Instructors

Carol Johnson is a highly sought after dance and fitness instructor based in New York. She is a graduate of New York University and holds a Master of Arts degree in Dance and Dance Education. Carol holds multiple fitness certifications and currently works for Crunch Fitness as the Regional Group Fitness Manger in New York. Carol has developed and taught a variety of classes and loves sharing the joy and health benefits of dance and fitness with her students. She has appeared promoting health, fitness, and wellness on the Dr. Oz Show, Good Morning America, and the Today Show. She is a presenter for SELF Magazine’s "Workout in the Park" and Women's Health "Are You Game". Carol has also contributed to features in Dance Spirit Magazine, Health Magazine, and Nylon Magazine.

Marc Santa Maria has over twelve years of experience teaching and training students throughout the United States and internationally. He has served as a creative consultant on over sixty different dance, action/sports based, and wellness inspired workouts. Marc is currently the Regional Director of Group Fitness for Crunch New York, where he currently oversees over 500 weekly classes. Marc has been an elite athlete and master trainer for Nike for five years. He was selected by NBC studios’ iVillage as their “High Energy Lifestyle & Wellness Coach” and last Summer was selected by the television show, LX-NY as one of the Top 5 “Hunkiest Trainers” in New York City. Marc has trained a select group of private clients in both fitness and dance, including actress Sarah Jessica Parker and singer Juliana Joya.

Patricia Kaniowski began dancing at the age of eight and has focused her passion for dancing and performing on ballroom ever since. Patricia's dance education consisted of extensive training in both latin and standard styles of ballroom. In 2002, Patricia was invited to join the touring show of Burn the Floor. After touring throughout the fifty states, she decided to return to the world of competitive dancing, turning professional in 2007. She is focused on latin ballroom and is currently ranked 10th in the United States Professional Latin. As well as competing, Patricia is also the Dance Captain of a theatre production namely, Ballroom with a Twist, Directed and Choreographed by Louis Van Amstel. She has established an internationally successful reputation for teaching and lecturing and continues to train, compete and perform worldwide.

Italo Elgueta was born in the southern-most city in the world – Punta Arenas, Chile. Italo’s parents were involved in Chilean folk dancing, and dancing has always been a big part of his life – culturally and personally. Italo has been trained in Standard ballroom, Latin Ballroom, Salsa, Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz from professionals, world acknowledged teachers and mentors. He has won more than 100 competitive dance awards. He has performed and choreographed on Dancing With the Stars, Disney Channel's "So Random", Lythogoe Panto productions "Snow White Christmas", Touring live show "Ballroom With a Twist",was co-choreographer for Dance India Dance, and performed for several artists in videos and stage performances including: Kylie Minogue, Jesse Mcartney, Jonas Brothers, Ben Vereen, Collin Raye, and Clay Aiken. Italo participated as a professional dance partner and choreographer on the Oxygen Network’s reality series “Dance Your Ass Off", motivating and inspiring participants through fitness and dance. Italo has a vast amount of teaching experience including jazz and contemporary classes, fitness dance classes, and private dance instruction in latin and ballroom. He expanded his knowledge by becoming a NASM certified personal trainer. Italo currently teaches and trains throughout the United States and internationally.