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.
Linda Theiss – General Manager
Linda started dancing Ballroom and Latin at the age of 17. Starting as a student herself she developed her love for dancing as well as helping people. While in school, Linda found dancing important, both to relieve stress, and for exercise. She started teaching in the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Virginia Beach and then moved to the DC area where she is now owns both the Silver Spring and Columbia Arthur Murray Franchises. For Linda, dancing truly changed her life. She feels so eager to work everyday to share that same opportunity — and the sheer fun of dancing — with each and every student in her studios.
Tara Mungra – General Manager
Lenora Shea - Manager
A Connecticut native, Lenora has been dancing since she was 11 years old and went on to receive a B.A. in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburg, PA. She has been with the Arthur Murray organization since 2000. Lenora also enjoyed four years as a competitive dancer in “smooth ballroom” dancing. When she’s not dancing, you can find her at Starbucks enjoying a Grande Soy Latte. Her mission is to cultivate and inspire the love of life through dance, one person at a time.
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 Columbian 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 Emily’s. 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 other’s dreams come true through dance.