About this Studio
Welcome to DanceArts Miami, your ultimate destination for group and private dance classes for adults in Miami. Our multi-purpose dance studio is dedicated to inspiring individuals of all ages and backgrounds to unleash their creativity through movement. Founded by seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the performing arts, DanceArts Miami is your ideal choice for exploring dance in South Florida. Discover a healthy and enjoyable alternative to Miami’s vibrant nightlife scene and embark on a journey to fulfill your creative soul with us.
About the Founders
Esther Francés
Is a professional ballroom and latin dance competitor, instructor and choreographer who, after splitting her time between New York City and Miami, relocated to South Florida to open her dance studio. Esther was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in Florida and Alabama where she trained in classical ballet and piano for over 20 years. Esther completed her Bachelor of Music at the University of Miami in Music Business and Entertainment Industries with a major in classical piano and also received a minor in marketing and dance. She switched to ballroom dancing when she was 16 years old and has won numerous awards over the years. She has also been teaching dance and fitness for over 19 years, with a unique and exciting teaching style stemming from her deep knowledge of music. Her current accolades include winning the 2019 American Smooth title at Ballroom Raymi in Peru, 2018 American Rhythm title in Venice Italy, being a semifinalist in the American Rhythm styles in the prestigious Blackpool competition in 2017, and she also won the top instructor award for the Arthur Murray company internationally in 2018. She is currently a competitor in the American Ballroom Smooth style with her partner Dmitry Krasnyanskiy.
Esther’s passion in life is dancing and teaching how to dance, believing that music and dance provide mental and physical well- being like no other form of art or exercise. For this reason, she is involved with several charitable causes including working with people who have Alzheimer’s (she created a dance syllabus while working for Arthur Murray in New York that was adopted by the Alzheimer’s Association to be promoted nationally), Camp Clio (she helped organize dance themed fund raising events for adopted children) and Fundacion Ars Vitalis (she provided virtual dance lessons to children in Spain aged 7-17). Her involvement in the Nomi Network started 10 years ago when she first moved to New York and she has served on the Young Professionals Board for the past 4 years along with performing at their events and galas.
Dmitry Krasnyanskiy
Was born in Moscow, Russia and started his training in ballroom dancing at the Aleko Dance training center at 7 years old. He immediately started competing and by the time he was 17 he had successfully competed in over 100 national and international competitions representing his hometown of Moscow.
As an Amateur, Dmitry competed at the Russian championships in 1994 and 1995 as a finalist. He also represented Russia at the 1994 world championships. In 1995 he became the face of the German Open Championship in Mannheim for five consecutive years. Throughout the subsequent years, Dmitry was the winner and finalist in numerous competitions and championships all over the world. In 2003 he won the International Dance Union World Championship in Le Mans, France and in 2004 he became the Vice World Champion at the International Dance Union Championships in Hong Kong.
Since being in the United States he won the Fred Astaire top teacher award twice in 2006 and he won the “People’s Choice” award at the Dancing with the Stars charity fundraiser in Stamford CT in 2007. Since then he has won numerous Pro-Am awards with his students at high ranking competitions such as Ohio Star Ball, Manhattan Dancesport and Yankee Classic. Currently Dmitry resides in Miami and is a finalist internationally in the American Ballroom Smooth style with his partner Esther Francés.
Joanna Meller
is a Professional Latin Ballroom Dancer trained in all International and American styles. She was born in Poznan, Poland and now resides in Hoboken, NJ. Her dance career began at the age of 9, when she began taking dance lessons for fun and it turned into her biggest passion. Joanna initially came to the United States by invitation to compete with her former dance partner. While competing in the United States, Joanna was offered a teaching position with a franchised dance studio. That allowed Joanna to teach and share her dancing passion with her students. During her time with a franchised dance studio, Joanna trained and competed with students and became a top instructor at the New York Dance Festival. In pursuit of her dancing goals, Joanna left the franchised dance studio to compete professionally at top US competitions including Manhattan Dance Championship, Empire Dance Championship, Embassy Ball and the United States Dance Championship. Joanna and her previous partner finished first at the Manhattan Dance Championship and placed as finalists in the Rising Star American Rhythm category across the country. Since then Joanna has represented the United States at the biggest dance competitions in England competing in the International Latin category. While not training and competing, Joanna teaches a select group of students in the New York City area who are interested in improving their ballroom dancing skills. In March 2022, Joanna started MJ DanceFit to serve the New York City area with ballroom dance and fitness services, specializing in professional-amateur dance competitions.
