudicator / Invigilator, WDSF/WDO

VIKTORIYA DRUBETSKAYA

NEW YORK

Viktoriya Drubetskaya was a 1999 UK Open Professional Rising Star Finalist, 1999 USA Professional Rising Star Champion. 2001-2002 US and World Mambo Champion. 2002 US Professional Rhythm Finalist. As an amateur, she was a 1996 USA Amateur Latin Finalist as well as a Junior 10-Dance Finalist in Moldova. Since 2002, she has been learning about human body movement in depth in Laban Institute of Movement Studies, has studied Dance Notation via Language of Dance and Kestenberg Movement Profile. She has also been certified as Eric Franklin Level 3 movement educator. She has used her knowledge successfully, creating BESSI (Body, Effort, Shape, Space, and Imagery) to train top level junior, youth and adult competitors who were US representatives to many world championships.

DANA EDWARDS

OHIO

Adjudicator / Invigilator, WDSF/WDO

DANA EDWARDS

OHIO

Dana is a World DanceSport Federation and USA Dance Adjudicator, Invigilator, Scrutineer and a USA Dance Chairman of Adjudicators. She holds Aida Licentiate degrees in American Ballroom, Rhythm and Theatre Arts, as well as International Ballroom and Latin. She also has International Licentiate degrees in Ballroom and Latin with ISTD and WDSF. In addition, Dana holds Smooth and Rhythm degrees through FADS. Dana is a former professional competitor and was a Rising Star Rhythm Champion, as well as a Fred Astaire Professional American and Canadian Smooth Champion. She is the head coach of the competitive team at OSU. Dana manages her own studio in Hilliard, Ohio and is the Co-owner and organizer of the New World DanceSport competition, sanctioned by USA Dance.

LEE FOX

FLORIDA

Adjudicator / Invigilator

LEE FOX

FLORIDA

Lee, a Georgia native, now resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is the vicepresident and examinations chairman of National Dance Teachers Association of America (NDTA). He has been teaching Ballroom, Latin, and Disco since 1978, and Country/Western since 1991. He has licentiate degrees in International Standard and Latin Styles, American Rhythm, and Theater Arts Style with the American International Dance Association (AIDA). Lee has a member degree in American Smooth and Rhythm with the North American Dance Teachers Association, and his fellow degrees in American Smooth and American Rhythm Styles with the National Dance Teachers Association (NDTA). He is a certified adjudicator and invigilator with USA Dance. A former professional and pro-am ballroom competitor, he has judged and competed professionally in many competitions in the United States and abroad.

JAMI JOSEPHSON-CHACE

NEW JERSEY

Adjudicator

JAMI JOSEPHSON-CHACE

NEW JERSEY

Jami Josephson Chace has been dancing and performing since she was 5 years old and has over 100 amateur and professional titles in American Rhythm, Mambo, Salsa, and Merengue. Her extensive resume includes choreography for “Havana After Dark” at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, off-Broadway “Valentino”, and director/coach for “Latin Madness” in NYC. She has performed throughout the world, appeared in numerous TV shows, and commercials. She authored the Salsa and Hustle syllabus for Dance Vision (formerly DVIDA), created the manuals and examinations for professional instructors, and has over 20 instructional videos. She is a USA Dance Championship level adjudicator who has previously judged national and international competitions.

Vladimir Karpov

NEW YORK

Adjudicator, WDSF

Vladimir Karpov

NEW YORK

Vladimir has an impressive resume as a competitive dancer. His accomplishments include the following: WDSF World Latin American Freestyle Champion, two times WDSF World Cup Amateur Latin Champion, the European Cup Amateur Latin Champion, the World Games Latin American Freestyle Champion, Finalist in the European Amateur Latin Championships, the Russian National Champion in Latin American Freestyle, winner of the Russian National Championship multiple times, Russian National Champion in the Professional Latin Division, and runner up to the World Championship Professional Latin Division. Vladimir is sought-after as a coach and as a judge in many competitions. He holds an “A” license as a WDSF adjudicator. He is the former Vice President of the Professional DanceSport Council of USA Dance.

ANASTASIIA KRIVOSHEEVA

CALIFORNIA

Adjudicator

ANASTASIIA KRIVOSHEEVA

CALIFORNIA

Anastasia began her career in both International Ballroom and Latin disciplines in 2004 in Volgograd. In 2010 she represented Latvia and became a Latvian National Champion. Anastasia represented United States of America since 2016 and retired from competitive ballroom dancing in 2018 as USA Dance Champion in the Professional Standard division.

