Instructors
BARRY JOHNSON
OWNER
Barry Johnson, Owner, is originally from Long Island, New York. He started dancing at 7 years of age after watching the Fred Astaire movie “Top Hat”. He danced tap, jazz, and ballet for the next 11 years. During that time, he and his family moved to the Kansas City area. Barry began ballroom in June of 1992 at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Lenexa, Kansas. With them he completed training through his Silver level. He moved to TC Dance Studio in 1998 where he completed his Gold level dancing. He also became the studio’s Dance Director and Assistant Supervisor. Barry came to Melbourne to get away from the cold and icy winters of the Midwest. He is now living his dream by teaching, dancing, and competing, as well as being part owner of the ever growing Melbourne Ballroom, all while being married to the love of his life.
KRISTAN JOHNSON
OWNER
Kristan Johnson started ballroom dancing as a hobby in October of 2003 to honor of her late father. He became a ballroom dance teacher to impress her mother and it worked. She danced with several teachers and studios in the area, and in doing so met Barry Johnson who became her dance teacher. She excelled in everything she did and eventually began to compete with her teacher who, coincidentally, became her husband in October of 2006. Over the next 9 years Kristan accumulated awards for her dancing. They included Top Gold Female awards, Top Gold Solos, Top Overall Female Awards, several Scholarships and an American Smooth Championship in 2015. She then decided to take the next step and become a professional ballroom dancer. She is building up her clientele and has spearheaded our youth program with amazing success with her students already winning Top Youth awards at their first two competitions. She believes very much in making her students feel welcome, and will definitely get results
JEFFREY SMITH
INSTRUCTOR
Jeffrey Smith comes to us with a long history of dancing and a long listof accomplishments. His career started with the Fred Astaire Dance studio. There he studied and earned his teaching certifications for Bronze and Silver levels of dancing in American and International Styles of teaching. Some of his competition credits include Fred Astaire American Open Rhythm Rising Star Finalist, and Fred Astaire American Open Rhythm Regional Finalist. He also received the Majestic Cup Dancesport Competition Top Teacher and Top Studio Awards. Jeffrey has also competed and performed with his students and professionally from here to Hawaii and back again. We are so pleased to have such a seasoned professional as part of our staff.
DIMAS CARABALLO
INSTRUCTOR
Cuban-Born Dancer, Dimas began training in Latin Social dancing in 2005 in the Michigan/Chicago dance arenas. After training in over 30 Congresses between 2005 – 2011, Dimas was fortunate to train with such Coaches as: Tito and Tamara (PR), Sekou McMiller (CHI/NY), Gordon Neil (ATL), Darlin Garcia (PHI), Victor Alexis (TO), Burju (BOS), Fausto Felix (NY), Falco Benalcazar (Madrird).
Dimas began teaching Latin Dancing in his Studio in Michigan “NuevoRitmoDance Studio” in 2011 and formed a Dance Team “NuevoRitmo Latin Dancers” in 2013. He has taught Workshops and has performed in Congresses/Festivals and places such as: Toronto Kiz/Bachata Festival, World Salsa Summit-Miami Beach, Niagara Falls Salsa Congresses, DC Bachata Congress, Adventure Dance Cruise, New York State, Miami Salsa Congress, Washington State Festival, YA Salsa Michigan, Switzerland, Hungary and Madrid Spain. Very privilege to also tour with La Fuerza Dance Company from New York under the tutelage of Fausto Felix, 2018 – 2019.
Most recently and in central Florida, Dimas was asked to join Melbourne Ballroom in Melbourne Florida to train and teach as a Full time Ballroom Instructor. He was also appointed as a Pro Dancer in the “Dancing With The Stars Vero” in Vero Beach Florida November 2023. He has taught Workshops in Orlando Florida at the monthly 100’s Salsa Social, Salsa Heat Salsa Socialand the O’Town Salsa Social.
Having received a Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from the University Of Michigan, Dimas takes his professional knowledge of Music/Musicality into his Dance Workshops on a unique and specific fun experience for All to enjoy and learn!
Raven Laravea
INSTRUCTOR
Raven Laravea comes to Melbourne Ballroom bringing a vast experience in dance. Dance culture has been a part of her life as far back as she can remember, first learning from her grandfather. Raven’s career in dance really took off in 2016 in Wilmington North Carolina. As a full time student working towards her degree in science and public health, she was a prominent member of the Latin dance club at UNCW. From there, she was invited to teach Bachata, Salsa, and Kizomba as in instructor and performance member at D’Santos Dance NC.
