Dance Factory (Arlington, Virginia) Staff: Ballroom Dancing

	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!
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.

Photo of Dennis courtesy of Carol Martin.