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What Makes a Dance Champion?

Endless study, practice and preparation . . . Successful competition on the biggest stages . . . Intimate involvement with the dance community . . . A passion for dance . . . Unbounded energy with students. These are the traits of Chad Lakridis.

Professional Dance Competitions

As a dance competitor, Chad possesses a versatility of styles from Latin to Ballroom, Salsa to Swing, Argentine Tango to New York Hustle. His mastery of dance is evidenced by the recognition of his own teachers and numerous high finishes in professional dance competitions:

Third Place - New York Hustle International Congress
Second Place - New York Style Hustle 2005
Miami Champion - Salsa 2004
Undefeated Champion - Arizona State Swing Dance Championship, Showcase Division
Undefeated American Rhythm Champion - Washington D.C. East Coast Championship
Second Place - Open American Rhythm, Embassy Ballroom Championships
Finalist - Rising Star in Miami, New York style Hustle
Finalist - Nevada Star Ballroom Championships
Finalist - World Swing Dance Championship
Third place, Showcase Division (Swing)
Third place, Classic Division (Swing)
Second Place, Cabaret Division (Mambo)
Finalist - Cleveland Classic, Rising Star American Rhythm Championship
Third Place - Virginia State Championships, Rising Star American Rhythm
Fourth Place - Las Vegas National Swing Dance Championships, Showcase Division
 

Professional Instruction

Chad's technical dance background is equally impressive, having studied under many current and former champions and professional adjudicators, including:

Jenell Maranto
Daniel & Maria Bastone
Arte Phillips
Ron Montez
Lori Woods-Gay
Michael Walker
James & Yanna Kunitz
Buddy Schwimmer
Lindsey Hillier (World Champion)

Professional Certifications and Affiliations

Chad stays in touch with the dance community through his active involvement in premier Dance Associations. Most notably, he is a member of the Terpsichore and Associate to the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD). He also proudly holds the following distinguished certifications and affiliations include:

Member, Terpsichore - American Rhythm, Latin/Salsa, Ballroom, Swing, Country, Argentine Tango and New York style Hustle

National/International Certification
World Professional Dance Teachers Association

Registered Competitor and Professional Instructor
National Dance Council of America (NDCA)

Member, Bachelor, Master Instructor
Bronze-Silver-Gold/Gold Bar/Gold Star Levels

Adjudicator - U.S. National Swing Dance Council (all styles)

Professional Charter Member - Dancesport

Dance with a Champion!
If you would like to learn to dance, or would like to take your current dance skills to the next level, Dance With Chad.
He's an experienced dancer, an engaging instructor and he would love to help you reach your personal objectives.

Dance with a Pair of Champions!
For the last four years, Chad has teamed with another great champion, Jenell Maranto!
As a team, Chad and Jenell have garnered high acclaim as they have traveled the United States to lecture, coach and perform. Let them work their magic on you! Chad as instructor; Jenell as Coach: a great winning combination!