RANDY DENNIS a broadcast
veteran for over 35 years and is originally from
Pittsburgh. Due to his extensive career in radio
and television he has lived in New Orleans, Boston,
Atlanta, and Washington, DC. He has lived in
Baltimore off and on since the late 70’s. Back in
the day he started a talent show called “Best Fest
Talent Show” where people like Toni Braxton, Jada
Pinket, Maysa and Tracy Hamlin first participated.
Randy along with the
love of his life Tanya his wife owns Randy Dennis
Productions, LLC, an Audio Production Company where
they produce commercials and jingles for radio and
television. They specialize in on-hold messaging,
corporate voiceovers for PowerPoint presentations,
radio/TV jingles, etc.
For
more information and line dance class schedule go to
www.linercise.com
Randy loves his family,
and is enjoying being Pop Pop. Randy loves golf and
most of all loves line dancing. Randy has been line
dancing since 1998. He started a line dance happy
hour at Strawberry 5000 in Baltimore and has been
hosting line dance happy hours since at various
clubs. He teaches line dancing to people of all ages
at Fitness and Wellness Centers, Colleges and
Corporate events for team building.
Randy is VP of Line
Dance Family, Inc that is a Line Dance Apparel
Company founded by wife and President Tanya Dennis.
Line Dance Family host yearly cruises with private
events. Randy and Tanya host
monthly Line Dance Family Brunches at the Champagne
Ball Room in Baltimore, Maryland.
Big
Mucci Dat 71 North Boi, is
one of the most unique and promising artist to
emerge in the LineDance/Hustle/Slide-Rap scene in
many years. He brings to the table a radio and club
friendly sound with a broad appeal for all ages. The "Bikers Shuffle"
is the first single release from his 1st self titled
solo project "Big Mucci Dat 71 North Boi". The
"Bikers Shuffle" Linedance is spreading fast
throughout the country and overseas.
Big Mucci and his 71
North Boyz phenomenon has taken over clubs with line
dances and infectious lyrics that keeps dances
floors rocking. He has made special appearances and
performed with many major national artist all over
the country.
In 1997 Big Mucci brought the world
the mega dance/club hit "Let me C Dat Boodie Bounce", then in 1998 his follow up International line dance
hit "The Cleveland Shuffle" which has went to sell
over 500,000 units and still selling today. The
Cleveland Shuffle landed Big Mucci to an Recording
Deal with Critical Music/Warlock Records. Both songs
has received major spins on radio, night clubs,
online and major sporting events.
Due to his label folding in 2005, Big
Mucci says the show must go on and with that being
said Big Mucci has an 2011 release of his 1st solo
album "BIG MUCCI DAT 71 NORTH BOI" Da Linedance/Hustle/Slide/Twine
King, containing hit songs such as CLEVELAND SLIDE,
THE BIKERS SHUFFLE, S/C HUSTLE, 71XPRESS to name a
few. "This Album will be instant dance and club
classic worldwide." Says Big Mucci ..Big Mucci's
tremendously popular songs and dances along with his
high energy stage presence, with crowd participation
has generated an undeniable buzz, which will propel
him up to the top.
You Can Also Find "Big
Mucci Dat 71 North Boi"
at these sites!
YouTube
Christopher Page is a nationally known
professor, minister, artist, clinician, and
songwriter. He is a native of Washington, DC and
has taken the country by storm with his Stellar
Award Nominated project "A Page From My Heart" which
features the gospel line dance "Sanctified Slide."
He’s currently in the studio working on his follow
up CD entitled "Stepping In the Name of Christ: Line
Dances for the Lord." Christopher, an ordained
minister and graduate of Howard Divinity School, is
also a National Spokesman for Donate Life, an
organization that promotes organ donation.
Over the past ten years, he has ministered
extensively throughout the United States. He has
delivered stellar performances with some of the
world’s greatest and celebrated gospel artists
including Kirk Franklin, Vanessa Williams, Dottie
Peeples, Maurette Brown Clark, Trin-i-tee 5:7, and
All-4-One. Christopher has appeared on the Word
Network, Gospel Music Channel, and BET. He has also
been featured on Bobby Jones Gospel with Step in the
Name of Life, the Gospel Music Workshop of America
with Louisville Slyde, and the National Mall with
Symmetry In Motion, X-Quisite, and L&S Wear.
