Metropolitan Dance Center

Vladimir Skrylnikov

Metropolitan Dance Center — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 02:52:01 +0000

Vladimir comes to us from Moscow, Russia where he began dancing in 1994. Vladimir’s dance accomplishments were many. He ranked 3rd in International Latin with his partner at the Voronezh Open in 1997, won the 10 Dance Championship in 1998 at the same event and went on to become a finalist in the International Style. Since moving to the United States in 2006, Vladimir has expanded into the American Style, starting in Maryland and eventually moving to Connecticut and Metropolitan Dance Center as his new home.

Lauren Schelfhaudt

Metropolitan Dance Center — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 01:03:10 +0000

Lauren started dancing at the age of 15, beginning as a Ballroom and Latin student in Andover, Massachusetts, where she became an accomplished dancer and successful Pro/Am competitor. Lauren became a New Yorker after graduating from Merrimack College in 2006 and has used her degree in Languages and Business to form a successful career as a Professional Teacher in the Ballroom Dance industry, becoming a National Latin Champion with the Fred Astaire organization in 2010.

Lauren joined the Metropolitan Dance Center in 2011 and is a bright new star and welcomed addition to the Metropolitan Team, not only teaching all styles in private instruction, but specializing in Wedding Couples and high energy group classes. Lauren’s positive attitude and caring hands on approach to teaching definitely produces successful results.

Sergey Vasilyev

Metropolitan Dance Center — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 02:50:35 +0000

Sergey began his dancing career as an 8 year old junior in Kursk, Russia. A natural talent, he was a champion at various dancesport championships throughout Russia and Europe as well as performing on Ballroom and Latin dance programs. Sergey began his teaching career as a professional at the age of 18, where he taught both private and group lessons to young children, teens and adults.

Sergey moved to the United States to continue his professional teaching career in 2008, starting in Washington, DC and joining Metropolitan Dance Center in 2009. Sergey is certified by DVIDA in American Rhythm, American Smooth, International Ballroom and International Latin. He is a talented and knowledgeable professional who is highly respected by his students.

John DePalma

Metropolitan Dance Center — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:29:00 +0000

John DePalma has been in the dance studio industry since 1975, having successfully worked in all phases of the dance studio business. John also developed an alternate career as Master of Ceremonies and currently officiates at every major Dancesport competition in the United States and has been featured on the televised PBS Program “Championship Ballroom Dancing” and the Good Life Television Series “Championship Dancesport”. Known throughout the industry as the “Voice of Ballroom Dancing in America”, John is now co-organizer of Capital Dancesport Championships in Washington, D.C., with his wife and well-known coach and adjudicator, Marianne Nicole.

Steven Dougherty

Metropolitan Dance Center — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 06:32:35 +0000

Steven Dougherty has been in the dance industry professionally since 1992. He has been a guest teacher at the Juilliard School, NYU, Cornell, and SUNY Binghamtion. As a professional competitor Steven has won numerous regional titles and was the U.S. National Rising Star Smooth Champion in 2000 and is currently a U.S. & World finalist. Steven has also made dance appearances on several television soap operas and has performed on stage at various venues including Carnegie Hall. Steven’s choreography credits include musical variety shows for the Berkshire Theater Festival, “Romeo & Juliet” for the Juilliard School and the musical “Ballroom” for the Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, New York.