Our dance instructors are the heart and soul of our studio. They are not only talented and experienced, but also kind and welcoming. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer they will help you achieve your goals and have fun along way. With their patience and expertise, they can get you ready for a competition or provide you with a fun, cardio to do once a week. All levels and all ages are welcome in our studio, and our instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Meet our Team
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Diana DiFranco
Studio Owner
Lead Dance Instructor
Diana DiFranco is a talented professional ballroom dancer whose journey in the world of dance began at the age of 8 with ballet. It wasn't long before she discovered her true passion for Latin dancing, which ignited a lifelong commitment to the art form. With her vibrant spirit and exceptional skill, Diana has become a prominent figure in Portugal’s dance scene, captivating audiences across the country with her mesmerizing performances. Known for her remarkable ability to connect with students on a personal level, Diana offers customized learning experiences tailored to each individual's needs, regardless of their skill level. Her nurturing approach fosters a supportive environment where dancers can grow, explore their creativity, and develop their skills with confidence. Diana's dedication to her craft has led her to participate in all world championships in England, where she showcased her talent and represented her country with pride. Her commitment to excellence and passion for dance have earned her a respected place in the ballroom community. Beyond her competitive achievements, Diana is deeply committed to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels encouraged to discover and unleash their passion for dance. With her infectious enthusiasm and fun-loving spirit, she inspires her students to embrace the joy of movement while building lasting connections within the dance community.
Charlotte Page
Studio Owner
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Charlotte Page is an exceptional businesswoman and venture capitalist known for her expertise in real estate and her keen ability to identify and nurture innovative opportunities. With a successful career in business, Charlotte has developed a reputation for her strategic thinking and adaptability, skills that have served her well in the competitive world of dance. In a remarkably short time, Charlotte has discovered a deep passion for ballroom dancing, competing in national championships for both Latin and ballroom styles alongside her pro-am partner and teacher, Gian DiFranco. Her dedication to mastering the art of dance reflects her commitment to excellence in all areas of her life, and she thrives in the challenges and joys that come with competition. Beyond her professional achievements, Charlotte is deeply passionate about giving back to her community. She actively fosters a warm and inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds can come together to share their love for dance. Her commitment to creating a supportive atmosphere ensures that everyone feels at home while enjoying the transformative power of movement.
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Gian DiFranco
Studio Owner
Lead Dance Instructor
Gian DiFranco is a professional ballroom dancer with a dynamic career that began at the young age of 9. With a relentless passion for dance, he has competed throughout his life in both the USA and Europe, showcasing his talent on stages around the world. Gian gained national recognition as a contestant on America's Got Talent, where he captivated audiences and judges alike, reaching the semi-finals with his groups exceptional performances. Alongside his dance partner and wife, Diana DiFranco, Gian has made significant strides in the competitive dance scene, achieving success together. The couple has participated in numerous world championships, earning a spot among the top 40 couples and making it to the semi-finals in the prestigious English Championships. Their shared dedication and artistry have made them a beloved duo in their countries ballroom community. Gian's deep understanding of the needs of each dancer, whether they are social dancers or competitive athletes, drives his commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. He believes that dance is a journey of growth and self-expression, and he strives to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can thrive. With a passion for mentorship and community building, Gian DiFranco continues to inspire dancers of all levels to pursue their dreams while enjoying the transformative power of dance. His infectious enthusiasm and dedication to helping others unlock their potential make him a cherished part of our dancing community.
Susana Rubio
Dance Instructor
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Susana’s Tango classes have an atmosphere filled with passion and expertise. Her love for Tango is infectious. With every lesson, she brings a level of enthusiasm that ignites a similar passion in her students. Susana has so much patience. She understands that every student has their own pace, and she tailors her instruction to meet each individual’s needs. Her ability to break down complex steps for both leaders and followers makes it easier to follow along and execute, regardless of experience level. Most of all, her classes are not just about learning steps; they’re about embracing the spirit of Tango. She encourages us to connect with the music and our partners, creating an enjoyable dance experience. Under Susana ’s guidance, You’ll not only improve your dance skills but also find a place in the Tango community. For anyone looking to start on a tango journey look no further! Her passion, patience, and expertise make her an outstanding instructor who will transform your dance and fill it with the true essence of Tango.