MUSICAL HOST/DJ
AJ
the DJ
On the streets of
South Philadelphia is where AJ the DJ would first
discover his love for the art of entertainment. AJ’s
early love for music gave him many opportunities to
begin deejaying parties at the ripe young age of 15.
But AJ’s career as a disc jockey has soared over
recent years. Whether on the East Coast or the West
Coast, AJ has made his mark entertaining party goers
with his unique style and warm personality.
Since 2002, AJ the
DJ and Feel the Beat Productions—his own
entertainment organization, have sponsored the 1
Love National Dance Summit. The event features
various genres of dance and showcases the best dance
instructors in the nation. AJ has also been
instrumental in sponsoring quarterly “Philly Fit
Dance Workshops” for the past five years. Because of
the success of this quarterly event, AJ has been
able to branch off and expand to the Baltimore,
Maryland area with his annual Philly/Baltimore Dance
Workshops. Feel the Beat Productions has also
orchestrated various philanthropic endeavors
including providing toys to disadvantaged children
through its annual Feel the Beat Toy Drive.
Feel the Beat
Productions also hosts one of the largestOLDIES
DANCE PARTIESon
the East Coast every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the
month at the Beautiful Grand Stardust Ballroom in
Bellmawr, NJ.
AJ is one of
several DJ’s featured at the Steady Steppers Dance
Institute’s Las Vegas Weekend Jam in Las Vegas,
Nevada for the past three years. He is expected to
participate in this event annually. AJ also has had
the privilege to be a headlining disc jockey for
StepOn…Unlimited Anniversary Dance Party in Los
Angeles, California. AJ will also have the privledge
of playing at the Tri-State Slide in September
Leesburg, VA and the Winter White party for AJ Dease
in Baltimore, MD.
AJ’s greatest joy
is seeing individuals enjoy themselves while he
spins the tunes.He
has developed the motto:
"You can’t move your feet until you
feel the beat!"
DJ Maestro started out doing mix
shows with the Electrifying Mojo on WJLB back in
1984. It was there that he connected with
Techno pioneer Juan Atkins, who introduced him to
the newly formed Techno/Dance and Techno/Sound.
After 26 years of spinning records, DJ Maestro is
still at the top of his game and his production and
DJ skills have only gotten better. He can
still get down with the best of them and spin any
style of music, from Willie Nelson to 50 Cent - it
doesn't matters. DJ Maestro won the 2003 and
2008 Diva Award for DJ of the Year and in 2005, his
CD 'Detroit Street Tek Joints' was nominated for a
Detroit Music Award in the 'Outstanding Electronic
Dance' category. His musical influences over
the years have been Kraftwerk, Cybotron, UR, Mad
Mike Banks, Mr. Jim Comer and his original love of
music stems from none other than his very own
parents.
New things happening...
After breaking into the music
industry, DJ Maestro had to continue to recreate
himself with his style. In the industry, things
change so fast, and to make it, you have to stay on
top of the trends. The latest thing to take
the nation by storm has been the Hustle/Line Dance
craze. It has really been a boost for DJ
Maestro, and he has many hit records to the most
popular hit "THE TURBO HUSTLE" is being played all
over the world, the latest "THE FREAKBEAT HUSTLE" is
a #1 hustle/line dance record in the Midwest
receiving major air play on large market radio
stations in Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Memphis,
Washington, DC, and Raleigh. Dance floors all
across the country from Los Angeles to Toledo are
being impacted by him as evident by YouTube.
He has three (3) hustle/line dance CD/DVDs to his
credit - "DJ MAESTRO presents Ballroom Hustle 101",
"DJ MAESTRO presents Ballroom Hustle 202", and the
latest "DJ MAESTRO presents Ballroom Hustle 303."
By working with various line dance organizations and
developing new dances, he has provided a way to
connect the world through dance.
