Instructors & DJs
Instructors
Tito Ortos & Tamara Livolsi
Ortos J. Gutierrez Ortiz, better known as Tito Ortos, Tito started his carrer as a Salsa Dancer by his parents initiatives. Also he is an outstanding dancer of other genres such as: Jazz, Merengue, "Bomba y Plena", Rumba, Modern Dance, among others. Since then, he has visited more than 30 cities worldwide giving performances and classes, with his wife and dance partner Tamara Livolsi. They both participates yearly in congress around the world. Tamara Livolsi, was born in Argentina but was raised in Puerto Rico, she inherited from her mother the art of dancing. With more than 20 years experience, trained in various dance disciplines like: jazz, ballet, hip hop and others, makes her a versatile dancer and instructor. She has worked for artists like: Luis Fonsi, David Bisbal, Manny Manuel, Ednita Nazario , Yuri y Wilkins among others. Both of them have participated in various television commercials, dance videos and movies such as, "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights", Yellow, El Cantante: Hector Lavoe y American Gangster, as dancers. Also they own and operated Rhythms Dance Studio, with Danny Lugo choreographer.
As a performer, she has assembled a wide range of credits stretching from cabaret revues, to theatre to television and feature films. She is a member of both Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association. Beginning her performance career as a showgirl aboard the Cunard NAC Cruise Line, she later branched out to do commercials and feature films. Just a few of her credits include "A Chorus Line: The Movie" the television show "The Equalizer" and "Miami Vice". In addition to her many singular accomplishments, Katie is also half of the world renowned dance team Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow. They are considered to be one of the most highly accomplished and versatile dance teams in the world. They are the 2002 IDO World Champions for both Hustle and Cabaret Exhibition. They are the only couple in the history of the United States to hold two concurrent world championship titles in the same year. Other titles include 2000 US Open Cabaret Champions, 1999 United States Hustle Champions, 2002 NADC Cabaret Champions. Katie is also the organizer, along with Billy, of the renowned International Hustle and Salsa Competition (IHSC) which will be going into its eighth consecutive year. To read more on Billy and Katie please go to: http://www.billyandkatie.com
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 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.) 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 examinations 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 competing 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. Jennifer is a full-time salsa instructor, performer, choreographer and event organizer. She is the founder and director of STEPS Dance Studio in Toronto and has taught workshops in Puerto Rico, Europe, Central & South America, the U.S. and Canada. Jennifer is the organizer of the annual Canada Salsa Congress, the largest salsa congress in Canada, as well as the Canadian Salsa Championships, the first qualifier in Canada for the World Salsa Championships. Jennifer has been part of the judging panel for the World Salsa Championships televised on ESPN for the past four years and has judged competitions in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Detroit, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Founder of Disco America Dance Championships......Philadelphia's own Donna was the regional dance champion on the national TV show "Dance Fever". For 20 years, she has been competing performing, and exciting audiences with her polished and sensual style. Donna is the choreographer and principal dancer of the "Disco America Dance Troupe". She performed for acts such as: Billy Crystal, Tu-Pac, Sammy Hager, Deney Terrio of Dance Fever, etc. Her TV credits include: Discophonic scene and on the air with the Geater; 1999 QVC National Dance Promotion; 2 appearances at the Phillies game with the Phillie Phanatic; Good Day Philadelphia (with Dick Clark); 1999 PBS show "Dancing" aired in England; and two appearances on the CBS nationally syndicated competition " Dance Fever" in Los Angeles. She was director and choreographer for Radio 95.7 Jamming Gold dancers and one of the top 3 winners at the Harvest Moon Ball. Her performances in Atlantic City include: the Tropicana Hotel, Ballys Hotel, Resorts and Ceasars Hotel. Donna was one of the Event Directors for Hustle USA 1995.
