HART-US presents
Nyla Blacknell
Dance Instructor, Daza Dance Atlanta
Nyla Blacknell found dance when she was only seven years old. She attended a Performing Arts school where her talent was recognized by her Improvision Instructor and throughout the years, has studied modern, jazz, hip-hop ballet and ballroom. During her formal ballroom training she was partnered with Antonio Daza and they instantly became close friends. It was an easy decision for Nyla to become part of the Daza family when Antonio decided to open his own studio. Nyla’s infectious passion for dance, energetic personality and excellence in instruction is unmatched, and her students always want to learn more. “I try to connect with my students from the very first lesson. It’s important for each student to realize that all dancers have to start somewhere.”
Amber Reich
Dance Instructor, Daza Dance Atlanta
Amber Reich began her love affair with dance at age 10. After joining one of North Carolina’s top dancing schools, she quickly realized that dancing was her life’s dream and nothing could stop her from reaching the top. Amber began teaching dance at age 16 and over the years competed, performed and traveled across the county living out her dream. In 2007 she moved to Atlanta to teach at one of the dance schools and later joined the Daza Team. Amber teaches Ballroom and Latin dance lessons at Daza with a specialty in wedding dance lessons.
Antonio Daza
Chief Executive Officer, Daza Dance Atlanta
Antonio Daza inherited the passion and talent for dance from his parents, who he says, “were the soul of celebrations” in the small Venezuelan town where he grew up. As a boy, he dreamed of one day dancing with other professionals, like the ones seen on television and in his hometown. That dream never faded. He moved to Atlanta and began taking dance lessons at one of the nation’s top dance studios. The instructors immediately recognized his exceptional talent and asked Antonio to become an instructor. His new career as a professional and competitive dancer had begun. Antonio has earned numerous awards as an instructor, including several for “top teacher” in local, regional, and national competitions.
Derrek Walters
Dance Instructor, Daza Dance Atlanta
At the age of fifteen, Derrek began his dancing career. Inspired by his sister’s ballet recitals and old black and white movies, he quickly found himself right in the heart of Ballroom dancing. The son of a U.S. Marine and from a deeply religious family, his journey was not easy. Despite the struggles, Derrek followed his heart and became a dancer, a performer, and a teacher. His ultimate goal is to be a world Latin dance champion and to own his own dance venue. Swing dancing was his first love. The high energy, crazy footwork, and fancy tricks had a certain appeal that he could not resist. His desire for ballroom dancing developed much later following his first position as a dance instructor at a franchised studio in Sandy Springs, GA. There he discovered the romance of Waltz, and he was hooked. Trained in the American style dances, Derrek developed right away his social dancing and teaching skills. Later, to fulfill his competitive desires he began his training in the International style. Derrek’s passion for dancing is paralleled with a love for teaching and he never tires of showing others how to experience the same joy and freedom that he feels every time he steps onto the dance floor.
Virginia Coker
Dance Instructor, Daza Dance Atlanta
As a teacher, Virginia has received over 40 awards for being one of the top female instructors in one of the largest Organizations in the Dance Industry. Certified in 13 different dances and still expanding to meet the high demand and popularity of partnered dancing. As a dancer, she has competed and placed in regional and national competitions such as CCDC- Cross Country Dancesport Championships and NDC- National Dance Championships. Starting with ballet, gymnastics, and now Ballroom- International Standard, Latin, American Smooth and Rhythm. She socially danced for years in different circuits, worked with some of the top coaches in the country, and competitively trains to achieve her goal for a World title.
Robert Frank
Dance Instructor
Robert is an award winning Instructor and Competitor who began his Ballroom career in 1990. And soon was discovered by a well renowned coach who convinced him to relocate to NYC to continue Working with some of Dancesports greatest talents like Louie van Amstell, Rhude Vermay, Tony Merideth, Vibeka Toft, Allan Tornsburg, and Shirley Ballas and many more. Robert has also taught at some of Countries most premier Ballroom studios. He holds multiple degrees in Dance education and certifications from NDCA, ISTD, DCOA and UMASS. A well rounded and versatile dancer Trained In All Styles Including American Smooth / rhythm, International standard/ Latin competitive and social. Always pushing for higher levels of education in dance to ensure he is providing the best and most current teaching and training techniques to date.
Melbin De La Cruz
Dance Instructor, Daza Dance Atlanta
At the early age of ten, Melbin de la Cruz realized that dance would be more than just a hobby in his life. This newfound passion for dance inspired Melbin to enroll as a student of Ballet, Jazz and Tap dance at City Ballet in Calhoun, Georgia. The experience proved to be of great benefit during his five years of professional training. Now a member of Daza Dance Academy, Melbin teaches Ballroom and Latin dance classes. His passion for dance and energetic personality brings a beautiful and peaceful aura to Daza.
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