Brian Barakauskas
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(Owner, Instructor, Competitor, Judge and Coach)
Hi there! My name is Brian Barakauskas. Years ago I took my first dance steps right here in Louisville. I have now been dancing professionally for almost 10 years. Through competitive country western and ballroom dancing I have been able to dance literally around the world as a competitor, judge and teacher. Well dancing has taken me full circle. Now, I am the owner of Dance Louisville.
Dance Louisville is the 1st studio of its kind in Louisville. We are a true independant studio with instructors from a broad range of dance styles. From Ballroom dance to Belly dance, Latin dance to Linedance you are likely to find it here. Although I am still an active competiting professional (sometimes even a successfull one) my main focus through our studio is to serve the dance community and you the dancer. I personally invite you to be a part of Dance Louisvllle.
You can check out my story in the March 12th 2008 issue of the velocity. Yes thats me in black on the cover...
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- UCWDC Superstar World Champion in 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2008.
- UCWDC Renegade World Champion in 1999, 2003.
- UCWDC World Championships Division 1 -6th place in 2004, 5th place in 2005.
- UCWDC Certified Judge (one of the only people to pass the certification at 100%).
- Star Award Winner for Favorite Dancer line 2003.
- Star Award Winner for Favorite Instructor line 2005.
- Favorite Country Instructor in Japan 2007
- American Rhythm semi-finalist at the Nevada Star Ball.
- American Rhythm finalist at the Yankee Classic and Imperial Star Championships.
- Performed on television on the BBC in England.
- Guest Instructor on Lifetime TV
| Teaching, judging, competition or performance experience in the following countries: |
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- Canada
- England
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Wales
- Holland
- France
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Malaysia
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- Norway
- Finland
- Denmark
- Sweeden
- Estonia
- Latvia
- Japan
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- South Africa
- The Moon (just kidding)
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Jessica Bryant
 Jessica has been dancing her whole life. From tap, jazz and ballet as a child and teen to dancing on the University of Louisville Ladybirds dance team she has been involved in high level dance for many many years.
As a ballroom dancer she has had success at all levels of amature american smooth Including a national title in 2005. During a short stint as a country dancer Jessica became the 2006 UCWDC Div. 3 Crystal world champion. Now although she is still competing in ballrom she has dcided to share her knowledge and passion for dancing as a teacher. Students have fallen in love with her teaching style because not only is she a very knowledgable teacher but she is very patient and enouraging as well.
2004 USA Dance Adult A National Champion Silver American Smooth
2004 USA Dance Adult A National Champion Gold American Smooth
2004 USA Dance Adult A National Champion Open Novice American Smooth
2005 UCWDC Crystal Novice National Champion
2006 UCWDC Cystal Novice World Champion
2008 USA Dance Senior I Pre Champtionship National Champion American Smooth
Jane Golding
Jane's interest in teaching people to dance has been a constant throughout her life. From teaching the swing and hustle during the wild and crazy 70's disco era, to the 80's when she became enchanted with the beauty of Middle Eastern dance, known as "belly dancingâ€. She has taught widely in the Louisville and southern Indiana area. She earned the coveted Dance Educators of America certificate to ensure her students g got the best instruction available in smooth and Latin dances.
Jane has operated two of Louisville's most beautiful and beloved studios, Derby City Dance Center and Jane Golding's Metro Ballroom. She has taught at Artopia, at the Louisville School of Ballet, Jewish Community Cotillion Classes, and currently teaches a credit ballroom dance course at Indiana University Southeast.
Cherie Lanier
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Cherie began dancing at age 7 through ballet and music training. She continued dancing and training into college when she made the decision to pursue a full-time career in ballroom and Latin dancing. Cherie began a professional competitive career in 1995 and competed actively until 1997. Since that time she has not only continued to teach but also owned a successful dance studio for several years. Cherie's real passions are salsa and Argentine tango. Recently she has focused her training and teaching on these two more contemporary forms of dance. Not only is Cherie one of Dance Louisville's lead teachers, she is also one of the most active members of the Louisville dance community.
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Phil Cease
Philip was born in Derby, Connecticut and has been dancing since the age of three. he began teaching ballroon dance in 1996. The career was the perfect choice for him because of his easygoing manner and plesant personality. His students find that he is and enthusiastic and personable instructor. He continues to work to improve his own dancing and teaching skills in order to porvide the best possible instruction for his students.
Kevin Johnson
(visiting coach)
Kevin Johnson is from Nashville Tn. With his partner Jaimee Gray, Kevin is not only one of the Top Country Western competitors in the area but he is one of the most popular popular Pro-Am teachers in the country. He is the event director for the Music City Dance Challenge in Nashville Tn, the largest country competiton in the eastern united states. www.musiccitydance.com You can find him at Dance Louisville on the weekends 1-2 times a month for coaching. Please call for availability
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