Kenny J, a Burlington NJ
resident, is a retired Army First Sergeant and
ex-drill Sergeant. In 2004 he was called to serve in
IRAQ under Operation Iraqi Freedom and by the grace
of God he has since returned and catapulted into
becoming a major entity in the R&B/Soul line dance
world. He is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity Incorporated and the Founder and CEO of I
am Kenny J Productions, a dance organization that
specializes in dance entertainment, performance and
instruction. His organization is established as one
of the most philanthropic organizations in the dance
community serving the entire Delaware Valley Region
in its effort to reach and promote the virtues of
line dance. “Footwork with a Purpose” is its creed
and has become a very visible presence in the lives
of many.
A former member of the
Dave Bush Dancers out of Philadelphia, PA, his
special style of dance and ability to connect with
people has provided him the opportunity to perform
in various venues throughout the country. His
impact on others, however, reaches far beyond his
fancy footwork. He is recognized by his peers as
one of the most prominent instructors in the line
dance community with his ability to captivate
audiences. In 2008, he was voted entertainer of the
year at the UC Awards, a Maryland line dance awards
ceremony. He teaches by the Motto “Too Easy” which
endears all who participate in his classes and
workshops. Kenny J’s success has taken him
throughout the country to do workshops and
performances, in places like Salina, Kansas at the
Smokey Hill River Festival; Columbia, Missouri at
the Columbia Arts Festival, Los Angeles, California
and a host of others. In many ways he and his
organization are trailblazers doing whatever they
can to promote the Delaware-New Jersey-Philadelphia
region. His performance team “Sophisticated Funk”
has performed throughout the country both
competitively and non-competitively in venues like
the Virginia Tri State SLYDE, The US Open swing
dance Competition in Anaheim, California, and the
United We Dance family reunion, held in various
locations in the Midwest, exciting audiences with
their unique dance style. Most recently, he
appeared on the Dr OZ show teaching the doctor a
Soul Line dance.
While there are many
people to credit for his success, Kenny J gives
credit first to his lovely wife Lynn for being
supportive and willing to give him the opportunity
to do all that he does. He also gives credit and
special thanks to his current dance instructor, Ms.
Barbara Capaldi of the Atrium Dance Studio; his
longtime mentor and friend Mr. Dave Bush; the
officers of his organization on the IAKJP Council
and the officers and members of the IAKJP Social
Club; and his many students and patrons that support
his endeavors.
My name is Leslie
Thompson. I am very excited not only to have this
opportunity to provide the knowledge and techniques
of line dance, but also to provide a fun atmosphere
while teaching you the art of dance. Line dancing
requires no experience. That is where I come in :
)
I am 52 years old and
have been line dancing for over 14 years. I have
been married for 27 years to my best friend, Mike
and we have raised two children. My oldest son,
Michael, is a 6th grade science and
social studies teacher at Hampton Middle School in
Henry County. My youngest son, Ryan, graduated from
University of Georgia College in May, 2010.I am currently
a member of a dance team here in Georgia. “Local
Motion”, is an exhibition team which performs at a
lot of fairs, festivals, and senior citizen centers
in the state of Georgia. Local Motion is managed
and directed by Debra Cleckler. Local Motion
specializes in fun and has members of all ages. For
6 years, from 1999 through 2005, I danced on a
competition team called, “Step In Time”, which was
directed by Rose Haven and Tandy Barrett was the
choreographer. Step In Time won two consecutive
(2004 & 2005) World championships in the United
Country Western Dance Council Organization (UCWDC).
We had over 42 members and specialized in cabaret
dancing – dancing on a large production scale with
styles ranging from country line, to partner, to
tap, to clogging and to jazz dancing.
I
started line dancing when I was 37 years old thanks
to my mom, dad and older son, Michael. I have had
the pleasure for over 14 years to dance and compete
with Michael. What an honor and a thrill : )
When I lived in Maryland, I was on two dance teams,
one exhibition and one competition. The exhibition
team was, “Cancun Cantina” directed by Herb and Mary
Ellen Saffield and the competition team was, “The
Stampede Outlaws” directed by Pedro Machado. In
1997, our family moved to Louisiana where Michael
and I had the pleasure to meet a group called the
“Honky Tonk Stompers” which comprised of about 100
members. We had the pleasure of becoming part of
their group/family and Michael became one of their
favorites. The Stompers were truly a wonderful
bunch of people. While in Louisiana, I taught line
dancing at Franco’s fitness club until our family
moved to Georgia in 1999.
