Instructor Profiles
Meet the Stars of STARLIGHT dance center!
If merely reaching for the stars is no longer enough, good news! You can come to STARLIGHT and learn from them! Meet our cast of International Stars!
STARLIGHT'S RESIDENT COACHES
GIAMPIERO GIANNICO (Italy)
- Winner of the Italian Amateur Ballroom Championships in 1995 & 1996
- Blackpool Finalist in the Professional Ballroom division in 2004, 2010
- World Finalist and Semifinalist at the
United Kingdom Championship at the International
Giampiero is the Producer and the Director of the “Dance Evolution Project,” the state-of-the-art competitive training program for amateur and professional couples in residence at STARLIGHT dance center.
PAUL RICHARDSON (Australia) & OLGA RODIANOVA (Russia)
- World Finalists and Finalists at the
United Kingdom Championship
- Finalists at the International and Asian Open
- Former United States Champions
Paul and Olga have teamed up since 2003 and currently
represent England in international competitions.
ANDREW PHILLIPS (Belrus Former U.S.S.R.)
Andrew was born and raised in Belrus (the former U.S.S.R.), and started dancing at a young age. He is trained in the Ballroom and Latin Dances. After coming to the United States 13 years ago, he competed extensivley in the International Latin division in Europe and all over the United States. He is now dedicating his time training his students and is very successful competing with his students on the Pro/Am circuit.
LOUIS van AMSTEL (The Netherlands)
- European (1995) and World (1994 & 1995) Latin Amateur Champion
- Professional World Showcase Champion in 1996
- United States Professional Latin Champion in 2000
Louis is the Producer and Choreographer of the Broadway show “Latinfusion.” He is featured in the ABC television hit “Dancing with the Stars” dancing with Lisa Rinna, Kelly Osborne, Pricilla Presley and more. He is also involved with the Road Tour of “Dancing with the Stars.” His latest project is the Fitness Dance program "La Blast".
IAN FOLKER (Germany)
- World and British Exhibition Finalist
- Eastern US Latin and Ten-Dance Champion
A celebrated teacher, Ian was runner-up for the US Top Teacher Award. He is also and adjudicator for National and International competitions.
ANTON DOMANSKY (Ukraine)
- Former U.S. Ballroom Youth Champion
- Former U.S.10 Dance Youth Champion
- Finalist of many International competitions
- 3 x U.S. representative to the World Championships
Currently training with world class coaches in preparation for upcoming competitions.
CHARLES PARAGIAN (United States of America)
- Winner of all major Rising Star competitions in the United States
- Ranked in the top 12 overall
- Finalist in the US National Championship for American Style Ballroom
Charles has studied and competed in Ten-Dance Ballroom and Latin for many years. He also holds his license to judge and coach with I.S.T.D. and the North American Dance Teacher Association.
AGNES BARTMAN (Poland)
Agnes has been dancing and competing for many years. She is currently devoting her time to Pro/Am dancing in International Style Ballroom. Her teaching has produced students who have ranked 1st in the country in their respective divisions. Agnes is also known for her beautiful ball gown design and production.
VLADIMIR POPOV (Russia)
- Finalist in the Russian National Championships
- Semi-finalist in the Italian Championships
Vladimir has worked in Hong-Kong, Egypt, Korea, United Arab Emirates, and many other places. He holds a degree in Dance from the respected Moscow University of Art and Culture.
STARLIGHT's INSTRUCTORS
KATHARINA GIANNICO - MARKS (Germany)
- US Finalist in the American Style for many years
- Ranked in the top 24 at the United Kingdom Championships in the International Ballroom division
- Placed 7th in the Rising Star in Blackpool
- Won the Open in the World Rising Star Standard Championships in Miami
Katharina has represented the United States in Ballroom competitions in Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Greece. In 2003, she founded the STARLIGHT dance center and to whose direction and management she now devotes 100 percent of her talent and time.
Jessica Gittleman (USA)
Andres Santiago
Jill Keiser
Catty M.
STARLIGHT'S FUN & FITNESS INSTRUCTORS
CHRIS LIVSEY
Chris graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Theatre. He studied Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop at Broadway Dance Center in NY. He toured nationally and internationally with many Broadway shows including “Hair” and “Best of Broadway.” Chris has been teaching Jazz and Hip Hop for over ten years to virtually every age student at every level. He currently teaches acting at the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. Chris is a faculty member of our Performing Arts Program where he teaches our adult classes.
JO-ANN WATSON
Jo-Ann has studied Kundalini & Meditation at the well-known Kundalini East Center in New York for 5 years. She has been assisting her master for many years and has started teaching at STARLIGHT fit & dance. She is a certified Kundalini Instructor.
Catty M.
Paula
PERFORMING ARTS INSTRUCTORS
Kristen Cornelius
Heather Cornelius
Ashlee Wood
Catty M.
Jessica Gittleman
Daniele
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