Following that training, Raven brought her talents to Columbus Ohio, where she quickly became deeply interwoven into the regional dance community. Raven’s talents quickly set her apart as she assisted with
events at the renowned Dance Edge Ballroom studio while working full time as a Bioanalytical Chemist.
Raven’s journey led her back home to Melbourne, Florida and subsequently to Melbourne Ballroom as an instructor. Her unique experience in African and Latin social dancing sets her apart and always catch attention on the dance floor as an excellent follower and social dance partner in addition to being well-versed in dance culture, her passion presents an unmatched energy and joy to all of her students.
Cuban-Born Dancer, Dimas began training in Latin Social dancing in 2005 in the Michigan/Chicago dance arenas. After training in over 30 Congresses between 2005 – 2011, Dimas was fortunate to train with such Coaches as: Tito and Tamara (PR), Sekou McMiller (CHI/NY), Gordon Neil (ATL), Darlin Garcia (PHI), Victor Alexis (TO), Burju (BOS), Fausto Felix (NY), Falco Benalcazar (Madrird).
Dimas began teaching Latin Dancing in his Studio in Michigan “NuevoRitmoDance Studio” in 2011 and formed a Dance Team “NuevoRitmo Latin Dancers” in 2013. He has taught Workshops and has performed in Congresses/Festivals and places such as: Toronto Kiz/Bachata Festival, World Salsa Summit-Miami Beach, Niagara Falls Salsa Congresses, DC Bachata Congress, Adventure Dance Cruise, New York State, Miami Salsa Congress, Washington State Festival, YA Salsa Michigan, Switzerland, Hungary and Madrid Spain. Very privilege to also tour with La Fuerza Dance Company from New York under the tutelage of Fausto Felix, 2018 – 2019.
Most recently and in central Florida, Dimas was asked to join Melbourne Ballroom in Melbourne Florida to train and teach as a Full time Ballroom Instructor. He was also appointed as a Pro Dancer in the “Dancing With The Stars Vero” in Vero Beach Florida November 2023. He has taught Workshops in Orlando Florida at the monthly 100’s Salsa Social, Salsa Heat Salsa Socialand the O’Town Salsa Social.
Having received a Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from the University Of Michigan, Dimas takes his professional knowledge of Music/Musicality into his Dance Workshops on a unique and specific fun experience for All to enjoy and learn!
SAMARAH
INSTRUCTOR
Samarah began studying belly dance at the age of seventeen. She signed up knowing next to nothing about the movement involved or the culture behind it, and quickly fell in love with both.
Samarah and her Troupe of belly dancers — Luna Habibi — part take in a shows through out the year. These show are called Hafla’s which mean, a form of a party or a show. Samarah creates dynamic choreographies for her dancers to show the history and specific movements in belly dance.
Samarah completed her level 1 in Sadie Raqs Flow and is working towards her level 2. She has received her certification in teaching Raqs Sharqi through A Magi Temple. Samarah has also attended many workshops with master teachers, such as: Ahmed Hussien, Jasmin Jahal, Bozenka, Yvonne Pereira-Dudley, Sadie Marquardt, Amar Bellyholistika, Bianca Namaste, ZORBA, Apryl Grace. Magi Melanie.
Samarah offers classes every Thursday night. Both classes are open for drop ins.
Both classes offered online.
Beginners Steps @6:15pm
Technique/Choreography @7:15pm
Please visit her website www.lunahabibi.com
Jang and Adele Don
INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Jang and Adele Don are the world class stars in Ballroom dance and the DanceSport field. They were Ohio Star Ball, Professional 9 Dance Champions in 2018 & 2019, World Masters Professional Smooth Champions. They were also the first representatives for Korea to the World Professional 10 (Ballroom & Latin) Dance Championships in 2009. The
following year in 2010, they became United Kingdom(U.K.) Open Professional 10 Dance Champions, in 2011, amazingly they became British Professional Classical (Ballroom) Show Dance Champions and became representatives for Great Britain to the World Championships in three categories: Professional 10 Dance, Latin Show Dance, and Ballroom Show Dance, the only couple in England to achieve this.
Currently, they are dancing for America in three (7) categories: Professional American Style Smooth, Rhythm, 9 Dance, International Standard, Latin, & Show Dance.
