Add Karen as a Facebook friend.

Karen began studying social dance in 1978, and after taking some time off to focus on career and family, she returned to ballroom dancing and teaching in 1991. She has studied with Mark and Dawna Nocera, Dan Radler, and Suzanne Hamby. She has also participated in numerous seminars with other dance luminaries including Ian Gillet, Stephen Hillier, Michael Mead, and Edward Simon, among others.

Prior to opening her own business, Karen taught a social dance curriculum for studios in Boston and Cambridge, MA, and Amherst, NH. Karen has competed pro-am at ballroom dance competitions on the Maine and Massachusetts circuits. She is an Associate Organization Member of USABDA.

In addition to International and American Style Ballroom training, Karen's repertoire includes country western, west coast swing, lindy hop, hustle, salsa, and nightclub two-step. Karen's exposure to dance began as a youth, with a theatrical dance program under the direction of Mary Bertagna, former Radio City Music Hall Rockette.

Karen has been choreographing and producing showcases since 1996. Her work has been presented at five NH shopping malls as well as the Chestnut Hill Mall in MA, the Intown Manchester Buskers on the Bricks program, the Center of NH Senior Expo, the Palace Theatre's production of "Keyboard Lounge", the Bel Esprit Arts Festival, the Seacoast Classic, the Southern NH University Dance Club, NH Community Technical College, several local nursing homes, and various events sponsored by Queen City Ballroom.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Hampshire. While she was attending the UNH she included some theatrical dance training as part of her studies.

Karen demonstrates longtime support of various nonprofit and charitable institutions through donations of dance lessons, and providing showcases for events. These include Emily's Place Shelter, The American Heart Association, The New Hampshire Coalition for Missing and Abused Children, The March of Dimes Special Olympics, Catholic Medical Center, Compassionate Connections Youth Mentoring Program, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Child and Family Services, The Acting Loft Studio, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, and The Villa Augustina Charitable Corporation.

Karen is noted for her efforts to give back to the community. On a weekly basis, she allocates studio resources to support the Queen City Ballroom's Youth Dance Team, a program designed to offer NH teens a place to unwind and make friendships, while learning ballroom dance, and social skills such as decorum, respect, and dignity.

Karen has one daughter, Nicki, who is also a ballroom dance instructor at Queen City Ballroom. When not on the dance floor, Karen enjoys reading, photography, yoga, and seaside vacations.

Karen can be contacted at Karen@queencityballroomnh.com.

Mica began his ballroom career in his hometown of Belgrade in Serbia. He trained at various studios but most of his training came at the renowned Prodance in Belgrade. Mica who maintains a strong desire for constant improvement has trained with numerous coaches throughout his career. Helping Mica throughout his career have been Carol MacRaild, Bo Loft Jensen, Daniela Skovic Novak and Fredi Novak.

Mica constantly strives to increase his knowledge of dancing and teaching. You can count on Mica to always be up-to-date regarding every topic in the dance world. He takes pride in sharing his experience and knowledge gained from over twenty years of involvement in the ballroom world, bringing joy and enthusiasm to every social dance, competition, showcase and class he teaches.

The excitement of competition has always been a favorite aspect of dance for Mica. Meeting others, socializing and the pageantry of competitions has always motivated him. Mica is currently pursuing judging as a means to increase his knowledge and involvement in the dance world.

Mica can be reached at mica@queencityballroomnh.com.

Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.

Randy Avis is a well known and respected dancer and Tango DJ. He teaches, DJs, dances and performs through out New England where his clarity as a teacher and down to earth presentation are much appreciated. His own style has been informed by such illustrious teachers as Jackie Wong, Judith Schwartz, Christine & Homer Ladas, Gustavo Benzecry-Sabá & María Olivera, Michale Young & Beatrix Satzinger, Gustavo and Marie, and Lorena Gasse & Ariel Barrionuevo. Recent performances include 2010 The Mariposa, Peterbourough NH, St. Paul's School Concord New Hampshire and Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce.. Randy’s dedication to Tango is reflected in his full schedule of lessons, Milongas & practicas.

He believes that learning Argentine Tango should be Fun! In teaching his focus is on helping students with the fundamentals of the dance. The emphasis on musicality, core technique and partner connection empowers his students to dance simply and musically from the beginning and really gives them confidence on the dance floor.

Randy can be reached at 603-547-0402 or itangonh@gmail.com.

Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.