Line dance is an extremely fun way to stay fit and
is making your brain work at the same time without
you even realizing. Line dance provides an
opportunity to meet new people and you do not need a
partner.
I am NTA (National
Teachers Association) accredited for Dance
Fundamentals I & II. I currently teach line dance
at two senior communities – Brookdale Chambrel at
Roswell in Roswell, GA and Somerby of Alpharetta in
Alpharetta, GA. I teach line dance classes at
Synergist Fitness in Woodstock, GA and I have taught
at Cowboy’s in Kennesaw, GA (recently closed their
doors), Wild Bill’s Night Club off Pleasant Hill
Road in Duluth, GA, The Wild Mustang in Atlanta, GA
and Chuck’s II in Chattanooga, TN. I recently
started teaching at The Roswell Adult Recreation
Center in Roswell, GA, Runaround Sue’s in Marietta,
GA and Diamond Dave’s in Kennesaw, GA. I currently
teach line dance lessons at Cledus T’s in
Cartersville, GA and *WOW* Fitness formerly named,
The Club at Towne Lake two days a week which is
located in Woodstock, GA. I lead a group of dancers,
*Friends in Motion* from *WOW* Fitness and we
perform at church functions, nursing homes,
fairs/festivals and wherever we have the
opportunity.
I enjoy giving
private lessons, working with people who have
special needs and entertaining at company events,
fairs, parties and weddings.
Line dancing is popular with all age groups and all
you need to get started is a smile and your own two
feet.
I
provide an energetic approach to dancing and I am
confident that you will enjoy my class and
yourselves!
If
you would like to get a hold of me, my email address
is:
dancintweety@comcast.net H # (770)
529-6264 / Cell # (678) 234-8904
Gloria Kingcade
started instructing line dancing October 1998.
Ms. Kingcade,
Certified Primary Aerobic Instructor AAAI &
ISMA (AAAI-American Aerobic Association
International, ISMA-International Sports Medicine
Association) (Certified First Aid & CPR), gave
lessons or demonstrations at:
§
Community College of Philadelphia (January
2001-Present)
§
Friends Neighborhood Guild (2000-2009)
§Main
Line School Night (February 2007- Present)
§
Sayre/Morris Recreation Center (April 2000-Present)
§
Canaan Baptist Church (January 2001-2007)
§
Philadelphia Water Department Safety Department
(2003-2007)
§St
Charles & Spring Garden Sr. Citizen Centers (’01 &
‘02-Present)
§
Heal Thyself Garden Party
& Oct. Gallery Art Expo ’06,’07 & ‘08
§LOVE
PARK at LUNCH TIME (May-October) October
2005-Present
I
am Ali James from the Indianapolis, Indiana urban
line dance group Common Ground (Cg). Dancing has
always been a part of my life but I have been line
dancing since 2005. I have choreographed some line
dances that have made their way around the country
such as:
Pay Attention (done to Watch My Feet by
Dude N Nem), Kool Kool (done to They So
Cold by Peven Everett), 5 Pounds (done to
Ride Out by DJ Chipman), Wake Up (done
to Hello Good Morning by Diddy/Dirty Money)
to name a few…
The
group that I’m in, Cg, is also a part of a
conglomerate of dance groups in the Mid-West known
as United We Dance (UWD). These groups of multiple
dance styles come together several times a year to
share in their love of dance.
I
just try to stay on the floor all night and spread
love. Join me…
Ted "TeddyJam" Massey is the founder and lead
instructor of One Mo' Gain Hustle Productions (OMG!!!)
of Inkster, MI.. Teddy is also recognized as a
Certified Dance Instructor by the North 2 South
Dance Connection and the Detroit City Council
(November 16, 2010). OMG!!!
was founded in October of 2008. Over the last 2
years, Teddy has choreographed several dances
including Swag, Fandango, The Ignite Strut (a dance
showcased at the Ultimate Ballroom Showdown 2009 at
the MGM Grand Detroit Ballroom), OMG!!!, and Hero,
Mischief, plus several other dances that have yet to
be shown. Because of his God given ability to teach
and clearly articulate and demonstrate dances, Teddy
has taught and been requested to teach for schools,
churches, sororities, birthday parties, cruises,
graduation parties and even retirement parties.
