Larry Collins

Larry Collins, affectionately known as Papa Smurf in the dance communities throughout the country, is co-founder and co-lead instructor of The Steady Steppers Dance Institute.  The Steady Steppers, based in Detroit (MI), was founded in 2003 where they offer Chicago Step instructional classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.  They have an affiliate Chicago Step instructional organization in Baltimore (MD) and a Steady Steppers chapter in Las Vegas (NV). 

Over the years they have provided over 40 Chicago Step instructional workshops in 19 cities across the nation; they have five (5) Chicago Step instructional DVD's on the market; they have been awarded the 'Spirit of Detroit Award' from the Detroit City Council in two consecutive years for improving the quality of life in Detroit through dance; they have been in the winners circle in both local and national Chicago Step competitions; they have functioned as judges in dance competitions; and most recently was voted the #2 Stepping organization in the nation on the ChiSteppers.com People Choice Awards.  Their official website is www.Dance-Institute.com.  The Steady Steppers are available for Chicago step demonstrations, performances, workshops, group lessons and private lessons in your city.
 
Every year The Steady Steppers host their Las Vegas Weekend Jam, the first weekend in October, in Las Vegas (NV) where it is dance weekend convention featuring all styles of ballroom and line dance. The weekend also features workshops in Line Dance, Chicago Step, Detroit Ballroom and Baltimore Hand Dance.  Details for the October 2 - 4, 2009 weekend can be found on www.VegasWeekendJam.com.

Calvin Sibert (a.k.a "Mr. Smooth")

Calvin Sibert (a.k.a.) "Mr. Smooth" has been teaching Ballroom Dancing for 8 1/2 years, since January 2001 and loves what he is doing.  He started dancing in 2000 when he took two classes in Ballroom Dancing at Wayne Community College.  To increase his knowledge, Mr. Smooth began taking class from other dance instructors as well.  From those instructions, came forth the Mr. Smooth Style Ballroom Dancing.

Beginning in January, 2001, Mr. Smooth has taught both basic and advance classes in Ballroom Dancing at the following institutions:

• Inkster Recreation Complex;
• Thurston Early Childhood Development Center;
• Willow Run High School in Ypsilanti, MI;
• Inkster School District Baylor Elementary;
• Meek Elementary;
• Blanchett Middle School;
• Robichard High School;
• Inkster High School;
• Dearborn Heights;
• Moonlight Dance Studio in Ann Arbor;
• Ford Michigan Truck Plant; and
• The Ford Saline Plant

With class sizes sometimes reaching up to 350 student and upward to 500 in Orlando FL and with his students ranging from ages 5 to 18 years old, “Mr. Smooth Style” has now gone to College!!  Mr. Smooth is now teaching at Lansing Community College for College Credits.  He now has instructors teaching the Mr. Smooth Style of Ballroom Dancing in Atlanta, GA and Los Angeles, CA.

Mr. Smooth also offers the following services:

• Ballroom Dance Demo's;
• He teaches the Wedding Couple and their Wedding Party;
• Private Lessons and Group Lessons; and
• Hired as a party starter (Gets hired to get the party started)

If you would like to contact him or need more info please call, then call Mr. Smooth at 1-866-213-0679 (H) 734-326-6841 or (C) 734-751-9797 or visit his website at www.mr.smooth.com for instructional DVDS and music, or you can e-mail Mr. Smooth at csibert@comcast.net.

Yolanda Avant-Sample

Yolanda Avant-Sample

Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Yolanda is the youngest of three children born to Albert and Jean Avant.  Yolanda is a graduate of George Washington Carver High School for Engineering and Science and has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Temple University. Yolanda has also studied in the Master of Education Program at Cheyney University.

