Meet The Pros

Michael began his professional career in New York working with icons of early Swing and American social dancing. He has competed professionally nationally and internationally, becoming a finalist in Rising Star Ballroom and Classic Showdance, and winning many Open Professional Smooth competitions. As a teacher, he has coached actors like Nicole Kidman, and has led pro-am students to US Championship and Best of the Best titles.

Vanda began dancing in Bratislava, Slovakia at the age of 9 where she became a two-time Amateur Latin Champion. As a Rhythm dancer, she is a 2-time World, U.S., and Ohio Star Ball finalist. Well known for her fiery, authentic personality, Vanda is also a certified dance teacher with the USISTD/AIDA and the winner of the Mirror Ball Trophy on 'Let's Dance!', the Slovak edition of Dancing With the Stars.

Ema's dance journey began at age four with ballet, taking the stage of the Slovak National Theatre by age 12. Transitioning to ballroom, she became a multiple-time champion representing Taiwan internationally. Ema is a significant advocate within the Integrative Dance community and serves as a judge in World and European Championships. She is also an acclaimed designer of ballroom dance attire.

Born in Albania, Enxhi fell in love with Ballroom dancing at age twelve. Earning her certification, she began teaching students of all ages—from young children to wedding couples and competitive athletes. A Rising Star US and Open to the World Finalist in Professional Ballroom, she continues to share her passion for dance with students across all levels and abilities.

Héctor Flores Jr. is a NYC-based multi-hyphenate artist and ballroom instructor. He is a former Fred Astaire World Ballroom Champion for Theatre/Cabaret Arts and has ranked top 3 in rhythm and social categories. He is also a theatre performer and recording artist. Past theatre credits include but are not limited to In the Heights, On Your Feet!, Mamma Mia!, Broadway Bares, West Side Story, and Kiss Me Kate.

Flores has been seen dancing on TV in episodes of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, including the specials “The Great American Puerto Rico” and “Not Your White House Correspondent’s Dinner.” He believes in the transformative power of dance as the highest art form and is excited to dance with you!

Howard Loke is a professional Latin specialist with over twenty years of experience teaching, judging, and coaching around the world. A graduate of the Guangdong Professional Art College in Guangzhou, China, he competed at the sport's highest levels — dancing three times as part of the British Open Latin Formation Champion team in Blackpool (2005–2007), reaching the China CBDF Professional Latin final, and taking the CBDF Amateur Rising Star Latin title in 2008.

Beyond his own competitive career, Howard has coached national champions across Malaysia and China — from juvenile and junior athletes to the current Malaysian Amateur Latin Champion — and directed the Latin segment of the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games opening ceremony. Now director of Danspiration Studio in Malaysia, he judges and organizes major championships across Asia and beyond, from Singapore and Hong Kong to Blackpool's Open Worlds. He brings that same international perspective and precision to his students at Big Apple Ballroom.

Jaren is originally from Lindon, Utah, where he began dancing in the Brigham Young University youth program at the age of twelve. During his time in the program he won eight Formation National Team Championships across both the Ballroom and Latin divisions. He later attended Brigham Young University as a student, studying Russian with minors in Business and Ballroom Dance, and danced on the university’s esteemed ballroom touring team. As part of the Latin team he placed first at the British Open Championships in Blackpool, England, in 2019.

As a professional, Jaren has made the final in all major U.S. rising star ballroom events, including the United States Dance Championships, as well as winning the Rising Star Ballroom event at the Eastern Dancesport Championships, the Manhattan Dance Championships, and the North American Imperial Star Ball.

Sasha started her dance journey at 5 years old in Ukraine. She moved to New York at 19 to pursue her career in International Standard. Sasha has competed in numerous national-level competitions, reaching the finals of major Amateur events. She has extensive experience working with youth, the elderly, and those with special needs, making dancing accessible to all.

With over 20 years of experience, Sophie Cazeneuve is a skilled instructor and performer specializing in West Coast Swing, Salsa, and Ballroom. Based in NYC, she is passionate about helping dancers achieve their goals, from performance to social dancing, combining her dance teaching with a deep commitment to movement and wellness.

Zachary Bordonaro wants you to enjoy dancing, and for your partners to enjoy dancing with you. After starting ballroom in college and competing as both an amateur and a professional on a national stage, his focus turned more towards social dancing. Zach has been teaching since 2012, working with people one on one, in couples, and in groups to help them advance their dancing. Zach holds teaching certifications from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, and he has been involved with collegiate, pro/am, and same sex ballroom competitions. When you see him out on the floor at a social, ask him for a dance!