Dr. Jang and Adele first met back in 2005 when he was studying for his Masters Degree for Dance Education at New York University. They lived and danced in Manhattan, New York and trained with amazing Ballroom & Latin coaches. They represented USA at all major competitions both Nationally and Internationally and were hailed the ’19 Dance Specialists’ (2008, DanceBeat). They travel between UK, USA and South Korea to teach, give lectures, compete, and visit family. They have both trained children, teens and adults to championship level both in UK and USA and they continue to teach, coach and lecture their worldwide following of students and professionals in all countries. They are members of International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA), and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD).
If you would like more information about taking lessons with Jang, please call him directly at 201-898-1650
If you would like more information about taking lessons with Adele, please call her directly at 973-855-9213
Stephanie Sorensen
INSTRUCTOR
Stephanie Sorensen began dancing at the age of 4 in Pennsylvania at the “Thomas Kovaleski Dance Academy.” She trained under Mr. Kovaleski for 4 years. Stephanie relocated to Florida where she took classes at a local dance studio. She started assisting classes 6 days a week and soon became a full time teacher. She has choreographed routines that have won her a spot with reputable talent agencies. She has trained at local gymnastic studios and took dance classes at Brevard Community College on a full dance scholarship. She also obtained her Associates degree. Since then Stephanie has performed at local malls, fairs, colleges, and has competed and choreographed dances for several regional competitions including Showstoppers, Starpower, and International Dance Challenge. Receiving many first place, high score, special awards, overall and scholarships. In 2010, she completed her teaching certification in ballet with “Dance Masters of America” and became a certified Dance Instructor. In early 2020 she completed her Level 3 certification making her a part of the elite group of PBT teachers (progressing ballet technique). Stephanie has been working hard to further the next generation of dancers, at Nicole Cote School Of Dance as well as working with the Melbourne High Miracles. She has also taught at several daycares such as; Pineapple cove, Mustard Seed Kidz and the Learning Tree. She has worked hard to help build a strong foundation and love of dance with her students. For more than 17 years Stephanie has been expanding her knowledge and teaching style. In 2023 she started “Sorensen Academy Of Dance” fulfilling the long time dream of running her own dance academy so she can continue to pass on her knowledge and love of dance to the next generation.
Ayonna Andrews
INSTRUCTOR
Started teaching Ballroom Dancing at Fred Astaire Studio in Crestview Florida in 2002. She became an experienced social dance instructor primarily working couples in preparation for special events and weddings. Teaching Ballroom Dancing came easy due to her experience in dance, gymnastics and cheerleading and developed a strong passion for
the connection ands joy that it brings. Ayonna took a short break from teaching Ballroom to finish her Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from the University of West Florida. A year after working for Health First as an Exercise Specialist, Ayonna knew she was missing something and in 2006 stumbled upon Melbourne Ballroom in a small plaza on Wickham
road. Ayonna quickly became part of the Ballroom Community by becoming a Dance Vision certified instructor in Bronze
level 1 American Rhythm and Smooth. She also participated in exciting local fundraising events such as Dancing on the Space Coast, Choreographer for Brevard Family Partnership Lipsync Battle, Choreographer for the color purple under the direction of Hank Rion at the Heneagar Center- Downtown Melbourne, FL and sharing the love and passion for Ballroom in many showcases. She’s has Bronze level Competition experience and hopes to encourage more of her students to take their skills to the next level. Ayonna is continuing to advance in her Ballroom career while pursuing her Masters/Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Her goals include Silver Level certification, a few competitions and most of all a student base that loves dancing as much
as she does. She truly believes that dance is the hidden language of our soul and hopes to help her students learn movements and connection that will be with them on and off the dance floor. She is approachable, relatable and great at helping each student achieve their desired level of dance with passion.
Mary Ida Spradlin
INSTRUCTOR
Mary Ida Spradlin’s passion for dance began in her parents’ dance studio in Asheville, North Carolina. Immersed in the art from a young age, she trained in various styles including jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and all four styles of ballroom dancing. Her lifelong dedication to ballroom dance took her to Melbourne, Florida, where she pursued a degree in Marketing at Florida Tech while also competing on their varsity swim team and running various dance clubs.
As an accomplished amateur competitive dancer, Mary Ida has earned prestigious titles in the American Rhythm style division, notably placing in the top three at the United States Dancesport Championships. Her true passion lies in the storytelling aspect of dance and creating a joyful, engaging experience for her students. Mary Ida’s dedication extends beyond the studio as she frequently travels nationwide for competitions.
Committed to advancing her dance career, Mary Ida continues to compete and teach, sharing her love of dance with students of all ages and skill levels.