Achievements
- Winner of 2018 USA Dance National DanceSport Championship
- 2014 European 10 Dance Championship Finalist
- 2014 World 10 Dance Championship Finalist
- 2012 Under 21 Blackpool Dance Festival Semifinalist
- Bronze Medalist of 2014 GOC Rising Stars in International Standard
- National Latvian Champion in International Latin 2015
- National Latvian Champion in 10 Dance 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016
- Master of Sports in Russian Federation since 2010

ROMAN KUTSKYY

CALIFORNIA

Adjudicator, WDO

ROMAN KUTSKYY

CALIFORNIA

Roman is a dancer and choreographer, originally from Ukraine. He is a 5-time USA Vice-Champion of Latin-American dance, winner of all prestigious competitions in the USA, and semi-finalist of the World Championship. He became a trainer of top professional, amateur, and pro/am athletes who have gone on to win USA and World Championships.

He is the creator and producer of "Show Your Best Dance", a groundbreaking, innovative, all-inclusive, new type of dance competition where he is creating unique, powerful, creative, artistic experiences for both dancers and the audience.

Patti Panebianco

NEW YORK

Adjudicator, WDSF/WDO

Patti Panebianco

NEW YORK

Patti’s dynamic energy and charisma has allowed her to become a sought after adjudicator and invigilator for numerous USA Dance competitions as well as being the former treasurer and national committee member for the former US Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. She is the recipient of numerous championship titles in both Int’l Latin & American Rhythm styles. She has choreographed and performed in various stage, TV and movie productions, throughout the world including A Tribute to Gershwin, Wallflowering, Marconi Brothers, All my Children and Yo’Yo Ma’s Soul of the Tango. Working with children brings joy to her soul; she is a former Teaching Artist and Educational Liason with Dancing Classrooms Long Island and has recently volunteered her time judging The Colors of the Rainbow Team Match for DCLI. She holds licentiate certifications in all styles of dance with USISTD, ISTD and USTA. is a popular trainer for professionals and amateurs for their national certifications with the USISTD. She is also a “B” licensed World Class Adjudicator with World Dancesport Federation. For the past 19 years she has been the founder and owner of NY Dancesport Centre on Long Island. She founded Roll Call Wheelchair Dance LI. after becoming a certified teacher for Roll Call Wheel Chair dance. She has been working with people of all types of abilities for numerous years and enjoys touring the country coaching, adjudicating, invigilating & sharing her joy and knowledge of Ballroom dance. Patti is a passionate fundraiser encompassing such causes as Ballroom Barks! & Roll Call Wheel Chair Dance.

LESYA SINITSA

CALIFORNIA

Adjudicator, WDO

LESYA SINITSA

CALIFORNIA

Lesya Sinitsa had a very successful amateur and professional competitive career before retiring and becoming a top coach and adjudicator. Her competitive achievements include becoming the 3-Time US Amateur American Smooth Champion, US Amateur International Ballroom Vice Champion, US Professional Rising Star Ballroom Champion, US Professional Open Finalist, the Ohio Star Ball Ballroom Showdance Champion, and the Blackpool Professional Ballroom Semi- Finalist. She co-owns Lead and Follow Dance Studio in West Covina, California and recently received her Grand Master of Dance certification in Standard and Smooth from Dance Vision. She is currently a Championship Certified Adjudicator in Standard and Smooth and working toward her certification in Latin and Rhythm.

KARINA SMIRNOFF

CALIFORNIA

Adjudicator, WDO

KARINA SMIRNOFF

CALIFORNIA

Karina Smirnoff is one of the most accomplished DanceSport athletes of all time. She is a five-time U.S. National Champion, World Trophy Champion, and Asian Open Champion. She has won the title at the UK Open, is a three-time champion at the US Open, two-time champion at the Asian Open, five-time champion at the Dutch Open, and five-time US National Professional Champion. She is the British Open Blackpool Dance Festival Vice Champion and the first woman to reach the British Professional Final with four different partners. Off the competition floor, Karina became famous as a professional dancer on the hit TV show “Dancing with the Stars”, where she won the thirteenth season with Army veteran and soap opera star J. R. Martinez. She has also won two runner-up titles, a semifinal title, and several quarterfinal titles. She travels the world coaching top couples and judging top national and international competitions and currently represents the United States on the WDO Board of Directors and chairs their Finance & Strategic Planning Committee.