In
addition to Line dancing/Hustling, Teddy is also
well known as a Detroit-style ballroom instructor
with Mr. Smooth & Co. (whom he's been with for 3
years) and is also well versed in Chicago-style
Steppin'.
Anthony "AJ" Dease is
a native Baltimorean who is a graduate of Morgan
State University. He also has a Masters Degree
from the University of Baltimore. He has been
dancing for over 55 years and enjoys all forms
of dance.
In October 2006,
Anthony, Yvonne Stewart, and Claudette (Cookie)
Taylor formed a Chicago Style Stepping Group (Steppers
on the Move) along with six other
individuals in Baltimore. The class started
very small, under the tutelage of Mr. Larry
Collins of the Detroit Steady Steppers
Organization and has grown to be one of the
Largest Dance/Stepping Groups in the
Baltimore/Washington area.
Anthony has been
the head judge at the Tri State Dance Connection
for the past two years. Anthony also
recently received his license to teach Zumba as
well as a line dance instructor certification
and membership through the International
Consortium of Line Dance Instructors. He has
dedicated himself to preserve and promote all
forms of dance.
Roland Ford currently resides and
teaches line dancing in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended
Columbia University and lived briefly in New York
City, Philadelphia, and the Washington, D.C. area.
He loves music and dancing and was very excited to
learn about the huge number and variety of dances
when he attended his first soul line dance class a
few years ago. He thoroughly enjoys learning new
steps and then teaching them to others. Roland also
enjoys working out and running, which are tow more
passions of his. He has been blessed with excellent
health, great energy and a positive spirit. He also
has tremendous support and encouragement from his
wife, Gail, his two sons, Roland Jr and Rashad, as
well as other family members and a growing army of
friends. Roland always looks forward to meeting new
and old friends on the dance floor.
Check out Roland's dance techniques at
http://www.youtube.com/user/Pghdanceambassador
E. Joan Harris was born
in Lancaster, South Carolina and spent her formative
years there before migrating to Buffao, New York.
She attributes her love of dance to a very special
aunt who took the the time to teach an inquisitive
8-year old how to swing, slow drag and dance to an
off time beat. In high school, she was part of
a liturgical dance group.
For years, the alumni of
her high school was establishing chapters in various
cities. The Buffalo chapter was the Innovators.
Annually, they would meet and there was always a new
regional dance presented. It was at these
gatherings that she first was introduced to the
Electric Slide, Bus Stop, Derby and others.
The competition between the chapters was fierce and
each city showcased their best, and Joan was part of
the Innovators' best.
In 1998, Joan retired
from 30 years of service to the New York State
Department of Motor Vehicles. This allowed her
to follow her passion. She started line dance
classes at the senior citizens centers. In 2000, she
introduced line dancing to her church. In
2003, the Jazzy Steppers was organized, a brainchild
of Joan's. People were drawn to her classes
because of her expertise, dedication and spiritual
mission. In 2004, she founded the Metropolitan
United Praise Ministry, devoted to praise through
dance. Under her direction, the Steppers
performed at community events, nursing homes,
churches and for private occasions throughout
western New York. Through her travel to
workshops and conventions, she has introduced to
Buffalo many of the mainstream dances of the day.
She created "Love Strut" and "Smooth Sensation" and
introduced them to the area. Joan is a
co-founder of the Sensationals, a group of dancers
dedicated to providing a venue for mature adults to
strut their stuff.
She has received
numerous awards over the years. Her unique humble
spirit, generous heart and genuine love of people
and dancing are recognized throughout the community.
Through many trails, disappointments and heartaches,
Joan continues to dance for the Lord. She
lives her motto: "If I can help someone along the
way, through dance and a hug, then my living is not
in vain."
J & J Soulfulsteps
(hereafter referred to as J&J) is truly a family
affair. James and Jackie met on a dance floor over
35 years ago and will be soon celebrating 34 years
of marriage. They began line dancing in 1994 and
starting teaching September 2, 2004. Their “no
fault” style of instruction quickly attracted a
large class following.
James has a successful career designing and managing
computer systems and databases, while Jackie is an
exceptional Certified Nurse Midwife with almost
3,000 deliveries to her credit.
J & J’s motto is “better
health in the community through soul linedancing”.