Jonathan Barbeau, owner of MrJonathanIsMyDJ.com, is Queen City Ballroom's West Coast Swing Pro, having become interested in West Coast Swing in 1999. His early dance training included classes in Classical Ballet starting in 1987. In the course of his dance career, he also trained in two-step and nightclub two-step. Among others, Jonathan has studied with John Festa, Larry Mongeau, and Anne Fleming. He has placed 1st in the novice division, two years running, at the Boston Dance Challenge, and has been a Finalist at Summer Hummer's Strictly Swing in the intermediate division. Jonathan has been teaching dance since 2004 in locations including Merrimack, NH, Cambridge, MA, and North Chelmsford, MA. Jonathan is also available for onsite private lessons.

Jonathan can be reached at info@mrjonathanismydj.com.

Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.

Natalie has been dancing since the age of 5, having trained in modern dance, jazz, ballet, tap, flamenco and ballroom. At age 15, Natalie won her first U.S. Amateur Championship title in the Latin American style. Natalie went on to become the United States Amateur Latin American and U.S. Amateur 10-Dance Champion. She has represented the U.S. at six World Championships.

Natalie also claimed the U.S. Professional Rising Star Rhythm title, as well as winning the L.A. Salsa Championships at the Mayan Club, defeating all of the top local Salsa couples.

Natalie has performed worldwide and has been the featured dancer on such projects as the Young and the Restless, the Geena Davis Show, the Boston Tree Lighting Ceremony, including a dance performance with Harry Connick, Jr. at the Belagio Hotel in Las Vegas. She has also co-produced Crystal Cruises newest production show “That’s Dancin!”.

Natalie has worked for Norwegian Cruise Lines performing in “Hooray for Hollywood”, “Gotta Dance” and “Showstoppers”. She has been performing and choreographing for Wayne Forster Productions in San Diego, California, as well as for Crystal Cruise Lines in Los Angeles, CA.

Film credits include; “Can’t Stop Dancing”, “The Swan Princess”, “The Contest “ (Santa Monica Film Festival), “Dance With Me”, starring Vanessa Williams, The Disney Film, “Enchanted”, starring Partick Dempsey, as well as coaching actors for the film “Shall We Dance”, starring Jennifer Lopez.

Natalie has most recently finished working as a featured dancer on the 80th Annual Academy Awards Show.

She is completely versed in all styles of Ballroom dance including the International style and the American style of Ballroom and Latin as well as Salsa, Swing, Argentine Tango, and Adagio/lifts.

She has studied with Ron Montez and Elizabeth Curtis, Rick Valenzuela, Johan and Nadia Eftedal, Brian and Kristi McDonald, as well as studying Theatre Arts(adagio/lifts), with Tom Slater, Cate Camplin, Roy and June Mavor.

Natalie is accepting new students on a limited basis. She can be contacted at QnCtyBalrm@aol.com.

Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.

Ron has been ballroom dancing for 14 years. He competed in the 2002 Seacoast Classic and won 1st place for Lindy Hop Team. Ron hosts the Beginner Dance Parties held monthly at QCB monthly and teaches the Concord Community Education Ballroom Dance Program through Queen City Ballroom. Ron also co-teaches the Intermediate/Advanced classes held on Fridays at QCB. Ron has choreographed many showcase performances such as waltz, foxtrot, cha cha, and rumba routines, as well as coaching waltz, salsa, foxtrot, and rumba/cha cha fusion teams. Ron is a frequent member of the Lindy Hop team. Ron received his training from Karen Shackleford and continues today to study and train with her. Ron has attended workshops taught by Ron Montez and by Natalie Mavor.

Ron holds a B.S. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Plymouth State College in Plymouth, NH and a Master’s in Education in Guidance and Counseling from Plymouth State College.

Ron and his wife Beth, enjoy Anya, their golden retriever and their “home away from home” in Madison, NH. He loves cooking and eating the great food they prepare. Ron stays active in addition to dancing by walking the dogs, playing tennis, and snowshoeing.

Ron is accepting new students on a limited basis. Ron can be contacted at ron@queencityballroomnh.com.

April began teaching at QCB in December 2008. Her passion for salsa dancing is what brought her to QCB. She enjoys teaching and social dancing. April received her training from Karen Tebeau and has attended classes and workshops by Ron Montez and Natalie Mavor. She often participates in the QCB showcases and has choreographed routines in salsa, swing, waltz, and freestyle fusion genres. April also coaches the Queen City Ballroom’s Youth Dance Team. She really enjoys working with the teens and being able to have a positive influence in their development. April can be found teaching smooth or rhythm classes as well as private lessons. Opening East Coast Chiropractic is what brought April to Manchester, NH. Her and her husband, John, are both chiropractors and have been practicing in Manchester since 2007. Besides dancing, April enjoys hiking with her dogs, yoga, and spending time with family and friends.

April is accepting new students at this time. April can be contacted at April@queencityballroomnh.com.

Bob has been ballroom dancing since 1991, and began his dance teaching career in 1992 in Warwick, RI. He has been an instructor for Queen City Ballroom since 2002.

