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
Napoleon Hugues
Swing, Ballroom, and Latin Dance
Private Lessons Available
Swing is one of those dances that you simply must learn. This upbeat and exciting style is also incredibly musically versatile – different styles of swing can work with pop music, rock, blues, r&b, country music, and big band jazz styles.
It’s a wonderful dance for those who love music and fun people with great vibes – in fact, “great vibes” is an accurate way to describe swing dance communities across the globe! Join them and experience more joy and excitement in your life every time you set foot on the dance floor.
Join us to learn the basics in different styles of swing dancing, we will cover east coast swing, jitterbug, and west coast swing.
NAPOLEON HUGUES
Napoleon Hugues is a professional dancer, choreographer, and instructor of all international ballroom, international latin, American Rhythm, and Argentine Tango Styles.
He Began Dancing when he was 5 years old in his native Haiti and went on to train and compete in Ballroom dance styles, winning a Latin Dance Championship in 2007.
Since moving to Florida, he’s continued to pursue his passion for dance by training in various dance genres, and by teaching and performing ballroom dance. In particular, he’s become known as one of Miami’s top Argentine Tango performers and instructors.
Gigi
Zumba®, Aqua Zumba®, DanceLab® CPR-AED
Private Lessons Available
GIGI
A classically-trained dancer since the age of 5, Gigi started teaching Dance Fitness classes in 2008 when a teacher twisted her ankle during class and asked her to take over. She loved to see the smiles on the faces of the students and knew that this was her calling. Trained and certified by the creator of Zumba®, Beto Perez, Gigi’s passion to share her love of Dance and fitness quickly grew and she was sought after by many exclusive gyms and academies. Coming to us from New York, Gigi was voted top Zumba® instructor of 2012 on “Rate Your Burn “ and held a coveted spot on the faculty at the renowned school, STEPS on Broadway.
Her devotees describe her style as easy to follow, energetic and FUN! Great for beginners and students of all ages, her class has a relaxed party-like atmosphere. The music and styles vary from Salsa, Bollywood, Ballet, Jazz, Samba, Cumbia, African, Hip-hop, swing and Pop/Radio favorites. Her encouraging and interactive approach to group fitness and dance builds, musicality, endurance, tone, flexibility and confidence all while having fun- just DANCING! She currently leads classes at several high profile gyms throughout Miami & holds private sessions by appointment only.
She Makes fitness fun, user-friendly and rewarding. She believes that People tend to stick with anything that they love to do and makes them feel happy. That Endorphin rush (natural high) at the end of her cardio dance fitness class known as the “Gigiglow” is what keeps people coming back. Major advocate of drinking water and improving flexibility. Dancer Stretch and Abs class. Aqua Zumba pool party class especially geared to people with injuries, pregnancy and people who prefer a no impact aerobic workout. Can teach any style of dance and specialize in breaking down the moves so you will learn it.
Mayumi Kato
General Fitness – Vinyasa Yoga for Beginners
Private Lessons Available
Mayumi is a motivated Yoga practitioner with over 10 years of experience, and teaching all ages and experience levels, including students with physical disabilities. She enjoys inspiring others with what she knows, to improve wellness and commit to long-term health and fitness goals. Energetic and outgoing with collaborative spirit. She is native of Japan where she studied Art specializing in Oil Painting, nand worked at different organizations before starting her teaching career.
She is also an accredited middle rank apprentice of Japanese Tea Ceremony by the Urasenke Foundation, and a proud mother of two teenagers.
VINYASA YOGA FOR BEGINNERS
This practice will revolutionize your mind and your movement! You’ll learn beginner-friendly yoga poses and practice linking the movement from pose to pose with your breath. The practice can be very athletic and you can build strength and cardio-vascular stamina if that is your goal. If it isn’t, the practice can be modified to suit your needs. Vinyasa yoga is especially wonderful for dancers, and you will love getting in to the flow.
Sandra Melissa Acosta
GyroKinesis® and Gyrotonic®
Private Lessons Available
SANDRA MELISSA 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.
Carlos Saoco
Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue
Private Lessons Available
Come and learn how to salsa from the best! Carlos is an expert teacher with many years of experience. In this class you will learn to polish basic salsa steps and then move on to combinations no partner required.
Salsa is one of the most popular dances in the world – learn it and you’ll instantly have an international community of friends! Here in Miami, knowing at least the basics is absolutely required and our class is the very best way to do that! Perfect for absolute beginner through intermediate dancers, this class will help you learn the latest turn patterns, shines, and styling that will build your confidence so much you’ll be dancing in the streets!
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.
Monica Llobet
Argentine Tango with Alma de Tango- Bronze Level
Private Lessons Available
Black fishnet tights, roses, passion, and drama all come to mind when think of Argentine tango! This beautiful, creative, sensual dance is an adventure in itself but learning it comes with many additional benefits including more sensitive lead/follow skills (read: dance more successfully with more people!), improved balance, a better musical ear, and improved movement mechanics.
You’ll learn at the level that is appropriate for your experience according to the assessment of the instructor. You’ll learn and play, improving your skills, confidence, and love for dance!
Swing is one of those dances that you simply must learn. This upbeat and exciting style is also incredibly musically versatile – different styles of swing can work with pop music, rock, blues, r&b, country music, and big band jazz styles.
MONICA LLOBET
Beginner and advanced dancers alike join us for this magical class from world champion tango dancer Monica LLobet. She will go through basic patterns and techniques in Argentine Tango.
Sara Verdugo
Body Conditioning for Dancers
Adult Ballet – Beginners
Private Lessons Available
Body Conditioning for Dancers
If you dance any style, at any level, this class is for you! It will help you to develop and maintain strength, stamina, and flexibility so you can dance your personal best, get the most fun and enjoyment out of every step, and reduce the risk of injury. Our specially-trained staff will guide you through a practice that will support what you do on and off the dance floor!
Adult Ballet – Beginners
Ballet is an excellent movement foundation for those who want to participate in any style of dance. At DanceArts Miami, we wanted to provide a chance for adults to learn ballet as beginners, or brush up on skills you developed years ago but put to the side. You’ll be glad you joined once you reap the benefits including greater strength, flexibility, and awareness of how to move your body beautifully and efficiently.
SARA
Sara is a master ballet instructor with extensive training and experience in various styles of classical ballet, contemporary dance, and more. She trained for a decade at the Escuela de Danza Victor Ullante in Madrid, her hometown. She received further training from the Real Conservatorio de Danza Mariemma, and received scholarships to continue her studies at the prestigious Les Ballets de Montecarlo, Princess Grace, and Balletto Ucrainia. Sara is fully trained in the Vaganova technique, and has extensively studied French, Cuban and Balanchine technique.
Dmitry Krasnyanskiy
American Rhythm & Smooth Ballroom Dancing
International Latin & Ballroom Dancing
Private Lessons Available
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 starting 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 world. In 2003 he won the International Dance Union world championship in Le Mans, France and the following year 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 in twice in 2006 and he won the “peoples 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 a Ohio Star Ball, Manhattan dance sport and Yankee Classic. Currently Dmitry resides in Miami and is a finalist internationally in the American Ballroom Smooth style with his partner Esther Francés
Yannis Brunet
Gyrokinesis® and Gyrotonic®
Private Lessons Available
The Gyrokinesis Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. It is an original and unique method that coordinates movement, breath and mental focus.
The Gyrokinesis Method is practiced on a mat and chair without equipment. Without the feedback and guidance of equipment, participants in a Gyrokinesis class are more dependent on their own proprioception to explore movement sequences.
Fun fact: In it’s very early days Gyrokinesis was known as “yoga for dancers”
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.