Resident Dance Artist & Coach
Rufus Dustin
Rufus Dustin, a World Dance Council (WDC) professional, provides coaching and choreography for some of the best Professional and Amateur competitive dancers in the world. He routinely acts as an adjudicator at some of the most prestigious dance competitions around the globe.
Rufus has been certified as an adjudicator by the National Dance Council of America (NDCA), the World Dance Council (WDC), and Fred Astaire Dance Studios Inc. in International Style Standard, International Style Latin, American Smooth, American Rhythm, and Theater Arts.
As a Professional dancer, Rufus competed nationally and internationally, attaining titles in International Latin, American Rhythm and Theater Arts. He has performed all over the world, including special presentations at the Blackpool Dance Festival.
Among his most important achievements we must mention:
- 2-time World Exhibition/Cabaret Champion
- 2-time United States National Professional American Style Champion (Rhythm and Smooth) (1974 – 1975)
- North American Latin Champion
- North American 10-Dance Champion
- United States Champion
- Blackpool Dance Festival Champion
- Multi-time Lecturer at the World Ballroom Dancing Congress in Blackpool, England
STAFF INSTRUCTORS
Marcos Silva
Office Manager
Steven Aportela
Administrative Assistant
Dmitry Krasnyanskiy
Born in Moscow, Russia, Dmitry Krasnyanskiy began ballroom dancing at age seven, quickly rising to compete in over 100 national and international competitions. A former Russian Championship finalist and World Championship competitor, he later earned titles such as the 2003 International Dance Union World Champion and 2004 Vice World Champion.
Beyond his competitive success, Dmitry is a dedicated instructor known for his ability to teach and inspire students of all ages and levels. His patience, expertise, and passion have helped countless dancers excel, earning him the Fred Astaire Top Teacher Award and multiple Pro-Am titles with his students at prestigious competitions. Now based in Miami, he continues to compete internationally in the American Ballroom Smooth style with his partner, Esther Francés, while sharing his love for dance with students worldwide.
Esther Francés
Esther Francés is a professional Ballroom and Latin dance competitor, instructor, and choreographer. Born in Houston and raised in Florida and Alabama, she trained in classical ballet and piano for over 20 years before earning a Bachelor of Music from the University of Miami. She transitioned to ballroom dance at 16 and has since won numerous awards, including the 2019 American Smooth title at Ballroom Raymi and the 2018 American Rhythm title in Venice, Italy. She is currently competing in American Ballroom Smooth with Dmitry Krasnyanskiy.
With over 19 years of teaching experience, Esther blends her deep musical knowledge into her instruction. Passionate about dance’s impact on mental and physical well-being, she has created dance programs for Alzheimer’s patients, worked with children through charitable organizations, and served on the Young Professionals Board of the Nomi Network. Now based in South Florida, she continues to inspire students through her studio and competitive career.
Napoleon Hugues
Professional Dancer, Choreographer and instructor, teaches and coaches students in all Ballroom, Latin and Rhythm dances as well as Argentine Tango in Amical Dancesport Studio in North Miami and several ballrooms in South Florida.
Started dance at the age of 5 in my native Haiti. In 1997 began my formal ballroom training and won 1rst place in the AJFH 2007 competition in Latin Dance.
Moved in july to Florida in 2007 to pursue my passion, training in various dance disciplines such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, folklore and contemporary in addition to all the ballroom dances. Since have been instructing ballroom dance, performed on a regular basis and has made myself a name as one of the best Argentine Tango instructors and performers in Miami.
Sandra Acosta
Sandra is a passionate artist with over 18 years of experience as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and performer for events and productions. She has extensive experience working with artists in the show world and specializes in jazz and ballet technique, gymnastics, Latin styles such as salsa and bachata, and aerial dance. Sandra has also ventured into musical theater. Enthusiastic and dedicated to teaching through the mechanics of movement, she completed a degree in physical education and sports training in Mexico.
Teresa Garcia
Born in Lima, Peru, Teresa relocated to NYC as a teenager to pursue a career in the performing arts. A versatile dancer and choreographer, she became a NY Salsa Champion at 19 and trained in all ballroom styles under Maksim Chmerkovskiy, teaching at his studios for over seven years. She completed the Broadway Dance Center’s professional program and later became an instructor there.
Teresa has starred in immersive theater productions like Carmen, to Havana and Back and Arrabal and appeared as a featured dancer in Father of the Bride and In The Heights. From 2017 to 2023, she was a principal dancer and choreographer on Univision’s Mira Quien Baila. She has also performed with top Latin artists, including Shakira, Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Maluma, and Daddy Yankee, in award shows, music videos, and international tours.