CHRISTOPHER SPALDING

INDIANA

Adjudicator

CHRISTOPHER SPALDING

INDIANA

Christopher Spalding was born and raised in Virginia where he received his BFA in Musical Theatre from the prestigious Shenandoah Conservatory. After college he embarked on a successful theatre career that took him all over the US including multiple national touring productions and Broadway. He then transitioned into the ballroom world where he met his wife and dance partner, Kelly Bartlett. Together they won 3 North American Titles and 1 World Title in American Smooth, Showdance, and Country Western. In 2013 they opened their school, The Fort Wayne Ballroom Company, and have continuously won top teacher and top studio awards around the country and internationally. In 2018 he made his return to the theatre world when he founded Summit City Music Theatre, a professional theatre company producing family-friendly musicals and plays in NE Indiana.

Irina Trebunskaya

CALIFORNIA

Adjudicator / Invigilator, WDSF

Irina Trebunskaya

CALIFORNIA

Dance Vision National Examiner In Standard, Latin , Smooth and Rhythm
WDSF and USA Dance Certified adjudicator
USA Dance Invigilator

As a Professional dancer Irina competed in Latin, Standard, 10 -dance, and later in USA in Smooth. Irina successfully participated in many competitions in Russia, USA and Europe. She is Russian National Pro Latin-American Showdance Runner-up. Irina’s students won the USA Dance Nationals in Youth Standard and many other National and International Competitions in Standard and Latin.

Irina is the Organizer of Hot Ballroom Dancesport Challenge Competition in Los Angeles. Irina is the President of Dance-It-Up , 501(C)3 non-profit Organization. She owns You Can Dance Studio In Hermosa Beach together with her daughter Anna Trebunskaya.

KARITA YLI-PIIPARI

GEORGIA

Adjudicator, WDSF

KARITA YLI-PIIPARI

GEORGIA

Karita, together with her husband Sami, is a former 15 times Finnish National Champion in Standard, Latin, and 10-Dance (professional and amateur categories) and WDSF 10-Dance World Cup Vice-Champion and Europe Cup Bronze medalist. In addition, Karita is 1997 World Games Standard Semifinalist. She is an International and United Kingdom Professional Rising Star finalist (standard) and Blackpool (standard) and International (latin) Championships Rising Start Semifinalist. She has won numerous prestigious WDC and WDSF titles including North European, Universal, Finnish Open, Malaysian Open, Singapore Open, King’s Cup to name few. Karita is an experienced dance sport coach traveling around the World.

DIPLOMAS
WDSF Adjudicators License 2.0 (Latin and Standard) WDSF Professional Division Adjudicators License USA Dance Adjudicators License (Latin and Standard)

DANCE EDUCATION
1998 Professional Examination 1 Finnish Dance Teachers’ Association 2000 Professional Examination 2 Finnish Dance Teachers’ Association 1999 Associate Latin International Dance Teachers Association 1999 Associate Standard International Dance Teachers Association 1999 Member Latin International Dance Teachers Association 1999 Member Standard International Dance Teachers Association

CHRISTINE ZONA

PENNSYLVANIA / NEW YORK

Adjudicator, WDO

CHRISTINE ZONA

PENNSYLVANIA / NEW YORK

Christine Zona has been teaching and competing in ballroom dance since 1980. She has competed professionally and was a finalist at many events in the International Standard and Latin and the American Ballroom divisions. During her Pro/Am competing days, Christine and her student won the title of United States Pro/Am Male American Smooth Champion. She has also published, through Human Kinetics, a how to dance book, “Gotta Ballroom,” which includes the American style ballroom dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz. Currently, she divides her time coaching and teaching between Pittsburgh, PA and New York City. She is a certified instructor of Maja Serve’s Body School System and an adjudicator with North American Dance Teachers Association and USA Dance. Christine is the International Ballroom dance coach at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, and is also a visiting coach at various universities. As a member of the Collegiate Network Executive Committee in USA Dance, she has helped to create programs for college students and plan USA Dance Collegiate Nationals.

A+B+C+D+E+

Van Hoang

CANADA

Co-Emcee

Van Hoang

CANADA

Van Hoang has been involved with Ballroom Dancing for more than 20 years and started out learning social dancing at a local dance studio in Calgary, AB. He was instantly hooked and after a few years, started dancing competitively, focusing on International Latin. He has volunteered in various positions at dance competitions, has been music director at dance competitions, emcee at dance competitions, organized dance competitions and is now involved with Ballroom Dancing by being scrutineer and registrar for many competitions across Canada. He has served as a Director on the DanceSport Alberta board and was involved with organizing the various DSAB sanctioned events, most notably serving on the organizing committee for the 2015 Canadian Closed Championships. Van is a certified scrutineer with CDF (Canadian DanceSport Federation) and has scrutineered CDS local and national level events, WDSF World and Open Championship level events and CDF/NDCC local and national level events that includes the DanceSport Series Pro-Am competitions.

