Dance Louisville

Brian Barakauskas

(Owner, Instructor, Competitor, Judge and Coach)

Hi there! My name is Brian Barakauskas. Years ago I took my first dance steps right here in Louisville. I have now been dancing professionally for almost 10 years. Through competitive country western and ballroom dancing I have been able to dance literally around the world as a competitor, judge and teacher. Well dancing has taken me full circle. Now, I am the owner of Dance Louisville.

Dance Louisville is the 1st studio of its kind in Louisville. We are a true independant studio with instructors from a broad range of dance styles. From Ballroom dance to Belly dance, Latin dance to Linedance you are likely to find it here. Although I am still an active competiting professional (sometimes even a successfull one) my main focus through our studio is to serve the dance community and you the dancer. I personally invite you to be a part of Dance Louisvllle.

You can check out my story in the March 12th 2008 issue of the velocity. Yes thats me in black on the cover...

UCWDC Superstar World Champion in 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2008.
UCWDC Renegade World Champion in 1999, 2003.
UCWDC World Championships Division 1 -6th place in 2004, 5th place in 2005.
UCWDC Certified Judge (one of the only people to pass the certification at 100%).
Star Award Winner for Favorite Dancer line 2003.
Star Award Winner for Favorite Instructor line 2005.
Favorite Country Instructor in Japan 2007
American Rhythm semi-finalist at the Nevada Star Ball.
American Rhythm finalist at the Yankee Classic and Imperial Star Championships.
Performed on television on the BBC in England.
Guest Instructor on Lifetime TV and ABC
Instructor on the sopa network series "Southern Bells Lousiville"

Teaching, judging, competition or performance experience in the following countries:

Canada
England
Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Holland
France
Switzerland
Germany
Malaysia

Norway
Finland
Denmark
Sweeden
Estonia
Latvia
Japan
Singapore
Hong Kong
South Africa
The Moon (just kidding)

Jessica Bryant

Jessica has been dancing her whole life. From tap, jazz and ballet as a child and teen to dancing on the University of Louisville Ladybirds dance team she has been involved in high level dance for many many years.

As a ballroom dancer she has had success at all levels of amature american smooth Including a national title in 2005. During a short stint as a country dancer Jessica became the 2006 UCWDC Div. 3 Crystal world champion. Now although she is still competing in ballrom she has dcided to share her knowledge and passion for dancing as a teacher. Students have fallen in love with her teaching style because not only is she a very knowledgable teacher but she is very patient and enouraging as well.

2004 USA Dance Adult A National Champion Silver American Smooth
2004 USA Dance Adult A National Champion Gold American Smooth
2004 USA Dance Adult A National Champion Open Novice American Smooth
2005 UCWDC Crystal Novice National Champion
2006 UCWDC Cystal Novice World Champion
2008 USA Dance Senior I Pre Champtionship National Champion American Smooth

David Royer

David’s musical experience began at the age of 5 with vocal and instrumental training. His arts background continued its development in theater, which consisted of both singing and dancing. His dance career took a more serious turn in 2004 when he starred in Providence High School’s rendition of Footloose. It was also at this time that he began to learn Salsa after being inspired by finding clips on the Internet of world-renowned Salsa dancers. After beginning training in Social and Ballroom dances, he began fusing all style of dances to create his own personal style, which now sits at the forefront of the social dance floor. With this more contemporary style of dance, he helps to bring Louisville a look at a cutting edge style of dance, which can already be seen in more contemporary areas globally. He continues to work to put Louisville on the map as a city of progressive dancing. He is now one of Louisville’s lead Salsa and Hip Hop instructors as well as one of the leading Latin DJ’s.

Jane Golding

Jane's interest in teaching people to dance has been a constant throughout her life. From teaching the swing and hustle during the wild and crazy 70's disco era, to the 80's when she became enchanted with the beauty of Middle Eastern dance, known as "belly dancingâ€�. She has taught widely in the Louisville and southern Indiana area. She earned the coveted Dance Educators of America certificate to ensure her students g got the best instruction available in smooth and Latin dances.

Jane has operated two of Louisville's most beautiful and beloved studios, Derby City Dance Center and Jane Golding's Metro Ballroom. She has taught at Artopia, at the Louisville School of Ballet, Jewish Community Cotillion Classes, and currently teaches a credit ballroom dance course at Indiana University Southeast.

Cherie Lanier

Cherie began dancing at age 7 through ballet and music training. She continued dancing and training into college when she made the decision to pursue a full-time career in ballroom and Latin dancing. Cherie began a professional competitive career in 1995 and competed actively until 1997. Since that time she has not only continued to teach but also owned a successful dance studio for several years. Cherie's real passions are salsa and Argentine tango. Recently she has focused her training and teaching on these two more contemporary forms of dance. Not only is Cherie one of Dance Louisville's lead teachers, she is also one of the most active members of the Louisville dance community.

Phil Cease

Philip was born in Derby, Connecticut and has been dancing since the age of three. he began teaching ballroon dance in 1996. The career was the perfect choice for him because of his easygoing manner and plesant personality. His students find that he is and enthusiastic and personable instructor. He continues to work to improve his own dancing and teaching skills in order to porvide the best possible instruction for his students.