Our Staff
Arthur Murray dance studios are proud for you to meet our team of dance professionals. Our diverse community of instructors brings you the talents of one of the most experienced teams anywhere. They have studied dance for years -- here in the U.S. and around the world. They bring to Arthur Murray students both a global perspective and expertise that makes it so quick and easy to enter the fun, friendly and satisfying world of dancing.
Joe & Leisa Howard - Owners
Combined 24 years of teaching experience and 16 years of Studio Management.Before taking over ownership of the Arthur Murray Dance Center of Columbia, Joe & Leisa Howard managed the #1 Arthur Murray Dance Center in the world (over 250 studios in 16 countries) in Alexandria, VA. Additionally, they were very successful Professional Competitors. Reigning for 5 years as undefeated Arthur Murray Champions and culminating in a 2008 US National Championship! After achieving all of their dance hopes and dreams Joe & Leisa are now eager to pass on their knowledge to their employees and all of their students. Firstly, creating fine social dancers... Then whatever their hearts desire!
Brandon Jones - Instructor
Brandon loves three things: dancing, music, and teaching. How perfect is it that he's been enjoying his life as an Arthur Murray Dance Instructor! He began dancing as a child, trying ballet, modern, jazz and ballroom. Recently he wowed audiences at the Washington National Arthur Murray Dance O Rama and participated in the Dancing with the Stars Tour pre-show. Brandon earned his B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland. Brandon loves bringing his wealth of musical knowledge and teaching styles into the ballroom. He looks forward to sharing his artistic passions with you!
Carolina Bonilla - Instructor
This Colombian instructor is known for wowing audiences at top local dance events sponsored by Arthur Murray Dance Center. Carolina was trained in classical ballet for 14 years and won numerous awards. As a top instructor at Arthur Murray, Carolina enjoys helping people achieve their personal and dancing goals. Carolina is not only an excellent communicator but is able to provide fun and easy going lessons. When not at the studio you can find Carolina at home watching Disney movies or at any HOT salsa clubs in the DC/VA area!
Elias Saul Velasquez - Instructor
Born in San Salvador, El Salvador Elias arrived at Dulles international airport in May of 1993 ready to begin his new life in the United States of America. Early in life, he realized the joy of music and dance and that has carried with him throughout his travels and experiences. Now being a part of the Arthur Murray family he is excited to help everyone with their dancing needs, even people who have never danced, and share with them the fun and personal satisfaction dancing can bring.
Emily Hutchison - Instructor Comes from a blood-line of dancers, back to her great-grandmother who was a dance professor at UM. Emily has lived, breathed, and dreamed dance since she was a little girl. She started with ballet at the age of 2, graduating to Pointe ballet by the age of 13. However, hip-hop has been a passion of Emilys. Her spunky personality and high energy contributed to a street dance crew for a few years. She even did work in the film Step Up 2, as a backup dancer. After seeing the film Dirty Dancing, she became determined to find a man who could move like Patrick Swayze and became a student at Arthur Murray when she was 14. For her 18th birthday, her wish came true of becoming an Arthur Murray Instructor. She has been with us many years now, establishing a career for herself as an instructor and professional performer. She is now a partner for life, fulfilling her dreams with dance and making others dreams come true through dance.