To that end, they conduct a weekly two hour exercise
program every Friday evening at First AME Church,
2270 Harvard Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. Their program
focuses on beginner and intermediate level dances
through the first hour of their classes, with more
advanced instruction during the final hour. J & J
has participated in many Los Angeles health
initiatives including the Black Business Expo, Black
Women’s Health Forum, Tavis Smiley’s America I Am
Tour (in conjunction with the California African
American Museum), KJLH Taste of Soul, LA Mission Day
of Service Event, and Wilder's Prep Academy Fit
Club.
They have also conducted
dance and health workshops, worked with churches,
schools, a variety of women’s groups, and
participated in many local community events and
programs.
Contact
Information: J and J Soulful Steps
PO Box 56247
Los Angeles, CA 90056
(310) 629 -2097
Harriette Coggs Stuckey,
founder-director of Heart and Soul Line Dance, is
delighted to be invited back to “Hotlanta” as one of
the soul line dance workshop presenters. She loves
to promote wellness through this “gateway” exercise,
executed to the music of Motown, Rhythm and Blues,
Gospel, Salsa and Jazz.
As a health
educator with a Master of Public Health,
Harriette has consulted with educational
institutions and corporations to raise community
awareness on issues of lifestyle diseases and risk
reduction. She regularly collaborates with Los
Angeles area instructors to conduct soul line dance
classes and workshops. Having danced at La Defense
and Montmartre in Paris, France, she looks forward
to furthering international awareness of soul line
dance and recently became a member of the
International Consortium of Line Dance Instructors.
In July, 2011,
she’ll “tag-team” with one of her heart and soul
line dance instructors, Miss Dottie, who is also the
organization’s troupe rehearsal director, to share
some of the low-impact line dances that they teach
in classes throughout the “Inland Empire” of
southern California.
Line
dancing is what I do! I
have danced on and off my whole life, beginning with
the childhood foundations of ballet and tap,
becoming the ballet/tap teacher’s helper in high
school, and continuing to dance in some fashion into
adulthood. I do most types of line dancing, which I
often share with my students, but I have an affinity
for Latin-based line dances, and my line dance roots
are country. I am currently teaching soul line
dance; therefore, I describe myself as country soul.
Harriette Stuckey
invited me to become an instructor with her soul
line dance organization, so I currently teach soul
line dance classes through HEART AND SOUL LINE DANCE
in Southern California’s Inland Empire.
As a retiree, I have
been blessed be able to find or start line dance
classes as I travel. For example, I took classes in
Hawaii, I taught a class in a pub in Turkey, I took
over the disco two nights and taught line dancing on
a cruise of the Greek Isles, and I taught a couple
of dances in the disco on a cruise in Mexico –
because line dancing is what I do.
While I will teach
anyone to line dance, my focus is on senior citizens
because seniors tend to be sedentary and underserved
in the area of healthy, active living. I look
forward to helping seniors set the floor on fire at
the Southeast’s Largest Dance Party!
My professional
affiliations include membership in NTA (National
Teacher’s Association for Country Western Dance) and
ICLDI (International Consortium of Line Dance
Instructors).
Belinda
Haywood, from Cleveland, Ohio is a Professional
Urban Line Dance Instructor as well as founder of
S.T.O.M.P. (Spiritual Treasures of Movement and
Praise) Ministries, LLC, which is faith-based
fitness program, empowered by dance, praise and
worship workouts to Gospel Music called Gospelcise.
Belinda has been has being teaching for over 20
years and has taught thousands of people, the oldest
and most sophisticated dances across the country.
She uses her experience in dance and music to help
create and teach some of the most innovative and
energetic steps, dips, and turns in urban and gospel
line dancing. She is known in the urban community
for her group called the WMIB line dancers who
created and/or performed dances such as the LR
Shake, Dish it Out, Are U Tired Yet, Energizer,
Cleveland Shuffle and many more. She has been very
instrumental in the infectious spread of line
dancing by teaching and selling her videos for over
10 years on the first full chartered African
American cruise, Festival At Sea.
