Shimkiri is an International Latin dancer who is the undefeated Edison Ballroom Champion, Vice-Champion of the NJ Open Rising Star Latin and finalist in many US competitions.
Shimkiri was an inspired dancer at the age of 3! Throughout her childhood, she took ballet, tap and gymnastics. She fell in love with ballroom dancing when her grandparents gave her video tapes of America’s Ballroom Challenge from PBS! Shimkiri has trained with many world-renown coaches and champions, especially Shirley Ballas, Maria Manusova and Colin James. She is the undefeated Edison Ballroom Champion and finalist in many national competitions. Since moving to New York and partnering with Werner, they have been Vice-Champions of the NJ State Open, Rising Stars of the Dancing A La Carte and continue to enjoy teaching and dancing in the Tri-State area!
Werner Figar is an International Latin dancer who is 3 times Austrian Champion and has placed in the top 30 Professional International Latin dancers of the world!
Werner started as a gymnast at the age of 5, but was inspired to dance by the movie Dirty Dancing at the age of 8. He started competing with his sister, with whom he was 3 times Austrian Champion! When he was 18, he decided to take a break from ballroom dancing and he danced modern, ballet and jazz. He performed in musicals all over Europe and Asia including West Side Story in Germany, then he was accepted at Alvin Ailey in New York City! After completing the program at Ailey, he was invited to join the Elisa Monte Dance Company and toured all around the globe. In 2009, he came back to competitive ballroom dancing and continues to push the boundaries in Latin ballroom! Since then, he has been a professional and featured performer on Dancing With The Stars Austria and on Nike's Dancing with the Reps!
Dylan began dancing at the age of 12 through his elementary school program and he's been hooked ever since. He truly fell in love with it at age 14 and knew he wanted to share it with others. When he was 16, he branched out to ballet and jazz as well as dancing ballroom. Dylan has been in many finals across the United States and won his first national title in 2016. He continues to dance and compete internationally, including attending the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival in summer of 2017. He loves to dance and can't wait to share it with you!
Growing up in Peru, Paz started her dance journey as a young child with ballet lessons and traditional Peruvian dances at the age of 3. In her late teens, she switched to partner dancing with an emphasis on Salsa and Bachata. As an instructor, she taught for many years through Arthur Murray in Peru and competed professionally in American styles, becoming a finalist in several competitions. In 2018, Paz moved to New York City and started specializing in Professional International Latin, competing frequently in the Tri-State Area as well as nationally. Paz is well versed in all styles of dance including American Rhythm, American Smooth, International Latin, and is currently our Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Body Isolations, and Kid's Ballroom/Latin Program expert. Her enthusiasm for Latin and Ballroom dancing shines through in her dancing and teaching style.
Dennis started performing in modern dance competitions and variety shows in school from elementary through high school and shifted into ballroom dancing in 1995 as it became very popular in his country of origin (Philippines). At the age of 18, he started dance hosting and continued to rehearse, train, and compete until 2016. His titles include 2014 Constitution State Challenge Dancesport Champion in Professional Latin, 3rd Place at the 2014 Yankee Classic 2014 in Professional Rising Star Latin, and 1st place at the 2012 Yankee Classic Amateur Rising Star Latin. His dancing brought him to the United States where he met his soulmate and started a family. In addition to dancing, he is also a DJ specializing in dance music, but teaching people how to dance is his first love. Dennis is an experienced instructor with quality knowledge and a calm, encouraging presence. His question for you is "What is life without music?".
Samantha first found her love for dance at the age of 14. Her preliminary dance education from John Dewey High School Dance Program includes Ballet, Jazz, Modern, African-Caribbean and Hip Hop. Samantha grew up loving salsa music and the Latino culture. Naturally, when Samantha discovered the world of social dancing at age 15, she was hooked! In her college years, Samantha began her training in Ballroom and Latin Dance - certified in over 15 different partner dances at Paul Pellicoro’s Dancesport. Some of Samantha’s accolades include awards at the New York Dance Festival, International Salsa and Hustle Competition, New York Hustle Congress, and teaching and performing overseas on the Norwegian Jewel. Samantha’s love for dance is matched by her passion for teaching and mentorship. In 2008, Samantha’s first professional experience was for St. Joseph’s College, in Brooklyn, NY, as an adjunct professor. She became a full-time dance instructor in 2009 after completing a teacher’s college at Dancesport where she went on to become a Youth Director, Wedding Dance Choreographer, and Hustle, Bachata, and Salsa Specialist, including Salsa on 1 and Salsa on 2. Samantha enjoys teaching both group classes and private lessons alike. Her goal as an instructor is to help dancers at all levels find their own style and unique creativity without sacrificing musicality, technique and connection. Samantha believes dance is like a conversation. She strives to teach dancers to speak the same language so dance can be fluid and fun!
We are seeking a creative, fun, people-loving individual to join our team of instructors! Strong dance background required, ballroom/latin experience a plus. Teaching experience is preferred and training is provided. The ideal applicant will have excellent communication skills, the ability to learn and develop through training/feedback, a positive attitude, and will be a team player. Perks include free rehearsal space and sponsored workshops with top guest coaches. Please contact us at info@jerseycityballroom.com with your resume and headshot.
