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My journey in the world of dance
My journey in the world of dance
I began my dance journey as an amateur in my hometown of Arad, Romania. I graduated from the Art Academy with a teaching degree in Modern Dance, later expanding my studies to include music and guitar. I continued my training in classical ballet, modern, jazz, ballroom, and Latin dance—first in Romania and later in the United States.
In 1985, after winning the National Championship in Ballroom and Latin with my partner, Liliana, along with earning first place at several other national festivals, I turned professional and relocated with my family to California, USA. There, I completed and graduated from the professional social dance training program at Arthur Murray Dance Studios, and continued teaching with Arthur Murray, Fred Astaire International, and various independent studios.
As a soloist with Ballet Repertory Theatre in California, I had the privilege of working with Antony, an extraordinary artist and winner of numerous international ballet competitions, as well as a guest performer with the Kirov Ballet. Watching him train and perform elevated my understanding of what it truly means to be a great dancer. Under his gentle guidance, I grew tremendously as an artist within the company. I performed in many classical productions, including Giselle, La Bayadère, The Blue Bird, and numerous productions of The Nutcracker, among others. To this day, I have never seen a dancer match his speed, elevation, and turns. He also directed one of the largest dance schools I have known, training hundreds of students—many of whom went on to win major competitions and join prestigious ballet companies as professionals.
In the early 1990s, I met Dee, the rehearsal director for the American Ballroom Theater Company, and was offered a position to dance with the company in New York City. During this time, I had the opportunity to collaborate with many talented Broadway choreographers, including the company’s founder and former World Champion, Pierre Dulaine—whose life in dance inspired the film Take the Lead, starring Antonio Banderas.
New York City was the most challenging and inspiring environment of my career—working alongside top dancers from around the world who came to the city to pursue their dreams.
My days began at 8:00 a.m. with stretching and weight training, followed by company class at 10:00 a.m., then rehearsals and individual practice at noon. By 4:00 p.m., after a quick slice of chicken pizza, I would head to Long Island, Verona, or Queens to teach ballroom. Around 10:00 p.m., I would grab Chinese takeout on the way home—unless traffic over the bridge from Verona kept me even later. The next morning, it all began again.
During this time, I had the privilege of meeting Madame Darvash Gabrielle, an extraordinary choreographer and dancer born just 50 miles from my hometown in Romania. A full-scholarship graduate and choreographer of the Kirov Ballet School, her ballet classes became a hub for principal dancers from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Broadway. As a guest in her classes, I had the opportunity to train alongside remarkable artists such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Medhi Bahiri, and Judith Fugate.
I also partnered and trained at times with Eva Evdokimova, whose discipline and drive were deeply inspiring—qualities perhaps matched only by her former partner, Rudolf Nureyev. I performed as a principal dancer with Darvash Ballet, Westchester Ballet, the American Ballroom Theater Company, and other regional companies.
Weekends were devoted to performances, competitions, ballroom coaching, and training.
In the ballroom world, I trained with numerous traveling coaches and former World Champions, including Michael and Vicky Barr, Karen and Marcus Hilton, Stephen and Lindsey Hillier, and many sessions with my main coach, U.S. Champion Bill Davies. I also worked with respected coaches such as Kerry Wilson, Amy Block, Pierre Dulaine, and Joe Jenkins—the first American to reach the finals at the World Championships.
In the late 1990s, the arts market suffered a major downturn. Companies struggled financially, performances were canceled, and contracts became scarce. It was a moment to reassess, refocus, and set new goals.
While teaching part-time in Verona, New Jersey, I was assisting longtime friend and supporter Vincent Bulger, owner of Fred Astaire International. He offered me a position in the Southeast region to coach teachers and competitive students, helping introduce International Standard and Latin styles to the area.
North Carolina soon became home. I worked with Fred Astaire Studios, Raleigh Ballet, Cary Ballet, and other local performing arts organizations. Saving diligently, I founded the nonprofit Broadway Dance Company and later a Tango Company, partially sponsored by the City of Raleigh. As Founder and Artistic Director, I coached and performed with the company throughout the East Coast.
During a period without a ballroom partner, I returned to martial arts training and earned my Black Belt in Karate and Brown Belt in Judo, winning multiple first-place awards in local and national tournaments.
In 2009, I moved to Arizona to be closer to family. There, I continued teaching, coaching, and competing in Ballroom and Latin, earning numerous first-place finishes and finalist placements with my partner, Lisa.
I found an artistic home at Phoenix Ballet, where I danced principal roles, stepped into needed positions, and coached many talented dancers. It was deeply rewarding to watch young students grow—from children dancing around the Christmas tree in The Nutcracker to finalists in national and international competitions, and eventually professional dancers with companies worldwide.
As a faculty member for Ballet Arizona, I taught regular classes and intensives, working with both students and company dancers on style, rhythm, and choreography.
For decades, I have been a member of the National Dance Council of America and am a certified championship-level adjudicator, choreographer, and scrutineer for national and international competitions.
For over 30 years, my life has been divided between the dance and high-fashion industries—another creative journey of its own.
My passions outside of dance include art, guitar and piano, gardening, nature, hiking, sculpting, painting, and woodworking.
The COVID-19 pandemic paused much of the dance and fashion industries, and my business partner retired during that time. In 2024, I moved to Payson to enjoy a quieter life closer to family and nature.
Today, I am here to share my knowledge and experience with like-minded individuals who love art, music, and dance—and who want to enjoy the beauty and joy of movement.
This is part of my journey. What is yours?
New classes are coming soon. The foundation of every ballroom dance is the walking step. If you can walk, you can dance. Let’s walk together and experience the art, beauty, and fun of dancing.
If you are a performing artist seeking new perspective and guidance in your dance journey, I am here to help.
The humble beginnings
A few of my clients
I have danced with and have done coaching and choreography for
I have danced with and have done coaching and choreography for
Phoenix Ballet, Ballet Arizona, Ballet Theater of Phoenix, Convergence Dance company, American Ballroom Theater Company, Darvash Ballet, Weschester Ballet, Raleigh Ballet, Stars Ballroom, Fred Astaire Dance studios, Arthur Murray Dance studios, Paragon Dance Center to name a few.
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