RICKY SEMLITZ

MARYLAND

Co-Emcee

RICKY SEMLITZ

MARYLAND

Ricky found the arts in his middle school choir as a compromise to continue playing soccer. Singing led to musicals and then tap dance in high school. In college, his ambitions to join an acapella group fell short, but along the way he met a friend who dragged him to the Ballroom at Maryland club. Over the course of his ballroom journey, Ricky organized DC DanceSport Inferno for ten years and Dance Legends for three. To stay in touch with the ballroom scene, Ricky continues to MC events like DCDI, USA Dance Nationals, Mid-Atlantic Championships, American DanceSport Festival, and the Manhattan Amateur Classic. On occasion, you can even find Ricky dabbling as a scrutineer or chair of judges at local DC amateur judged competitions.

Todd Wakefield

UTAH

Music Director

Todd Wakefield

UTAH

Todd Wakefield discovered his love for dance as a freshman at Brigham Young University. He met his wife Alison when they were set up as partners. They competed in 10-dance but mostly focused on the Ballroom style, where they were Amateur Championship finalists. They were members of the BYU Ballroom Touring Team for 4 years, where they performed to audiences in 14 different countries. Todd graduated form BYU with a degree in Statistics and he works full-time as the Manager of Global Market Research at Nu Skin in Provo. He is currently an adjunct faculty member in the Utah Valley University Ballroom Dance department. He is also a board member of the non-profit youth ballroom dance organization Danzinskule, a certified scrutineer and music director for USA Dance and co-organizer of a few USA Dance events that will be held in Utah throughout the year. In his 25+ years of dance experience, he has competed at the amateur championship level, directed college and high school teams, coached a US National Champion couple and choreographed routines for all levels of dancers. In the rare event that he has some free time, Todd enjoys just about anything that gets him outside, especially biking, skiing, golf or climbing...and even better if he can get his kids to do it with him. He and Alison have four children.

Ruslan Wilder

NEW YORK

Assistant Music Director

Ruslan Wilder

NEW YORK

Ruslan Wilder started dancing at the age of 6 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Had a successful dance career as amateur in Russia with a few other partners prior to moving to US in 1997. After getting married to Katusha in 2002 they continued their amateur and professional dance career together. Since than they have acquired many various top titles as amateurs and professionals in US and around the World in Dancesport Industry today. Some of the titles include: Owner of Hudson Dance Studio, Owner of Championship Dance Camps, Owner of Independence Day Ball Dance Camp, Multiple Time United States Professional 10-Dance Finalists , Multiple Time World Professional 10-Dance Finalists , Multiple Time US Representatives to the World Championships , North American Ballroom and Latin Champions, United States Professional Rising Star Standard Finalists, US Open to the World Professional Rising Star Standard Finalists, Top 24 British Open Professional Ballroom, 2012 US Representatives to the World Professional Standard (Ballroom) Championships Together they have performed shows for such stars as Steve Wynn, Aprille Millo, Nigel Lythgoe, and have been featured as a star performers for Capezio 125th Anniversary and major TV networks such as ABC, NBC, FOX, TNT, CNN. In addition to teaching at their studio: Hudson Dance Studio, judging, coaching and performing shows Worldwide, Ruslan and Katusha Wilder are Owners of Championship Dance Camps and Organizers of Independence Day Ball Dance Camp which takes place annually on July 4th weekend in Washington, DC.

Daniel Dilley

INDIANA

Scrutineer

Daniel Dilley

INDIANA

National Judge, USA Dance registered; Certified by the North American Dancesport Teachers Association (NADTA) and World Dancesport Federation (WDSF); Certified Scrutineer (by NDCA) with extensive experience, and enough equipment to run O2CM wireless judging for 30+ judges. Cincinnati Ballroom Classic Rising Star Champion; Volunteer State Rising Star Champion; Finalists in many US competitions; Daniel is head coach of the Purdue Latin & Ballroom Dance Team, which has about 125 members each semester, requiring competitive coaching in all levels from Newcomer to Champ. Daniel also co-organizes the annual Purdue Ballroom Classic Competition, which attracts more than 400 collegiate ballroom dance competitors each year in the Midwest.

