Robert Nardozza - Co-Owner

Robert Nardozza has been teaching U.S. Ballroom Champions for over 21 years. He currently co-owns Colorado Dancesport, Denver's premier school for Ballroom and Latin dancing. In addition Robert has worked with U.S. Ice Dancers at the Olympic Training Center. Robert was on the U.S. International Ice Dancing Team for 10 years and has numerous trophies in the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Additionally Robert danced with the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet Company for 7 years.

Harmony Lyris - Co-Owner

Harmony Lyris began dancing at the age of 8 and currently co-owns Denver's premier school for Ballroom and Latin dancing, Colorado Dancesport. She has won numerous titles in American Rhythm, American Smooth, and International Latin dancing. Harmony has been a representative at the World 10 - Dance Championships and the World South American Showdance Championships as well as being a finalist at the World Mambo and the World Salsa Championships.

Toby Munroe - Instructor

Toby Munroe is the 2004 & 2005 UCWDC World Champion in the Classic Masters division. In January 2006 Mr. Munroe was voted "Best Male Couples Dance Instructor" at the Star Awards Gala held in Stockholm, Sweden. Toby began his dance career in 1990 after being dragged, kicking & screaming to a Country & Western Dance Festival. Since then he has gone on to become one of the most sought after coaches, choreographers & instructors in the World. His extensive background in dance includes Country, Swing, Hustle, Latin, Ballroom and Salsa. He has won countless titles in Swing, Hustle and on the UCWDC circuit. Toby won his first World Championship title in 2002 for ABC Choreography. He has been nominated for 9 Star Awards, taught at Stanford University and has been featured on the TNN and GAC television networks. Toby is also a four time Colorado State Swing Champion and a UCWDC Master Certified Judge

Brook Diamond Metcalfe - Instructor

Brook started his dance career on one of the first teenage ballroom performance teams in the country. After touring the west coast Brook settled in Las Vegas where he began teaching and training for American rhythm competition. After four years Brook moved to France where he studied International styles of ballroom and latin. Currently Brook competes in American rhythm with students as well as his professional partner

Lindsey Dechant - Instructor

Lindsey has been with Colorado Dancesport since January 2007. She began her professional dance career in Minnesota with the local Fred Astaire Dance School. Lindsey instantly rose to the top of her school and began winning many Fred Astaire sponsored competitions in the American Smooth division. She brings over fifteen years of Gymnastic and Musical Theater experience to her dancing.

Mitch Kibel - Instructor

Mitch has been performing, singing, and acting for over 20 years. Mitch has been dancing for over 10 years now and recently joined the staff at Colorado Dancesport. He has an award winning musical background in saxophone and is very proud to be teaching at Colorado Dancesport. .

Recently Mitch, along with his latin partner, Misha Belfer were featured on FOX's hit show So You Think You Can Dance.

Ian Ellis - Instructor

Growing up in Brazil infused Ian with a passion for movement and rhythm. Having been professionally trained in piano, classical vocal performance and theater, Ian brings an understanding of musicality, interpretation, and performance that will set you apart from those who are simply proficient. Ian has earned a BS in Athletic Training and is certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer, giving him a unique perspective on how to unlock your body's potential as an dancer. Ian specializes in the American Rhythm and American Smooth styles of ballroom dance.

Scott Koogle - Instructor

Scott has been dancing for over 7 years. Although he has loved all forms of dance from a young age, he began his career in Salsa. After winning a State Salsa Championship, he continued to expand his love of dance through Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop and Modern. In 2007, Scott went on a world tour with an organization called Up with People as a Dance Captain.

Dawn Bower- Instructor

Dawn is excited to be a part of the Colorado Dancesport Team. She has experience in a variety of dance styles, including hip-hop, jazz, ballet, and swing. Her dance of choice is Lindy Hop. Dawn also enjoys performing in theatre, film, sketch comedy, and improv

Allison Whelan - Instructor

Allison Whelan has danced and performed all over the country, from Miami to Los Angeles. With a degree in theatre and a diverse dance background, Allison's training has exposed her to various styles including modern and African dance. Though she specializes in salsa and ballroom, Allison believes all dance forms are beautiful and knows from experience that learning different dance forms helps make you a stronger dancer. Because of this philosophy, Allison is open to all forms of dance, performance, and competition. She seeks to hone her skills, both in teaching and dancing, and is thrilled to be able to do this at Colorado Dancesport.

Misha Belfer - Hair Stylist & Teaching Assistant

Originally from Moscow, Mikhail “Misha” Belfer came to the United States to compete as a ballroom dancer. While living in San Francisco, he earned the title of U.S. World Representative (2000) and U.S. National Youth Ballroom Champion (2001).

Belfer was the first graduate of the Academy of Cosmetology Arts apprenticeship program in Denver. Misha then spent time in New York City where he worked as a stylist in a bridal salon and working on his Ballroom Dancing. He returned to Denver to apprentice with stylist Rocky Greco, at Greco’s salons in Denver and Santa Fe.

Belfer, an expert in women’s hair styling and bridal/wedding up-dos, honed his talents providing hair styling services for many international dance competitions. His expertise is in demand for premier fashion shows including galas sponsored by Santos Designs Couture, the Denver Press Club, Tierra Tuesday @ Mynt, and the ALS Fashion Show.

He is intent upon listening to his clients. “Communication is key” says Belfer. “My interest is in giving them what they want and giving each client 100 percent of my attention, spending time with them. At the end of the day, I want my clients to be happy, to be excited about their hair, and to feel beautiful.”

Joey Santos - Costume Designer

Joseph Santos, the premiere designer of ballroom dance fashions in Colorado, began Santos Designs in 1993 in Dallas, TX. A performer since the age of 7, Joseph brings a profound understanding of movement and showmanship to his work. He has a degree in fashion design and uses his immense expert knowledge to meticulously construct his creations. While Joseph's main focus is couture gowns for DanceSport competitors, he has also found success expanding into stunning skating costumes and evening wear. Every garment is specifically designed so that no two creations are alike. From the initial design consultation, to the fitting, to the finished exquisite gown, Joseph fuses his years of dance experience with his flair for bringing out the beauty and charm of every client in each creation. This signature approach of making his creations a unique reflection of each client has made him a much sought after designer nationwide.

Julie Lewis - Sports Conditioning

Julie has been teaching sports conditioning classes for almost three years. While her education is in psychology, her life passions are ballroom dancing and physical fitness. She started dancing ten years ago and has always been involved in some type of competitive fitness. She is currently competing with her amateur partner and her professional partner in the pro/am division of American Smooth Ballroom.

Lara Holley - Yoga Instructor

Lara teaches Vinyasa Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Yoga Scultp, and Pre-natal yoga to name a few. She has studied with many 'gurus', but is especially proud of her extensive training and assisting with Baron Baptiste. In addition, she has begun her Anusara Training with Madhuri and John Friend and continues her studies with Ana Forest, Shiva Rea, Richard Freeman, Rusty Wells... Through her 12 years as a yogini and over 17 years as a massage therapist and Doula, she has gained a unique understanding of the body. Lara loves the mind, body, spirit connection and how yoga brings them into consciousness.

See Lara in action with Acro Yoga www.discoverit.com/Acro

You can view clips of her classes at www.youtube.com, LaraH

Kayla Shaw - Reception

Kayla is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Colorado Dancesport Staff! She is highly committed to bringing efficiency, kindness and knowledge to the reception position at the studio. She has and will continue to find great joy in sharing what dance can contribute to someone’s life and is looking forward to all that she can achieve with the Colorado Dancesport Staff behind her.