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DENNIS SCHROEDER (Owner/Director)
Sole Owner since Dance Factory's inception in 1976, Dennis has
created a fun yet challenging atmosphere for all levels and ages.
He's taught thousands of students over the years, building the
studio from its beginning Disco days into one of the top 10
independent studios on the East Coast. Over 1/4 million dancers have
learned and developed their skills through the Dance Factory. We
boast some of the top championship/teaching staff in the industry.
If you want to learn to dance Ballroom, Latin, Swing, and more, come
to our dances, attend our classes... and find out why everyone loves
the Dance Factory!
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CHRIS THOMPSON chris@dancefactory.com
Chris began his dance career at Dance Factory in 1979.
Since then he has been manager of a Fred Astaire Studio
and owner of his own independent studio for 13 years. His
former studio, "Classic Ballroom," is still thriving in
New Jersey. He was happy to return to his dance "roots" at Dance
Factory in 2003. As Dance Director, Chris has been instrumental in
establishing a standardized syllabus and medal test system
at Dance Factory. He has been a member of Pan American
Teachers of Dance since 1989, and the ISTD since 2001. He
is certified in Standard, American Ballroom and Rhythm,
and Theater Arts. As a pro-am competitor, he received
numerous top teacher awards. He teaches all styles and
all levels.
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DARIA daria@dancefactory.com
Originally from Russia, Daria studied Ballet, Modern, Folk
and Ballroom dance since the age of 15. At 19, she majored
in Dance at Topgliatti Academy of Art. For 11 years, she
has worked as a choreographer, instructor, performer, and
art group leader. In 2005, she arrived in the United
States, where she has been both an instructor and a
competitor ever since. Daria competes Pro-Am with her
students in the American Smooth and Rhythm divisions. She
also co-hosts the 1st and 3rd Saturday Dances with friend
and instructor Dmitri Dolgopolov.
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DMITRI DOLGOPOLOV dmitri@dancefactory.com
Dmitri came to the United States from Russia, where he
took his first dance lesson at the age of 6 and competed
professionally in trampoline and gymnastics events for 5
years. He was trained in a variety of dances and
techniques including Ballroom, Ballet, Breakdance, Russian
Folk dance, Theater Arts, and more. For 4 years he was a
choreographer/director for Theater Arts in Togliatti,
Russia, working with kids and young adults from ages 5 to
19. After moving to the United States, Dmitri concentrated
on teaching and competing in American-Style Smooth and
Rhythm categories. He enjoys working with students of any
age and level. And if you are an ice skater (ice dancer)
he will help you with choreography for that as well.
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JULIE julie@dancefactory.com
Julie Johnson took her first Ballroom dancing class in
2000, and quickly became an avid youth competitor at
competitions around the United States. College forced her
to take a break from dancing and, after college
graduation, a fellowship took her to Cairo, Egypt. It was
there, of all places, that she re-kindled her love of
dancing. Returning to the United States and Virginia in
2009, she soon took her Ballroom experience to the
professional level as an instructor at the Dance Factory.
She specializes in helping couples build wedding dances
together and working with anyone who wants to grow their
dancing to the competitive level and beyond.
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JUSTIN justin@dancefactory.com
Justin took his first steps into dance over 13 years ago.
Today, he is well rounded in most partner dances: American
Smooth, American Rhythm, Swing, and Country Dance. Though
each dance has its own charm, Justin is proud to
specialize in West Coast Swing and is an upper-level
competitor on the national Swing dance circuit. He joined
the Dance Factory family in 2005, and enjoys entertaining
and enlightening his students in group classes, intensive
workshops, semi-private, and private lesson formats. He
also enjoys using his choreographic talents and can create a
personalized wedding dance to your special song and
showcase routines for special events. Whatever your dance
goals, Justin has the experience to help you achieve
it—with a smile on your face.
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KIRILL kirill@dancefactory.com
Originally from Estonia, Kirill is certified with Honors
by ISTD (Licentiate Degree) and EATD. His passion and
strong dance philosophy, combined with over a decade of
competitive background, will take you to a new level of
dancing whether you’re studying American or International
style. Kirill is currently competing in the Professional
American Smooth division.
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LEE una@dancefactory.com
Lee was introduced to Ballroom and Latin dance while
attending college in Minneapolis. It was love at first
step and an immediate career decision. After working at a
large chain studio and successfully completing her
studies, she came to the Washington area and eventually
joined the Dance Factory team. Her passion is to coach and
teach couples of all levels, as she often sees the fun and
excitement of learning to dance become part of their
everyday lives. She specializes in American Smooth and
Rhythm, Nightclub, Salsa, and Disco. She continues to
prepare many students for the medalist system, showcase
routines, and everyone's favorite, formation team
performances. Her pursuit of even more training has
recently propelled her to the prestigious Licentiate
Degree, where she is a Member of the USISTD, certified
with honors.
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LEMERY lemery@dancefactory.com
Lemery has arduously studied Ballroom and Latin dance
since the age of 13, and has been teaching at the Dance
Factory for over two years. Her wide array of partner
dance knowledge includes both American and International
style Ballroom Dance, Latin, Salsa, and even Argentine
Tango. She enjoys teaching private lessons, working with
singles and couples, as well as group classes and
workshops. She excels in getting others ready for special
events, weddings, and company parties, or just wanting to
learn for fun. Throughout her dancing career, Lemery has
competed in International 10 Dance in both Pro/Am and
Am/Am and has received many titles including: 5th in the
World Pro/Am Latin, 3rd in the USA Pro/Am Latin, 3rd in
the World Pro/Am 10 Dance, 5th in the World Argentine
Tango, and has been finalist in many other competitions.
She is currently seeking an International style
competition partner as she continues to broaden her dance
horizons.
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SAM sam@dancefactory.com
Sam Fadullon has been teaching private and group classes
here at the Factory since 2003. His many accomplishments
include 1st Place in "Dancing with the Arlington
Stars" competition with Ms. Monique O’Grady, Winter 2007. He is
a USISTD certified Bronze medalist in Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango,
Rumba, and Cha-Cha. He provides and prepares various
programs with specific goals, including Showcase routines,
group formations, progress checks, medal tests, and Pro-Am
competitions.
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Photo of Dennis courtesy of Carol Martin.
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Copyright ©
Dance Factory
954 North Monroe St | Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 528-9770 | dance@dancefactory.com
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