Camilo Toro
Chilean dancer, choreographer, and teacher with versatility in body language. He incorporates techniques and styles from different cultures, using both classical and modern techniques. He creates through fusion and contemporary approaches. He includes tap dance, jazz, and popular rhythms of African and Latin origin, such as hip-hop, dancehall, Afro, salsa, and others. Currently based in Miami since 2023, he teaches at various studios and performs with the Peter London Global Dance Company. He has experience in live performances, tours, television, and music video recordings with various popular artists, agencies, and independent entertainment companies.
Monica Llobet
Monica Llobet, a three-time World Argentine Tango Champion, has built a vibrant tango community in South Florida. As the founder of Alma de Tango, she has hosted prestigious events at venues like the Ritz-Carlton and Biltmore Hotel, offering an elegant space for tango lessons and social dancing. Her signature annual Milongas and international tango excursions further enrich the dance culture.
A dedicated instructor, Monica teaches private lessons, group classes, and choreographs for students of all levels. She has worked with tango legends such as Jorge Torres and Osvaldo Zotto, sharing her expertise globally. Through performances, media appearances, and community-building, she continues to solidify Miami’s place in the international tango scene.
Safiyé Gonzalvo
Safiyé Gonzalvo is originally from Miami, FL and began her dance training through the academy Miami Arts Charter. After receiving her diploma she went off to receiver her BFA at New World School of the Arts where she studied all styles of dance from Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, etc. Safiye has worked with multiple dance company’s and choreographers from Styx the company, Zest Collective, and learned various pieces by the renowned choreographer and director of Alvin Ailey Robert Battle.
Carlos Saoco
CEO and Founder of Saoco Dance. Carlos trained artistically in Argentina and USA. He created the first latin dance academy in Lima, Perú, and was one of the leaders in bringing these styles to his country. He has won international competitions and been an official dancer for many of the top salsa musical artists in Perú. He is a producer for the Vive Latino International Congress. Carlos currently directs his dance company, Saoco Dance, in Perú and teaches weekly at DanceArts Miami.
Alaina Burroughs
Alaina Burroughs, “The Dancing Realtor®” is a self-taught heels sensual dancer from North Carolina who turned her passion into a movement. Now based in South Florida, she balances her career as a professional dancer and realtor, empowering women through the art of heels dance. Her classes create a safe space for women of all ages to embrace self-love, confidence, and femininity-whether as a form of self-care, an escape from daily life, or a reminder that they are more than just their titles. With every step, she inspires women to reclaim their sensuality and strength, one heel at a time.
Pooja Uberoi
Pooja Uberoi is a globally recognized Bollywood dance director, choreographer, and founder of Ikigaiusa, a dance and movement coaching platform. With over 13 years of experience, she has trained in Bollywood, Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary dance under esteemed mentors in India and New York.
She has choreographed major Bollywood musicals, including Jhumroo, Wizwits, and Passage to Bollywood, and has taught renowned Bollywood actors. As the creator of BollyJazz and host of Find Your IKIGAI with Bollywood Beatsworkshops, she blends dance with movement science to help individuals discover their passion and purpose.
Katerina Lubek
Katerina Lubek began her ballet training in Moscow at age six, studying under esteemed instructors from the Yacobson Theater and Cuban National Ballet. She later trained in Havana and performed in New York City at Lincoln Center and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with VTB Ballet Company.
Certified by both American Ballet Theater and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Katerina teaches their official curriculums in Miami. She is also a certified barre fitness instructor, personal trainer (CPC), and holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Hunter College.
Yannis Brunet
Yannis arrived from France. With a background in competitive sports including cycling, motorbike racing, race car driving, soccer and many other sports Yannis has successfully rehabilitated from multiple sports injuries. He exemplifies the benefits of GYROTONIC® training. Yannis is a Spinning Instructor and as a model and a chef he is also knowledgeable about nutrition and health.
Natalia Montero
Natalia began her journey in movement at age 8 with classical ballet and later earned a degree in Physical Therapy. She became a certified Hatha Yoga teacher and founded MM Pilates Cancún in 2008. With advanced training in Pilates for Rehabilitation, she became the owner of Polestar Pilates Costa Rica.
Now co-owner of Imove Wellness Studio with DanceArts Miami, Natalia combines Pilates, Physical Therapy, and mindful movement to help individuals build strength, alignment, and confidence. She is also training as a GYROTONIC® teacher, dedicated to making Pilates a holistic lifestyle.
Dance Arts Miami will be a complete home for dancers of any level in every style to get all the services they need – dance classes, hourly space rental and beyond!
Try salsa, samba, waltz, swing bachata, yoga, ballet, modern, GYROTONIC®, dance fitness, stretch sessions, and more!
GYROTONIC®, GYROTONIC® & Logo and GYROKINESIS® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.