Ben Haut

OHIO

Assistant Scrutineer

Ben Haut

OHIO

DAPHNA LOCKER

NEW YORK

Registrar

DAPHNA LOCKER

NEW YORK

Daphna has been a competitive ballroom dancer for many years, starting as a Pro/Am competitor making the Pro/Am Adult Open Championship finals at the United States DanceSport Championships. Then she started dancing Am/Am and worked her way up the ranks from Bronze to Finalist in the Open Standard Senior I at the USA Dance National Championship in Minneapolis. She has served USA Dance in multiple capacities including two terms as National Secretary and Chair of National Organizing Committee for Nationals 2008- 2014. Daphna is part of the organizing team for The MAC. She is a former DanceSport Rules Official and is currently serving as the Vice President of DanceSport Ballroom Division. When not working in the ballroom world, Daphna is a full-time Psychologist working in an inner-city hospital on the Psychiatric Unit with people with serious mental illnesses.

DANIEL BOMAN

CALIFORNIA

Deck Captain

DANIEL BOMAN

CALIFORNIA

Daniel was born in San Diego, CA but has lived all over the country including Minneapolis and Atlanta. He has been dancing for over a decade, and while he enjoys all styles, he specializes in Smooth and Standard. Daniel often works as scrutineer, and taught ballroom dance throughout college. He has always had a desire to make dance more accessible and works tirelessly to improve both his competitions and his competition management software, Ballroom Comp Express.

TIFFANY BOUQUET

CALIFORNIA

Deck Captain

TIFFANY BOUQUET

CALIFORNIA

Tiffany is an Atlanta native, though she now lives in San Francisco with her husband. She started ballroom dancing in college, and has been dancing ever since. She was heavily involved in leading the college competition team, and now owns 2 competitions. She loves smooth and standard, and dances west coast socially. Tiffany has done several years of volunteer work for various competitions as deck captain, and loves learning how to make the competition experience better.

MYRA COFFIELD

MARYLAND

DRO Lead

MYRA COFFIELD

MARYLAND

Myra Coffield is a creative geek and a longtime veteran of the professional theatre community in her first career as a production stage manager and lighting designer. Always being behind the scenes, she took her first ballroom class on a dare and was hooked. A stickler for detail, Myra has been a student of ballroom technique, earning her Licentiate diploma in International Ballroom from the former US Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. She loves being in the ballroom and volunteers regularly at competitions. A National volunteer, she serves as the webmaster for USA Dance as well as the DanceSport Rules Officials Team Lead. When she is not volunteering for USA Dance, Myra makes documents and websites accessible to people with disabilities at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She was thrilled to be named the USA Dance 2022 Volunteer of the Year.

DanceSport Rules Officials

MARGOT GARNICK

NEW YORK

DanceSport Rules Official

MARGOT GARNICK

NEW YORK

Margot Garnick joined USA Dance in 2014. Since then, she has served as secretary and president of the Greater NY Chapter #3004 as well as National Director of Membership and a Dancesport Rules Official. When not volunteering with USA Dance, Margot works as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She also enjoys hiking, training her dog, and playing with her three cats.

Sharon Jones

MASSACHUSETTS

DanceSport Rules Official

Sharon Jones

MASSACHUSETTS

Sharon recently retired after serving 40 years in the health care industry in executive leadership positions. She served on several non profit boards in Ohio & Massachusetts. She has been an amateur, competitive ballroom dancer for over 20 years. Other than dancing and working as a DanceSport Rules Official for USA Dance, her hobbies include traveling, gardening and reading.

Andrea Mirenda

MINNESOTA

DanceSport Rules Official

Andrea Mirenda

MINNESOTA

Andrea Mirenda (she/her) is celebrating 30 years as a ballroom dance educator! She is an experienced choreographer, multi-studio owner, regional director, and competition and event organizer. Andrea coaches college dance teams, trains and competes with students of all genders in Pro-Am events, and judges and MCs competitions. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Heart of Dance, a MN nonprofit that delivers the Dancing Classrooms program of Mad Hot Ballroom fame in elementary and middle schools, and is the creator of Dance for Life, a mental and physical wellness program for older adults designed to delay or diminish the effects of dementia. In addition, Andrea is a member of the DanceSport Council of USA Dance as the national co-chair of the Gender Neutral Committee and has served on the K-12 education committee. Having been diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 18 months old, Andrea credits ballroom dancing with keeping her out of a wheelchair and is passionate about sharing the healing powers of partner dance with the world!

SVETLANA KHALETSKAYA

DELAWARE

DanceSport Rules Official

SVETLANA KHALETSKAYA

DELAWARE

Svetlana Khaletskaya joined USA Dance in 2021. Since then, she has served as the Breaking Division Secretary and recently as Dancesport Rules Official. When not volunteering with USA Dance, Svetlana enjoys travel, reading and playing tennis. .