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!
	AKIKO Fell in love with ballroom dancing in college. Now she is a highly commended ISTD certified instructor, who enjoys working patiently with students from beginner to advanced levels. She does everything from choreographing a beautiful wedding dance, to coaching advanced dancers. Highly skilled in Standard and Smooth. Akiko is also a co-host of Dance Fusion on the 1st and 4th Saturdays of the month with Kirill.
	CHRIS THOMPSON Bronze. Silver. Gold. American. International. The sky's the limit. ISTD Certified. Don't miss this amazing instructor!
	ESAU As a new addition to the Dance Factory family, Esau is no stranger to Ballroom Dancing. He has been dancing for nearly 15 years in the Washington, D.C., area. First hoofing onstage in shows like 42nd Street and even in his own one-man show, once Esau graduated college with a degree in Theatre and English, he took up Ballroom Dance and has not looked back since. Specializing in "specialty" dances like Bachata, Lindy Hop, Polka, and Performance Choreography, Esau brings his infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy to his lessons.
	JUSTIN He's been dancing for over 12 years. Highly skilled in West Coast Swing and choreography. Also teaches Ballroom, Latin and East Coast Swing—he does it all.
	KIRILL Certified with honors by ISTD 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 also a co-host of Dance Fusion on the 1st and 4th Saturdays of the month with Akiko.
	MARILU Marilu got her Ballroom training as a student here in Northern Virginia from 1984-1992. In 1993, she taught her first wedding couple as a dance instructor, and the rest is history. Proficient in American/Social Smooth, Rhythm, and Latin dances, Marilu teaches various levels of private and group classes, from beginners to advanced. Since joining the studio in 2002, she "spiced up" the Salsa Classes and brought more "sling" to the Hustle Workshops. Marilu is also the host and DJ of Dancers' Delight, held on the third Saturday of every month.
	SAM Originally from the Philippines, Sam is a product of Philippine folk dances and American Standard Ballroom since 1985. He has instructed here at Dance Factory upon relocating to Northern Virginia years ago. Sam, with his fun and upbeat personality, would like to invite you to join him in his private and group classes. There he will guide you through a step-by-step workout in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, and Salsa dances. He not only teaches dance, Sam is also an accomplished swim coach and tennis instructor. Need we say more!

Photos of Dennis, Akiko, Chris, Justin, Marilu, and Sam courtesy of Carol Martin.