Our Staff

Arthur Murray hires only the most talented people to become teachers.  Teacher applicants go through a rigorous training program that not only make them amazing dancers, but also among the best teachers in the country.  All of the staff we are using to open the Columbia studio have been transplanted from our Silver Spring location.  We wanted to make sure that our new students in Columbia get the best dancing experience possible.

 

Lenora Shea - Manager 

-Connecticut native

-Dancing since age 11

-B.A. in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA

-Teacher with Arthur Murray Organization since 2000

-Finalist in American Smooth Competitions from 2002-2006

-Addicted to Starbucks Grande Soy Lattes

-Mission: To cultivate and inspire the love of life through dance, one person at a time.

 

Carolina Bonilla- Instructor

Carolina received 14 years of classical training in ballet at the Maryland Youth Ballet under the direction of Michelle Lees.  She has also acquired extensive flamenco training under Lourdes Elias at the Spanish Dance Society.  She joined our Silver Spring location and recently transferred to our Columbia studio, where she enjoys helping students become great dancers! 

Emily Hutchison- Instructor

Emily has been involved in the world of dance her entire life.  She began dancing ballet at the age of two.  Throughout elementary school, she continued her formal training in ballet as well as jazz, modern, and hip-hop.  Emily achieved the title of the first freshman to make it on her high school's competitive dance team, which she danced with for 4 years.  She also participated in Disney's hit dance movie, "Step Up 2: The Streets."  Emily started in Arthur Murray as a student at a young age.  She is now living her dream of dancing and teaching every day!  (Have we mentioned that she loves her job?)

Brandon Jones- Instructor

Brandon has been living his passion for dance and teaching for many years.  Dancing and training in ballroom, modern, jazz, and ballet since he was a young adult, Brandon has also taught academically for several educational organizations.  He has received numerous teaching accolades including being named U of MD's Student Teacher of the Year.  Brandon brings his wealth of teaching resources and creative teaching style into the ballroom, now making learning to dance an accessible, engaging, and fun experience.  He looks forward to warmly welcoming you in the Arthur Murray community! 

Elena Lewis - Instructor

- Texas native

- B.A. in Ethnic Studies from the University of Texas at Austin

- Finalist in Arthur Murray 2007 American Rhythm Competition 

- Was awarded Top Instructor within the Arthur Murray Organization

- Professional performer for Athur Murray

- Was with the Silver Spring studio before joining the team at the Columbia studio

 

Kristi Taylor - Instructor

- Top instructor and specialist within the Arthur Murray organization

- Performed numerous professional shows at Arthur Murray competitions

- Dancing since the age of 3

- Teaching with Arthur Murray for over 4 years

- B.A. in Psychology from Towson University

- Won the Collegiate National Championships with the Towson University Dance Team

- National and World Champion baton twirler

- Currently an instructor for the World Championship baton twirling team, The Dynamics

- Performed as a professional dancer in a world touring show, Blast 

 

Elias Velasquez - Instructor

Elias has been a teacher for Arthur Murray for many years.  He originally started in our Gaithersburg location and transferred to Silver Spring.  We liked him so much for his teaching and dancing skills that we asked him to help spearhead our efforts in the new Columbia studio.

All of our staff are looking forward to meeting you and becoming your teachers.  We guarantee to help you meet all of your dancing goals.