INSTRUCTORS

John Abrams

Artistic Director & Co-Owner, Tempo Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio, Madison, Wisconsin. Guest Instructor at Lake Country DanceSport. John is a nationally-recognized professional, licensed and certified Ballroom and Latin dance instructor, coach and adjudicator. He has been competing professionally, choreographing and teaching dance for more than 20 years and has trained hundreds of competitive pro-am students of all ages. His students hold over 50 United States titles and several former students have themselves gone on to pursue successful professional dance careers as competitors and instructors.

Christine Almeida

"La Maestra" Director, Latin Dance Company Productions

Acsa Buening
Acsa Buening, has been an avid Jazzerciser for the last 6 years, and joined Hartland Jazzercise as an instructor after moving here from Texas last year. As a mother of twins, Acsa was looking for some kind of exercise that would tone her body, challenge her to higher standards of fitness and lift her spirits, all in one. A tall bill for sure, but one that Jazzercise fit to a T. Becoming an instructor, doing something she loves and firmly believes in, was just a natural progression. Acsa loves the camaraderie and enthusiasm that all her students bring to class and hopes you can join them too.

Cathy Binko
Cathy Binko has been teaching since 1993 and has been running her own dance business since 1995. She educates people on the Ballroom, Swing, Latin and Nightclub dances through group classes, private lessons and social dance functions, and is known for organizing special dance events throughout the year for singles and couples. Cathy works with beginners and up, from socialdancing through the competitor. She is a choreographer for wedding couples wanting that special dance and also for formation groups. Her website is www.mydancecoach.net. She looks forward to working with you!

Brienne Hale

Brienne has been competing in ballroom dancing since the age of 13 and is one of the most decorated amateur and professional ballroom dancers in the Midwest. She won four Junior National Titles in both American and International styles by the age of 16, was an Open Professional American Rhythm finalist with two different partners including John Abrams and Tony Dovolani from "Dancing with the Stars." Tony and Brienne won the Yankee Classic, and placed 4th in the World Open Mambo Championships and United States Open Professional Rhythm Championships, all by the age of 20. Brienne has also founded and operated two of the top area dance studios and won the "Top Female Teacher" award at the WI State Dancesport Championships in 2002. Brienne and Alex are Co-Directors of the "Ritmo Caliente Dance Company" based in Milwaukee. She enjoys working with dancers of all levels and is currently taking on new students.

Karen Jefson
I have been studying yoga since 1997 and began teaching in 2004 after receiving RYT-200 certification through Alignment Yoga. I am currently studying to receive RYT-500 certification also through Alignment Yoga.

I came to yoga as a means of exercise, to reap the benefits of strengthening and toning my body. And while I did experience and appreciate those benefits, I soon realizedthat for me yoga went far beyond the physical practice. Over the years my practice has evolved and helped me through many life changes. No matter how I feel, it meets me where I am in that moment.

I have been fortunate to study with many different teachers and my teaching style is a mix of things I have learned from each of them. My intent is to bring a fresh quality to each class whether it is a meditative and reflective Yin class or an energizing Vinyasa class filled with fun and eclectic music.

Kirsten Mottl

Kirsten Mottl, always having a love for dancing, studied ballet, jazz, and hip-hop throughout grade school. In 2004 when Kirsten began studying ballroom, latin, and swing, she quickly fell in love with these styles of dances and began teaching them in 2007. With experience in competitive dancing, Kirsten can teach you how to compete, as well as how to social dance. She introduces technique, stylization, and helps her students gain confidence on the dance floor. She can also choreograph wedding dances to make that special day even more memorable. Let Kirsten guide your way through a fun and exciting experience on the dance floor.

Alex Otero

Alex has been a Professional ballroom and latin dance instructor for over 7 years. Best known for his energetic and powerful, Latin dance performances, he is also Co-Director of the Milwaukee based, "Ritmo Caliente Dance Company." Alex is certified and trained in American styles of dance and thoroughly enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels. Aside from the group classes he offers, Alex is available for private dance lessons by appointment.

David Robertson

David began teaching dance back in the '70s when he taught "Disco" dancing at several of Milwaukee's hot spots. He started his ballroom education over 9 years ago and studied dance at several Milwaukee area schools and began his teaching with a group Samba class in Lincoln, NE in 2006. In 2007 he partnered with a Madison area instructor to teach and coach Latin and Smooth dance in and around Madison which included classes at UWM, Prairie Athletic Club, private parties and more. Experienced in choreography and performed in numerous showcases including the prestigious FrostiBall. David also has been in The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel, the Wisconsin State Journal, and even taught in quick dance lesson on Madison TV. David is versed in Latin and Smooth in both American and International styles. "When teaching, I not only teach the steps, I also want the student to look good on the dance floor, so technique, style, and passion are also emphasized. I'm not just teaching the basics, I want everyone to enjoy what their learning and use my coaching experience to guide the student to their ultimate goal." Join me for an entertaining hour group class or contact me directly for a private lesson.

Lena Sidyelnikov
Lena has been dancing for 14 years and is trained in International Latin, International Standard, American Rhythm and Cabaret.
She trained with John Abrams and competed as a ProAm Junior. She is a World Jr Latin Champion.
Lena turned professional at the age of 17 and competed for 3 years. She was a Bronze Medalist in Open Professional American Rhythm. She continues to enjoy coaching and show dance competitions.

Nena Souvannarath
Nena began her dance training at the age of seven, first in traditional Southeast Asian folk dances, then explored other styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, and Latin, her favorite style. After teaching and performing with a Latin dance company in Madison, she moved back to Milwaukee in 2008, where she founded and currently directs Bailando Latin Dance Company to heighten awareness and appreciation for the art of dance through education and performance.

Her company's motto is 'Building Community Through Dance' and she hosts instruction for special events throughout the greater Milwaukee area. Nena's energy, enthusiasm, and love for Latin dance, especially the Argentine Tango and Salsa, is contagious, and her attitude of being a life-long learner in various art forms makes her very approachable. When she is not dancing she is a school-teacher; she also enjoys reading, music, and funny movies.

Whether you are interested in private lesson, would like to perform, or just want to drop in group classes, she hopes to work with you! Her website is www.bailandodance.com. In her own words, 'Dancing is not just about moves, it is about feeling good about your body. My hope is to allow others to love dance as much as I do! I am filled with gratitude for the art of dance, and it will be an honor for you to join me!'

Kandace Reckinger
Kandace is the owner of Hartland Jazzercise. She has been an instructor for 7 years and would love to have you join her classes! You will strengthen your heart, muscles, core, and have fun at the same time. Whether you do high or low impact, every student works at her own level of intensity. Join us now for a class of great music and friendship.

Emilie
After studying classical Ballet and Character for years, Emilie turned to Tribal Bellydance training in 2003. In 2008 she earned her dance certification from Paulette Reese-Denis of Gypsy Caravan in the Collective Soul certification process. Emilie also studies Rajasthani, Bharata Natyam, and Scottish Country and Highland Dance. Emilie holds a BFA in music, and when not dancing, works as a professional musician.