Belinda is a
certified fitness instructor and began teaching
Gospelcise in 2000 after noticing that church people
were not moving enough and were leading in deadly
diseases because of their lack of movement and
exercise. Her journey has not always been easy
because of the resistance of church leaders at that
time to support dancing in the church to gospel
music. She gives thanks to artists like Kirk
Franklin and Mary Mary, to name a few, who broke
down barriers and created non-traditional songs
which allowed her to enhance her program. Ms.
Haywood has participated in several studies to prove
why dance and exercise to gospel music is so
important in a sedentary, unhealthy eating, and
stressful environment; her most recent study showed
that after Gospelcising for 12 weeks, women with
diabetes, not only lost and/or maintained weight,
but their blood pressure decreased significantly,
which was not an expectant finding. Praise the
Lord!!!
For more information visit
www.stomp-n.com or email gospelcise@hotmail.com.
Gene Demons discovered he had a natural talent and
strong passion for music and dancing as a teenager.
He danced at every opportunity while growing up in
Barnesville, Georgia where his family relocated from
Dayton, Ohio.
Gene retired in 2002 and started attending the Emma
Darnell Senior Center. There he was introduced to
Country/Western line dancing. He was so engrossed
with line dancing that he began attending various
workshops with different instructors. He perfected
different dance steps and familiarized himself with
line dance terminologies. He was introduced to Soul
Line Dance in 2004.
In
2005, the original dance instructor retired from the
Darnell Center. Gene was offered and accepted the
challenge as instructor. The seniors enjoyed him
there. His class consisted of both Country/Western
and Soul/Urban Line Dancing. He accepted jobs as
dance instructor at other senior centers, various
churches and neighborhood community centers. His
goal is that each student learn every dance he
teaches. They often refer to him as the "Energizer
Bunny" because of his exciting and energetic
nature. He later accepted the challenge to teach
line dance at The Center for the Visual Impaired.
Gene is co-founder and president of Red October.
Founded in 2008, Red October is a performing group
of senior dancers aged 55 years and over. Gene
states, “It is so rewarding to face the day
watching other seniors enjoying themselves dancing
and exercising, putting aside all stress and
worries”.
Erinn Watkins is a line dance instructor who is
originally from New Orleans, LA. She is the
President of DMV Fuzion, a soul line dance group
based in Alexandria, VA that was founded in
October 2009. Also known as Petite Princess,
she lives with her son, Eric, who is also an
avid line dancer. She is an Army National Guard
Master Sergeant, currently stationed in VA, with
over 20 years of active duty. Growing up, she
has always been involved in some aspect of
performance.
She began her line dancing career in 2005 while
stationed at Ft Dix, NJ. She built up her
arsenal of line dances by attending line dance
classes four times a week and showing her skills
at weekly line dance functions held in Philly
and New Jersey. Her favorite instructors were
Joyce Meyers, Gloria Kincade, Ray Boyd, and
Yolanda Avant. She was invited to perform and
compete with the nationally recognized, I Am
Kenny J Productions (IAKJP) soul line dance
group based in New Jersey. As a member of the
IAKJP Sophisticated Funk performance and
competition dance team, she performed routines
in New Jersey, Delaware and at the annual United
We Dance soul line dance event. She has a
background in Salsa, DC Hand Dance, Chicago
Stepping, Merengue, Cha Cha, Bachata, Detroit
Ballroom, and the Bop.
Erinn conducts weekly line dance classes which
are fun and entertaining. Her motto is, “You
don’t have to know how to dance. You just have
to know the steps!” Her style of instruction
enables her students to quickly learn the steps
to the dances being taught. She is “Teaching
the World to
Trish Womack is
originally from Great Falls, SC but was raised in
Baltimore, MD. She began line dancing eight years
ago. She started dancing as a shy and introverted
person. Her love for line dancing and the line dance
family turned this quiet person into an instructor,
a choreographer and one of the leaders of two Urban
Line Dance organizations: Union Crew and Artistic
Motion Line Dancers. The Union Crew was formed in
2004. We currently have 12 dedicated members. Our
greatest attribute to the art of line dancing is our
creation of an annual awards ceremony for line
dancers which we affectionately call “The UC Star
Awards.” Artistic Motion Line Dancers was created
in 2006. This group started as a line dance class
but has grown into a fun loving family. Both groups
work hand in hand together and their primary mission
is positive unity and dancing for fun.
