Directors
Billy Fajardo
Billy Fajardo has over 30 years of dance performance experience. As a young man, he was the founder and lead performer of the Dance Dimensions, the internationally acclaimed dance company who appeared on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert from 1978-1982. He has appeared at Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Radio City and numerous top venues around the world. He has worked and choreographed for numerous headliners, including Gloria Gaynor, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Bob Hope, the list goes on. Film credits include "Carlito's Way", "Cross Over Dreams", and the recently released Summer of Sam. Look for Billy on the new UPN Series “South Beach” dancing with the lovely Vanessa Williams of "Dance with Me".
Daniel McGee
Daniel is founder and co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studio with locations in Philadelphia and Lancaster, PA. Since its grand opening in 1995, the strength of Top Hat Dance Studio has been attributed to his abilities, both as a dancer and an instructor. For over 15 years, Daniel has continued to teach, perform and compete in the Ballroom, Latin, and Hustle dance forms. He is currently one of the top ranked hustle competitors in the country and undefeated in the Pro/Am Theatre Arts Hustle division. Daniel served as Treasurer on the board of the International Hustle Dance Association (IHDA) for 5 years. Daniel now serves as President of the IHDA for the 2010-2012 term. In 2010, Daniel has partnered with Jameson and Kilburn and Billy Fajardo as owners of the Puerto Rico Latin Hustle Dance Competition held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Daniel and his partner Ginny Carey are the current World Hustle Champions. They won this title at the International Hustle and Salsa Competition in Orlando, Florida in April 2011.
With a score of "Highly Commended," Daniel received his Associate certification in International Standard by the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) in 2007. With as score of "Honors", Daniel received his ISTD Licentiate Theatre Arts certification in 2008. With a score of "High Honors" Daniel received his Bronze Associate certification in Hustle from IHDA/DVIDA in 2009. Daniel is also a member of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA.)
Choreographic credits include: International Hustle and Salsa Competition 2006; Stephanie Sands presents...2000, 2001 and 2002; Hempfield High School Dance Theatre Program 2001, 2002 & 2008; "La Boutique Fantasque" at the Fulton Opera House; "Oklahoma", "The King and I"," Fiddler on the Roof", "Little Shop of Horrors", "Annie" and "Hello Dolly!" at Garden Spot High School; excerpts of Top Hat Dance Studio's "Spirit of Dance" 2003, 2004, and 2005; "Evita" and "Gypsy" at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center; excerpts of "Voices of Christmas" at Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA.
Jameson Kilburn
Jameson is co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studio of Philadelphia and Lancaster where he can be found teaching group classes and private lessons in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, & Hustle. For the past 10 years Jameson has continued to study, teach, compete, and perform in the arena of professional partner dancing.
Recently Jameson received a score of "Highly Commended" on his certification examinations in the International Standard dancing in 2007 and also received a score of "with Honours" on his certification examinions in Theater Arts in 2008 with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Jameson is also a proud member of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) and has been an active board member of the International Hustle Dance Association (IHDA) for the past 5 years. He can be seen at many different dance events throughout the country teaching, judging, performing, and competiting and is best known for the way in which he "de-mystifies" the technical side of partner dancing to make it obtainable by everyone.
Jameson's dance career started in the theater where he was featured as a dancer in 'Kiss of the Spider Woman', 'Anything Goes', 'La Cage aux Folles', and most recently 'Evita'. Jameson has since enjoyed choreographing for competitive routines, shows throughout Pennsylvania, and most recently for 2008's installment of 'Dance Theater' in Hempfield, Pa. Jameson has placed in the Top 3 both in the Professional and Pro/Am divisions in numerous competitions; including the International Hustle & Salsa Competition, Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam, Big Easy Dance Classic, Dance Seattle, Philadelphia Festival Championships, North American Dance Championships, and the World Hustle Competition.
Jameson has always said, "Dance should be fun! And most importantly, it should be what you make of it". That statement can be seen in his approach to teaching, performing, and dancing in general. His greatest reward is helping a student achieve a goal; he views it as the best way of returning the favor to all of the wonderful coaches and teachers who have, and continue to help him, on this journey we call dance.