A former plus sized model, she holds the crown as Ms. Plus USA 2001 - a pageant for full figured women sizes 14 and larger.  In addition to modeling, she has traveled nationwide delivering motivational speeches and participating in personal growth seminars.  Yolanda began soul line dancing in 1998 under the tutelage of Gloria Kingcade.  Following in her “Line Dance Mama’s” footsteps, she went on to start teaching line dance classes herself in October 2000.  Yolanda has taught all over the tri-state area including:  Bridgeton, NJ, Atlantic City, NJ, Wilmington, DE, Reading, PA, Ambler, PA, Vineland, NJ, Runnemede, NJ, Clayton, NJ and Philadelphia, PA.  She is one of the original featured dancers on the ever-popular Soul Line Revue television show and presently serves as co-host of the up and coming Let’s Dance TV show.  In 2005, Yolanda’s passion for soul line dancing led her to form the social dance group PJD Dance Express.  Under Yolanda’s leadership, PJD has been privileged to perform for NBC-10 at its annual Fit Fest.  PJD Dance Express has also performed for the pre-game show for the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Yolanda currently lives in Logan Township, NJ and is employed as a Communications Manager for PRWT Services, Inc. in Philadelphia, PA.  She is the proud single mother of Martese, 18 a sophomore at Temple University and Darnell, 16 a junior at Science Leadership Academy.  She is also a member of St. Matthews Baptist Church in Williamstown, NJ and a 10-year member of the Deborah Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-Prince Hall Affiliated.

Gloria Kingcade

Gloria Kingcade, native Philadelphian is a “Soul” Line Dance Instructor. Teaching for more than a decade after being a line dance student for 2 years, Gloria is a certified primary aerobic instructor at her alma mater, Community College of Philadelphia. She has shared her instructing expertise at S.I.S. (Sister’s in Shape) Fitness Full-Service Gym & Wellness Center, New Freedom Theatre, Main Line School Night, and Overbrook School for the Blind (Employees) along with numerous local senior citizens centers.

Gloria Kingcade is affiliated with two cable television shows (“Soul Line Revue” & “Let’s Dance TV”) as a consultant, “foot note” speaker, associate and featured dancer.

Ms Kingcade has been awarded appreciation salutes for her exceptional ability to break down dances to the most novice learners. Awards included “The Line Dance Instructors’ Instructor”, the “Right to the Point Instructor”, “5 County Arts Grant”, “Liberty Bell” and “Outstanding Community Service”.

In January 2001, Ms Kingcade founded ”D.A.S.H.E.R.S. Entertainment Network” (Dancing and Singing Help Everyone Relieve Stress).  This vegan vegetarian (since 1999) promotes healthy life styles by encouraging stress release from work (and life in general) though line dancing and karaoke.

Her teaching style is “Learn and Teach-Teach and Learn” and she has a reputation for teaching with patience and simplicity.

Gloria Kingcade is documenting “HERSTORY” of the 10 years (plus) journey in a new sub- culture she calls her ” Line Dance Family”. Ms Kingcade’s experiences including changes in her career, new friendships, travel, passion for teaching, and discovering a new livelihoods which has been a tremendous economical opportunity for herself and others in her “Line Dance Family”.

GLORIA KINGCADE   (SEARCH)  imalinedancer.ning.com

Donell McFadden

Baltimore Line Dancer
Baltimore Maryland

Donell McFadden a.k.a Primetime (the name of his first line dance and a name given to him respectfully by AJ the DJ) started line dancing in
1999 with Randy Dennis Production at The Five Mile House in Baltimore. In 2002, Donell and his wife Loretta began taking line dancing lessons under the tutorage of Renee River. Donell is a Transmission Support Analyst for M&T Bank where he has worked for almost 15 years.

In 2006, Donell help to create the outstanding line dance group Bro Phi Bro along with Chris Goode, Ronnie Goode and Loretta McFadden. Even though Bro Phi Bro are not together any more Donell still share friendship and line dancing with each member.

In 2008, Donell was awarded “Choreographer of The Year” and “Maryland Best Dance of the Year” at the Union Crew’s 2nd Annual UC Star Awards. To his credit Donell/Primetime made several line dances which include: “Primetime”, “Showtime”, “Showtime II”, “Move Your Feet”, “Throw It On Me”, “Ready Set Go”, “Cool Like That” and “Give It To Me”.