Donna has been teaching, coaching and promoting Hustle in the Philadelphia area as well as traveling throughout the United States to conduct workshops and promote her dance event Disco America. She is also the proprietor of Party Pros Entertainment. Donna's success is evidenced by her awards and participation in competitions . She is currently on the teaching staff of Sandy Fortuna's Universal DanceSport Center (NJ), Tophat Dance Studio (PA), and Dance Manhattan Studio (NY). Ginny is from Lancaster PA where she began dancing at the age of 2. Studying under Carolyn Trythall she completed her intermediate Cecchetti Syllabus ballet examinations and performed for 4 years with the Ballet Theater of Lancaster. While in Lancaster she was also part of the Ukraine’s Donetsk Ballet’s “Nutcracker” for 10 years, performing more than 10 roles including ‘Clara’. Her 14 years as a competitive gymnast have also had a great influence on her dancing career. After attending the University of the Arts, studying ballet, tap, jazz, modern and partnering, performance and choreography, Ginny now calls Philadelphia home. She currently teaches at Top Hat Dance Studio where she performs with ladies salsa company “Ahi Nama” and is professional competitive partners with owner Daniel McGee. Most recently they have placed in the top 3 at several competitions including IHSC, Mad Jam, Disco America, Miami Dance Magic, and Hooray for Hollywood. Elizabeth has been dancing for many years with an extensive repertoire in Ballet, Jazz, and Ballroom with Hustle as her main love. She has taught ballroom and hustle for the Battista Dance Studio, Stepping Out Dance Studio, Sandra Cameron's Studio and Authur Murrays. Her unique style has also been recognized in front of the camera by both the film and television industries. She taught hustle workshops for the NY Julliard School of Dance, Lincoln Center Swing Fest and she was assistant instructor for the stage production of "Saturday Night Fever" in the National Theater, Santo Domingo. As a performer she has been part in many Theatrical numbers performed at many venues. As a choreograher she has been touching the realm of show productions which is attributed to Arte Phillips. She has just finished Directing and Choreographing the 2011 Disco America Show Production "Laugh-in". She is also the proud recipient of the 2009 Arte Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award.
Louis' expert lead and rythym has gained him great exposure. Louis has judged for many events and has danced for the film and television industries. He teaches in NY/NJ as an independent instructor. Louis is now the recent recipeint of the 2011 Arte Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award.
Together their teaching is fun and informative where they have a chemistry that will have you wanting more. They are top competitors in the Pro hustle divisions. Their diverse style in Hustle has been the hallmark of their career.
Shay Dixon is becoming well known through-out the dance community for his unique style and charisma in Partnership Dancing. His love and passion for music and dance has led to substantial success on and off the competition floor. Over the past three years, under the leadership of Ralph Ramirez & Billy Farajdo, Shay and his former partner Michelle have captured 5 Professional Championship titles and placed top 6 in the World in Cabaret at USDC (the most prestigious ballroom competition in the country). They have captured 2 Pro championship titles in Cabaret, 2 Pro Hustle Championship titles, 1 Pro Triple threat title and they won the World Hustle Championship title in 2009 at IHSC. They have also been featured performers in numerous shows across the country. Just this year, Shay was chosen by Maria Torres to represent her Dance Company in New York City at City Center. He was also the MC for the International Hustle and Salsa Competition in Miami. Shay is extremely excited about what the future holds for his dance career and has plans for being more involved with spreading Hustle and Salsa throughout the community. (The Dance Doctor) is about winning and being the best you can be at any given time. He was born and raised in New York, New York. At age 11, he was introduced to partner dancing when a classmate's parents paraded a variety of dances right in their living room. His thirst for excellence compelled him to study under some of the finest instructors and coaches to lead him to compete in an array of dances such as: American and International styles of Ballroom/Latin, Hustle, East/West Coast Swing and Salsa. Known for his trademark technique during his 45+ years of dance experience, Wingo has amazingly won over 535 first place titles and achieved 33 Jack and Jill first placements. He is one of the very few instructors that are certified (lead and follow) in 10 different American styles (full bronze and silver) and in Hustle (full bronze). In 2006, Wingo and his partner Angela McCabe were the Amateur Hustle Dancers of the Year recognized by the International Hustle Dance Association. On June 20, 2007, he made his professional debut teaching American Waltz. Soon after that, at the Disco America weekend, Wingo's students earned 8 placements. A few weeks later, he