In addition to teaching private lessons for the studio, Bob also participates one or two times a year in offsite dance showcases, sponsored by Queen City Ballroom. Our audiences always enjoy his artistic and appealing choreography and his enthusiastic showmanship.

Bob can be contacted at QnCtyBalrm@aol.com.

Marc has been ballroom dancing since 1997. He has trained in that time with Karen Shakleford and Bill Morganti. Marc especially enjoys Lindy hop and has participated in several Lindy hop performance teams over the years as well as teaching it himself. Marc currently co-teaches the Merrimack Adult Education Program with his wife, Nadia, through Queen City Ballroom.

When Marc is not at the studio in the evenings or on the weekends, he works full-time for United Healthcare as a Group Representative. He and his wife enjoy traveling and try to make time in their busy lives to do it whenever they can.

Marc is accepting new students at this time. Marc can be contacted at marc@queencityballroomnh.com.

Nadia has been ballroom dancing for about 25 years. As a student, she competed in the Rhythm and Smooth categories. She has since studied with Karen Tebeau and Bill Morganti. Nadia co-teaches with her husband, Marc, the Merrimack Adult Education Ballroom Dance Program. You can also find Nadia teaching Bootcamps, various performance teams, and private lessons on site at QCB.

Nadia holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Suffolk University, a Graduate certificate in Health Administration from New Hampshire College, as well as a Paralegal certificate from Hesser College. When Nadia is not teaching or working as a paralegal, she stays active by walking and hiking, biking and traveling, and enjoys cooking for herself and others.

Nadia is currently accepting new students. She can be contacted at nadia@queencityballroomnh.com.

Carol began dancing in first grade and studied ballet, point, jazz and tap for nine years. As a teenager, she was introduced to ballroom dancing but only started taking lessons as an adult at Queen City Ballroom in 2005. Carol’s mother played classical piano and her father was a jazz pianist so music and dancing have always been an important part of her life.

Carol has studied with Karen Shackleford, Ron Blankenstein, Natalie Mavor and Jim Maranto as well as other instructors at Queen City Ballroom. Her instructing career began in April of 2010 as a substitute and she now teaches on a regular basis at the studio and assists Ron Blankenstein with the QCB classes on taught on Thursday nights in Concord taught in conjunction with the Concord Adult Education program. Since 2005, she has performed in numerous showcases.

Her professional life has revolved around children and training adults who work with children. Her responsibilities include creating and presenting professional development opportunities for adults and event planning for educational retreats.

Carol is available to teach beginner to intermediate ballroom Wednesday afternoons; other afternoons as her work schedule permits. She can be reached at carol@queencityballroomnh.com.

Nicki has 11 years of ballroom dance experience. She has also studied jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, and lyrical dancing. She has trained with Karen Tebeau and Bill Morganti. Nicki has participated in various dance competitions such as the Yankee Classic, the Commonwealth Classic, and the Connecticut State Challenge. Nicki has been the instructor and choreographer for the QCB Teen Team in the past. Nicki also gives private lessons and choreographs many wedding dances.

Nicki attends Springfield College. In her free time from school and the dance studio, Nicki is a professional wrestler and she plays the French Horn.

Nicki is currently accepting new students. Nicki can be contacted at
nicki@queencityballroomnh.com.

Shelley has been involved in Ballroom Dancing since the 70’s, starting in 1973 at the Boston Ballroom and Metro Dance Studio in Boston. In 1974 she received International Medals in Quick Step and Cha Cha and also joined the Formation Team at Chestnut Hill Country Club, performing at Chestnut Hill and Copley Plaza. From 1974 through 1975 Shelley participated in competitions throughout New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachussetts with Mrs. Tina’s Dance Studio (Gloucester,MA) in the ProAm Division. She has been dancing at Queen City Ballroom since 2007, performing in various showcases. Shelley also participated in classes and workshops by Ron Montez, Natalie Mavor and Bill Morganti.

Sarah is a recent graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence RI and joined Queen City Ballroom in the summer of 2011. Sarah is not a ballroom dancer but enjoys watching the lessons and greeting all of the students. When not at the ballroom, she works her other job as an Event & Sales Coordinator with a Boston wedding magazine. She also enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and family.

Mary has been ballroom dancing since 1998. She also has a background in ballet, jazz, and square dancing. Mary works part-time as an administrative assistant for QCB, in addition to another job. She holds a BS in Statistics and Computer Science from the University of Delaware.

When she is not busy dancing, she enjoys activities such as hiking and backpacking, playing with her 3 dogs, camping, snowshoeing, yoga and tai ji, gardening, and biking.

Mary can be contacted at mary@queencityballroomnh.com.