In 2009, D&M Production featuring Donell and Mike Womack brought you “The Baltimore Line Dance Blast”. Primetime looks forward to sharing his latest line dance with you and hope that each of you like it.

Tammy Brown

Tammy’s love for dance started as a teenager, studying as a high school student in Modern dance, Jazz and African dance. Her love of dance grew stronger for the dance and continued to study as an adult at Baltimore City Community College under a wonderful dance instructor, Mr. Andrew Young.

Tammy became interested in the art of Swing Dance the year of 1997. She studied the art of Hand Dance from the instruction of Lawrence Bradford. She then became a competitor in the year of 1998. She started competing locally in Hand Dance and West Coast Swing Competitions and winning numerous 1st place awards. In November of 2006, Tammy along with her partner, Kevin Fitzhugh became U.S. Open Swing Dance Champions, winning first place in the Sophisticated Swing Division. In addition, being the first African American couple to have a winning title at this event in a WCS solo division.

She is also a U.S. Open All Star Jack and Jill WCS finalist. She has accumulated an estimate of 15 titles in numerous local, regional, and National Swing and Hand Dance competitions in Jack and Jill and Strictly Swing Divisions.

She is a four- time recipient of the top West Coast Swing teacher award winner of the Maryland/DC/Virginia area.

Tammy is also a member of the National Hand Dance Association.

For more information about her accomplishments, group classes and private lessons, please visit http://www.swingfusion.net

Kim & Lennie

Shades of Essence’s

Teachers of the Philly Two Step a smooth blend of Ballroom, Argentine Tango, Tango, Salsa and the Stand.  The Instructors together have 10 plus years of experience teaching the Philly Two Step.  Along with training in Argentine Tango and Tango, we have taught on Carnival Cruise Line in 2007, Feel the Beat 2006 and 2007.  We are currently located at the Lonnie Young Center 1100 Chelten ave. Phila. Pa.

Tiffani Drinks

.Tiffani Drinks started line dancing in 2003 with the Atlantic City Soul Line Dancers @ Wash's Inn with Mike Rowe & Darryl Dato. Laura Forrest, her co-worker at Verizon, persuaded her to go after seeing the line dance T.V. Show. After one class Tiffani was enthusiastic. She found that the steps weren’t difficult for her; it was just a matter of figuring out the pattern. After many classes and parties it became “Showtime.”  Atlantic City Line Dancers was getting offers to do performances at different paying venues such as the Fabulous 50's weekend in Wildwood and Windows Over Harlem Cafe in Harlem , NY .

 After  years with Verizon in NJ, Tiffani was given the opportunity to transfer to Center City PA.  She saw this as an opportunity to connect with Line Dancers in the Philadelphia area. After that, Tiffani made numerous new line dance contacts, became a promoter for line dance thru (Bow Leg Productions, www.bowlegsproductions.com) in an effort to continue endorsing line dancing throughout the U.S.

Tiffani’s line dance achievements include instructing at Sayre High School in West Philadelphia for the Beacon program 2 nights a week and at the Yorkhouse in the Olney Section. Zach's Run/Walk  for Hunter Syndrome on Ocean City boardwalk for the last 4 years. Instructing for the City of  Margate for Thrilling Thursday's the summer of 2009.

Since 2004, she has supported and been affiliated with line dance groups and organizations, such as Baby Steps Inc., Bernadette & Friends, 
Dance Az 1 , Margate Soul Line Dancer's, Big Al's Karaoke Dancers, PJD Dance Express, Dance Addiction, Harlem Soul Line Dancers, Columbia Classic Line Dancers, Platinum Soul Line Dancers, Let's Dance T.V. Show  & Feel The Beat. 

Tiffani can proudly say, “Line dancing has definitely changed my life for the better; I exercise more because of it and I have met people who share in my belief of unity through dance.”

Donnetta McFadden

Member of SILK (Smooth Sistas/Brothas In Line Kickin’ It)
Baltimore, MD

Donnetta aka “McNetta” was originally introduced to line dancing in 2005 by her parents, Donell and Loretta McFadden. Although Donnetta never had the time to officially attend line dance functions, she always found the time to practice in her dormitory while studying at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. After she graduated with her B.S in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2007, she “caught the line dance bug” and started participating in every line dance she possibly could, alongside her parents. 