proceeded to earn the Top Teacher Award at the World Hustle Dance Championships. In February of 2009, Wingo reuniting with his first fulltime dance instructor Evie Hoover won first place on Dancing with the Stars, the tour version in front of about 6,000 people at the Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. International Hustle Dance Association's Top Male Professional Competitor in 2009. Disco America's Top Male Hustle Teacher in 2009. Disco America's Top Male Overall Teacher in 2010. Currently he is the reigning 2011 Top Male Ballroom Teacher at Disco America. A familiar presence in the Hustle, Swing and Salsa community by competing and teaching in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia area, Connecticut, around the country, and Puerto Rico. His "magic touch" is not limited to a lifetime of dancing. Wingo is also an very accomplished 10 pin bowler. He has 5 sanctioned perfect 300 games, capturing 4 New York City team tournament titles, 2 double tournament titles, 30 1st place league titles, numerous high average, high series, and high game awards, and a most improve award. Also, he wears a Martial Arts First Degree Black Belt. Yes, you can ask him which style. For information on lessons, please call 917-817-2020 (anytime) or write to WingoStarDancer@aol.com. Raul & Yesenia Santiago
Bio to be posted. Luis was a feature dancer in the film, Center Stage, and has been awarded a lifetime achievement award by the LA Salsa Congress for his contribution to Latin Music & Dance. Mary Ann was a feature dancer in the films, Summer of Sam, and Diega. Mary Ann also has a background in competitive gymnastics. They both have twenty five plus years of experience training in hustle, salsa, jazz and theater arts. They partnered together 10 years ago and started the professional dance team of the Latin Dance Connection. Luis & Mary Ann have been top competitors in hustle and theater arts. Luis & Mary Ann are well known for their explosive and entertaining performances along with their expertise in theatrical lifts. They hold placements & titles in international competitions such as the International Hustle and Salsa Competition, Theater Arts Division; World Hustle Dance Championships, World Open Hustle Division, & Professional Hustle Division; Disco America, Theater Arts Division; The Hustle Congress, Theater Arts Division, and House Dance International, Hustle Division. They were voted favorite dance couple in Ron Bess's Dance Talk Newsletter for 2003, and are the World Professional Just Hustle Dance Champions for 2004, and House Dance International Hustle Champions for 2009. Some of their television credits include: the Disco Explosion, CBS Sunday Morning News, CBS Taping of the NY Disco Exhibition and the Christina Show. Luis and Mary Ann have been in the Asbury Newspaper and the New York Sun. They perform and teach throughout the world. You can often find them performing alongside many of the famous artists of the Disco Era. Luis and Mary Ann train and choreograph adult and children dance teams. They worked many years for David Melendez choreographing and training the Starlite Kids. They teach independently and are also guest artist instructors at Dance Sport, NY. Together, they share the passion of dance and work hard to keep the spirit of dance alive. They are proud recipients of the 2011 Disco America Achievement Award. Joyce has been Hustle dancing and competing since the mid 70's. She is committed to it's establishment throughout the United States and in 1994 she chose to dedicate herself full time to raising the awareness of Hustle as an art form in the dance communities of the Washington and Baltimore areas. She is responsible for keeping it alive in the DC area through her very popular "Monday Night Hustle Classes and Dance Party" at Elan DanceSport Center, where all the best dancers in the area have been uniting on a weekly basis for over 9 years.
For the past 12 years Joyce has instructed, judged and DJ'd at many national and regional dance events including, the Virginia State Open Swing Dance Championships(VA), the "Easterns" Country Western Dance Championships(VA), Swing Fling Dance Championships(VA), the International Hustle & Salsa Competition(MIAMI), the Chesapeake Jubilee Country Western Dance Championships(BAL), the Disco America Dance Championships(PHILADELPHIA) and Hustle USA(NYC).
In the early 80's Joyce appeared on the syndicated dance show "Dance Fever" and in the video "Shake Your Groove Thing" with Peaches and Herb. More recently, she has appeared twice on Washington's Fox 5 Morning News teaching and promoting the Hustle. She has successfully competed nationally with professional and amateur partners and has received numerous Top Female Teacher Awards at every National Hustle event on the circuit.
Joyce is on the Board of Directors of the International Hustle Dance Association, serving as Communications Editor.
She is the director, coach and choreographer for 2 local Hustle Dance Teams, an advanced/pro team and a beginner team. 
Katie Marlow
Billy Fajardo 
Daniel McGee
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
Jennifer Aucoin
Donna Boyle
Ginny Carey
Elizabeth Darchi & Louis Orlando
Shay Dixon
Wingo Hom
Luis & Mary Rosa
Joyce Szili