Beth Perrotta
Dance Instructor
Beth and Bruce Perrotta are among South Florida’s foremost West Coast Swing instructors, founding their dance company DanSynergy, Inc. in 2005. Together they have been a part of the foundation of WCS growth throughout Florida and were owners & directors of Florida Dance Magic, a World Swing Dance Council WCS event weekend for 14 years. Together, Beth and Bruce developed and sponsored many monthly workshop weekends with Champion instructors, hosted and DJ’d dance evenings and taught as guest instructors for several Florida swing dance clubs, studios, and ballrooms. Beth studied ballet and jazz as a youth and during college, danced professionally with a theatre group in NJ. Later she trained in ballroom and Latin. Bruce played semi-pro football for over 20 years then switched to dancing lindy and ballroom. Once exposed to West Coast Swing there was no going back. ballet and jazz as a youth and while in college de danced pro They began competing together nationally in WCS, winning and placing in many Masters and skill level contests nationally. When asked to teach by local dancers, they began their GSDTA dance teachers training with Skippy Blair and her staff of champion instructors in CA. Once earning their teacher’s certification with the Golden State Dance Teachers Association, their dance career took off. Bruce and Beth have been staff teachers and judges at many WSDC, WCS competition weekends over the past 16 years. They continue to attend WCS weekends, doing Pro-Am competitions with their local students and bringing back the latest in music and dance ideas to their students. They have taught weekly WCS privates and group lessons for over 16 years and are excited to bring their knowledge and WCS experience to Starpoint DanceSport.
Bri Landa
Dance Instructor
Bri grew up attending an art school specializing in dance, where she honed her skills and passion for the art form. She had the honor of training at prestigious camps, including the American Ballet Theatre. Later on, Bri pursued a career as a first responder, driven by her dedication to helping people and bringing joy into their lives. As an adult ballet teacher Bri is someone who combines her expertise in ballet with a focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for adult learners. Her passion involves not only teaching ballet technique and choreography but also fostering a positive and inclusive community where adults can enjoy dancing, improve their skills, and build connections.
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Bruce Perrotta
Dance Instructor
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Beth and Bruce Perrotta are among South Florida’s foremost West Coast Swing instructors, founding their dance company DanSynergy, Inc. in 2005. Together they have been a part of the foundation of WCS growth throughout Florida and were owners & directors of Florida Dance Magic, a World Swing Dance Council WCS event weekend for 14 years. Together, Beth and Bruce developed and sponsored many monthly workshop weekends with Champion instructors, hosted and DJ’d dance evenings and taught as guest instructors for several Florida swing dance clubs, studios, and ballrooms. Beth studied ballet and jazz as a youth and during college, danced professionally with a theatre group in NJ. Later she trained in ballroom and Latin. Bruce played semi-pro football for over 20 years then switched to dancing lindy and ballroom. Once exposed to West Coast Swing there was no going back. ballet and jazz as a youth and while in college de danced pro They began competing together nationally in WCS, winning and placing in many Masters and skill level contests nationally. When asked to teach by local dancers, they began their GSDTA dance teachers training with Skippy Blair and her staff of champion instructors in CA. Once earning their teacher’s certification with the Golden State Dance Teachers Association, their dance career took off. Bruce and Beth have been staff teachers and judges at many WSDC, WCS competition weekends over the past 16 years. They continue to attend WCS weekends, doing Pro-Am competitions with their local students and bringing back the latest in music and dance ideas to their students. They have taught weekly WCS privates and group lessons for over 16 years and are excited to bring their knowledge and WCS experience to Starpoint DanceSport.
Trish Panikowski
Dance Instructor
Trish found her love for dance at a very young age. She was enrolled in a private dance school and grew up learning a variety of dances from ballet, tap, and jazz along with country line dance. She continued to dance throughout her early and middle school years. Her love of country music and dance led her to follow her passion of country line dance. Trish was part of a line dance team that competed in multiple competitions and dance events. As her love for line dance continued to grow, so did her passion. It led her to become an instructor. As a line dance instructor, she can share her love of dance with others. Her outgoing, and caring personality makes for a fun line dance environment for all. Trish cares about her students and takes time to make sure her students understand the steps and are comfortable while learning the dance. She hopes her love of dance will inspire her students to develop their own skills and explore the world of country line dance.