Since then, Donnetta has found a deep love for line dancing. Now that she is back in school as a doctoral candidate for Pharm.D/Ph.D as a pharmaceutical practitioner and neuropsychopharmacology, she uses line dance as a time to de-stress. Mostly, Donnetta can be found line dancing at The Brittany of Pikesville, MD in class with line dance instructor Ronnie Goode or at The Five Mile House on Reisterstown Road in class with line dance instructor Reneé Rivers. 

In 2008, Donnetta was awarded “New Choreographer of The Year”, at the Union Crew’s 2nd Annual UC Star Awards. As a rookie, Donnetta has made several line dances which include: “Get Low Low”, “Dust My Feet”, “True Jam”, “Krystal Klear”, “Gotham Stomp”, & “The Ocean”. 

In 2009, Donnetta joined SILK (Smooth Sistas and Brothas In Line Kickin’ It) and participated in their annual event at The Crystal Center earlier this year. She also appeared on Feel the Beat Productions dance television show which will air fall 2009.

Bernadette Burnette

Bernadette has been Line Dancing in Philadelphia for over 16 years.  Teaching and choreographing for over 9 years. She formerly danced with 3 dance groups in Philadelphia’s Tri-State area, The Dave Bush Performers (Godfather of Line Dance, Dave Bush), Tri-State Elite and Sista Shades of Soul (Double SOS)...a group she was proud to call her own.  And in 2009 she created “Dance AZ 1” a universal gathering of mankind who believe in unity, respect, peace and have a love and passion for the art of dance & music....to DANCE AZ 1!!!!!  

In the year 2001 she created her first line dance called “B&D's Groove” to Cheryl Lynn’s “Got to Be Real”.  In 2002, she came out her classic, signature line dance “Vicious”. Thereafter, she just kept the dances flowing with classics such as “Get It Right”, Sexy B, TT’s Jam which was named after her daughter TAira (who also had a part in creating) and Universal Cha-Cha.  2007 to the present she came out with La La Boomba (Freaky In Da Club-R.Kelly), No Mercy (I, Love-J-Lo), B2h (XR2-M.I.A.), Liso’ (City, Country, City-War) that swept like wildfire and are still going strong.  And list goes on and on. To date she has created over 160 dances with more to come!
           
In 2003, she became a featured dancer for a local cable hit Line Dance television show called "Soul Line" (Bob Thomas, Executive Producer of Urban Channel Networks) where most of her dances were premiered each and every week.  She also danced on the television shows "Soul Line Revue" and "Let's Dance".
           
In 2008 she received awards for Outstanding Choreographer (Karen Grady, PA), I Am Kenny J 2008 Choreographer Award (IAMKJP, NJ). 2009 she received awards for “Choreographer of 100+ Dances” (Union Crew, MD) and just recently received the “1st Lady of Soul, Legendary Choreographer & Keeper of The Culture” award (SC Classic Soul Line Dancers, SC). Also in 2009 she was asked by the legendary R&B group singing group “The Intruders” to create a line dance to one of their hit songs “I’ll Always Love My Momma”, which they loved!  This year she also gave back to the community by hosting a fundraiser for one the City of Philadelphia Recreation Centers to help keep their programs alive.      

Saundra  &   Reatha

Style & Rhythm Line Dancers                                     

Saundra Richardson and Reatha Thornton met in 2007 at a line dancing event.  In 2008, after many successful teaching collaborations, the line dance group “Style & Rhythm Line Dancers”  was formed.  The group name was derived from utilizing the first initials of Saundra & Reathas’ name.    

Both instructors love to teach line dancing.  Whether you are a beginner or seasoned dancer, their unique "style" of teaching will have everyone getting into the "rhythm" of the dance.

Style and Rhythm is dedicated to introducing line dancing as a fun alternative to traditional exercise, networking and social entertainment.