Being involved with
line dancing has opened doors for Trish to teach at
several facilities, to include the Avalon Dance
Studio, Curves, the YMCA at Stadium Place and the
Ames United Methodist Church. She is currently
instructing line dance at the Merritt Athletic Clubs
in Owings Mills, MD and the Baltimore School of
Dance in Baltimore, MD. In addition to instructing
line dance, she have showcased dances as well as
provided volunteer classes for several organizations
which include various churches, public schools, Artscape, the
Randallstown Library, the African American Art Show,
Fox News (Get Fit segment), AKA sorority events,
Soul Line Revue TV, the Sixers Game Halftime,
African Cultural Festival and the Thriller Dance for
the Guinness world record, just to mention a few.
Trish has received several awards from various
organizations for her contributions to the line
dance community including the Unsung Hero Award from
I Am Kenny J in NJ and a dance support award from
Collective Minds in Baltimore, MD. Some of the
dances that she has created or had a part in
creating include: MT Island Groove, LB Step, Let
It Roll, Jiggle It, The Beat, Radio, Plunky’s
Groove, Fire It Up, Mars Need Women and Fire it Up
2.
She and her husband
Mike Womack, currently reside in Maryland; where
they own Starters Café and provide catering services
through out Baltimore and surrounding counties.
Malinda Evans is a
native of Gadsden, Alabama with an Associates Degree
in Engineer Technology. She works as a full-time
government employee where she is a Process
Improvement Specialist and a volunteer Fitness
Instructor helping with the 5k Run "Choose To Lose
Weight Loose Completion Program"; teaches fitness
classes 3 days a week before work and line dancing
at lunch time. Early in life, she always wanted to
teach fitness as she held Abs classes for co-workers
in her apartment complex meeting center after work
in the 80’s. Later, she becamean AFAA Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness
Specialist with other certifications including:
Group Exercise; Kick Boxing; Boot Camp; Step, Sport
Nutrition, and Injury Prevention. Also, she holds
Zumba®
licenses in Basic I & II, Zumbatomic (Children’s
fitness), and Zumba®
in the Circuit. On Monday evenings, she teaches
Zumba®/Fitness
classes at Bank Parks Recreation Center & Saturday
mornings at Curves of Jacksonville, AL. On Tuesdays
& Thursdays, she teaches line dancing with the Elks
in Anniston/Talladega and Gadsden Line Dancers.
During her time, she
has performed Zumba®
routines with other Zumba®
instructors during half-time at the Atlanta Hawks
basketball game (LaWanda Brokenborough); on stage
with Oumar Chevara Camara from Europe during his US
Tour Kick Off, Anniston AL (Jennifer Whitney).
Starting in June 2011,
as an AFAA Certified Biggest Loser Pro®
she
will
join NBC’s The Biggest Loser®
Hit Television Show,
Leading Biggest Loser
®
Live Training Session online, andteach online workouts for Biggest Loser®
clients.
Malinda is the mother of
one son who is in the US Navy in Jacksonville,
FL,and has two
granddaughters.She enjoys going to church, being a grandma,
cookouts with family & friends, traveling, meeting
people, new ideas, bike riding, spending time in
Georgia, and dancing with all her friends from
around the world!
I
attended my first Urban Soul Line
Dance workshop in August 2008, held by Symmetry In
Motion of Alexandria, VA. The first line dance I
learned was “Go Hard or Go Home”! I became a troupe
member of Symmetry In Motion in October 2008, and
this is what I’ve been doing for the last two
years! Originally from Kinston, NC, I have been
dancing all my life. The sound of music just puts my
feet in gear to dance!
I created my first line dance in
November 2008 named “Smooth Groovin”. Line dances to
follow were: SIM, KRAZY, TKO, EASE OFF, BZZZ and my
latest “LL-11”. Other credits include: member of
the male line dance group “G.O.L.D.” (Gentlemen of
Line Dancing); won the UC Star “Turbo Man” award;
just won the 2010 “Choreographer of the Year” award
and was nominated for “Best Dance of Year” (KRAZY)
at this year's “ 2011 UC Star Awards of Line
Dancing”; co-founded "Toast It Up Productions in
October 2010, with Leslie Jefferson.
I enjoy line
dancing and creating them so everyone on the floor
will have a smile on their faces!