Currently they teach at several locations in the Maryland area (Jessup, Forestville, La Plata). 

Recently, they began instructing classes for the enjoyment of seniors.  

S&R Happy Birthday Dance, Car Wash and On the Ocean are dances created by Saundra as beginner/intermediate line dances.  

Style & Rhythm Line Dancers has donated their time on numerous occasions in an effort to promote line dancing and to enhance organized activities. 

We have a great time with the students who attend our class.  Feel free to contact us at styleandrhythm@aol.com.

If you are in the Maryland area, visit us and Do it with “Style and Rhythm.”

Rikk Goodman

Mr. RICHARD “RIKKI G” GOODMAN
PHILADELPHIA, PA

Rikk Goodman is the Creator of Philly 2 Step or East Coast 2 Step as it is sometimes known and he is also the Founder & Artistic Director of “Sheer Fantasy”, an Urban Ball Room / Stepping Dance Group, with members from Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware.  His professional experience includes 20+ years of providing instruction, workshops and programs demonstrative of excellence in the art of Dance. 

Established in the year 2000, Sheer Fantasy has performed in various venues around the country.  The group has performed for  "The Inner Circle" in Philadelphia, for Fred Johnson Productions, Soul Line TV Show, for “United We Dance” in Detroit Michigan, Ohio, Indianapolis Indiana, Washington DC, as well as venues in Texas and New Jersey.

Mr. Goodman has taught at numerous Colleges and Business Schools in and around Philadelphia, currently he teaches a dance class at Temple University, as well as private classes in Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. He is also a Choreographer, working with numerous singing groups and bands in and around the Philadelphia Area.  Rikk has choreographed numerous Weddings, Cotillions & Beautillions for various Greek Organizations and Churches.  When you see many of the fine male and female Steppers on the East Coast, you will see his influence immediately; RIKK’s routines are well known for high drama, elaborate dress, theatrical masks and tight choreography.

Rikk Goodman is an Original Member of the "Soul Line TV Show" hosted by Butch Thomas, and was the show’s Line Manager; his job was to align the dancers so every member of the dance group had access to various areas of the dance floor. In other words, he made sure no one dominated the dance floor and every one got equal camera exposure.

Rikk Goodman is a Graduate of Cheyney State University, where he was a member of the Drama Club.

DANCE PHILOSOPHY –

“Dancing Is An Expression Of Emotion And Energy Moving Through Your Body And Mind…..
It Allows You to Have a Good Time with Your Body While Allowing the Music to Move Your Spirit….I Enjoy Dancing Most When I See the Energy….”

RIKK

215-290-7560

James Ellis

Instructor James Ellis  “EL” is from Trenton, NJ,  he has been a featured dancer with Sheer Fantasy and instructor for over five years.  Having performed for United We Dance in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana as well as performing on the dance show “Soul Line TV”.

Invite   SHEER FANTASY to provide Live Entertainment at your next Special Occasion.
Please Call 215-290-7560 for Booking Fees…

Demetrius Maurice

This 26 year old instructor was born in Southwest Philly and LOVES to dance. As a little kid, he was introduced to the fancy footwork of tap and realized when he moved his feet, a big smile appears on his face.

Demetrius started line dancing in 2005 in New Castle, DE. His first line dance teacher was Ms.Paula. She helped him to learn the basics of line dancing. Within months, he moved to the advanced class where he met Toni Hackett. She gave him the name "Boy Wonder" because he would catch on and learn dances in a flash. In 2008, Demetrius joined S.I.L.K. Shante Lee, a member of S.I.L.K, is Demetrius's friend, mentor, more importantly his sister. She always challenges him to be different and create fresh, hot moves.

Demetrius created D101 Freeze and Silk Slip n Slyde (a collabo with Shante), His goal is to continue dancing and smiling. He is grateful and so so humble to share the dance floor with such great talents. He thanks you all for your support

One Love, Demetrius aka LiL Brutha

AJ Dease

Steppers on the Move

Anthony 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.  He has dedicated himself to preserve and promote all forms of dance.