Come by, and meet our staff!
They are a friendly and caring group of professionals, who love to dance and love to teach. Staff backgrounds include expertise in both American and International style ballroom, Latin andswing, including specialty dances such as:• Argentine Tango• West Coast Swing• Lindy Hop• Nightclub Two Step• Salsa• Hustle. Some staff members have backgrounds in theatrical dance as well.
Our teachers continue their dance education on a regular basis, so they can bring you fresh ideas and a confident teaching manner.
Staff Bios:
Karen (Tebeau) Shackleford, Owner
Karen has more than twenty years experience in the ballroom dance industry. She began studying social dance in 1978, and after taking some time off to focus on career and family, she returned to ballroom dancing and teaching in 1991. She has studied with Mark and Dawna Nocera, Dan Radler, and Suzanne Hamby, and has participated in numerous seminars with other dance luminaries including Ron Montez, Jim Maranto, Jonathan Wilkins, Michael Mead, Toni Redpath, and Edward Simon among others.
Prior to opening her own business, Karen taught a social dance curriculum for studios in Greater Boston and Southern NH. Karen has competed pro-am at ballroom dance competitions on the Maine and Massachusetts circuits. She holds teaching certification from Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA), LaBlast TM, and the Professional Dance Instructors Association (PDIA). Karen is the proud recipient of hundreds of skills endorsements on Linked In. In addition to International and American Style Ballroom training, Karen's repertoire includes some country western, west coast swing, lindy hop, hustle, salsa, and nightclub two-step.
Karen's exposure to dance began at the age of five, with a theatrical dance program under the direction of Mary Bertagna, former Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Karen has been choreographing and producing ballroom dance showcases since 1996. Her work has been presented at six New England shopping malls as well as the Palace Theatre's production of "Keyboard Lounge", the Bel Esprit Arts Festival, the Center of NH Senior Expo, and many other venues.
Since 1999, Karen has owned and operated The Queen City Ballroom in Manchester, NH, which is known as a friendly, fun studio featuring top teachers in club and classic dance styles. Her studio is the proud recipient of twin wins in 2013 by the Hippo Press Readers’ Poll: “Best Dance Studio” and “Best Date Place”.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Hampshire. While she was attending UNH, she included some theatrical dance training as part of her studies. Karen demonstrates longtime support of various nonprofit and charitable institutions through donations of dance lessons, and providing showcases for events.
Karen has one daughter, Nicki Tebeau, who in addition to full time employment in the field of behavioral healthcare, co-teaches the youth dance group at
Queen City Ballroom.
Karen’s hobbies include photography, music, healthy living, floral design, decorating, writing, and fashion.
Karen can be contacted at karen@queencityballroomnh.com.
Mica Milojkovic, International Style Pro
Mica began his ballroom career in his hometown of Belgrade, in Serbia. He trained at various studios but most of his training came at the renowned Prodance in Belgrade. Mica, who maintains a strong desire for constant improvement, has trained with numerous coaches throughout his career.
Helping Mica throughout his career have been Carol MacRaild, Bo LoftJensen, Daniela Skovic Novak and Fredi Novak. Mica constantly strives to increase his knowledge of dancing and teaching. You can count on Mica to always be up-to-date regarding every topic in the dance world. He takes pride in sharing his experience and knowledge gained from over twenty years of involvement in the ballroom world, bringing joy and enthusiasm to every social dance, competition, showcase and class he teaches.
The excitement of competition has always been a favorite aspect of dance for Mica. Meeting others, socializing and the pageantry of competitions has always motivated him. Mica is currently pursuing judging as a means to increase his knowledge and involvement in the dance world.
Mica can be contacted at mica@queencityballroomnh.com. Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.
BreAna Mutz, Instructor
BreAna is originally from Merrimack, NH and started learning ballroom dance as a teen. She reestablished the ballroom dance club at Merrimack High School and began competing Pro/Am when she was 17.
She has since competed in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Florida; dancing American styles.
She attended the University of Tampa in Florida to study marketing and advertising, where she founded Dancing with Spartans, UT's ballroom dance club. BreAna has recently moved back to New Hampshire to continue her education at Southern New Hampshire University and focus on dancing. She has participated in workshops with West Coast Swing luminaries such as Robert and Nicola Royston, among others.
In her spare time, BreAna enjoys sketching, yoga, and catching up with friends. She also enjoys the outdoors and likes to go hiking and hunting with her family.
BreAna is available to teach private lessons, and may be contacted at breana@queencityballroomnh.com.
Randy Avis, Argentine Tango Pro
Randy Avis is a well known and respected dancer and Tango DJ. He teaches, DJs, dances andperforms through out New England where his clarity as a teacher and down to earth presentation are much appreciated.
His own style has been informed by such illustrious teachers as Jackie Wong, Judith Schwartz, Christine & Homer Ladas, Gustavo Benzecry-Sabá & María Olivera, Michale Young & Beatrix Satzinger, Gustavo and Marie, and Lorena Gasse& Ariel Barrionuevo.
Recent performances include 2010 The Mariposa, Peterbourough NH, St.Paul's School Concord New Hampshire and Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce.
Randy’s dedication to Tango is reflected in his full schedule of lessons, Milongas & practicas. He believes that learning Argentine Tango should be Fun! In teaching his focus is on helping students with the fundamentals of the dance. The emphasis on musicality, core technique and partner connection empowers his students to dance simply and musically from the beginning and really gives them confidence on the dance floor.
Randy can be contacted at 603-547-0402 or randy@itangonh.com. Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.
Kim Vanaman, Hustle Specialist
Dance Professional Kimberly Vanaman has been a Hustle Specialist and enthusiast since 1978. Her expertise and warm, positive teaching style is in demand at National Hustle events and she is known as THE teacher to go to for Hustle in the New England area. In addition, she is trained in American Style Ballroom Dance with an extensive focus on East Coast Swing, Jazz and Tap dancing.
This successful competitor, performer, teacher, judge and choreographer includes among her favorite credits: consistently finishing in the top 3 of all National HustlePro Jack and Jill events; 3rd Place, Professional Classic Hustle, Hustle USA 2002; 1st Place,ProAm Showcase, The Easterns Dancesport Competition 2008; 2nd Place World ProAm Classic Hustle, IHSC 2007; a founding member, one of the original officers and currently the Regional Representative for the IHDA(International Hustle Dance Association); reviving theart of the Hustle formation team for the National Hustle events; receiving "Top Teacher Award" at Hustle USA 1997; choreographing for Professional theatres in Mass.; making NE Regional finals for Dance Fever; being happily married for more than 20 years and being the mother of two wonderful daughters.
Kim started off her career as an artist and tennis instructor before discovering her love of dance. She then began in the performance arena, initially Tap dancing as a member of Providence, R.I.'s "All Tap Revue," under the direction of Brian Jones. One dance form led to another and she spent many years studying and performing Jazz Dance at the Jeannette Neil Jazz Studio in Boston, MA.
Simultaneously, she began her love affair with Hustle. As Queen City Ballroom's Hustle Specialist, Kim teaches beginner and intermediate group classes, private lessons, and the Q665 Hustle team, a joint venture of Queen City Ballroom and Studio 665 in Woburn, MA where Kim also teaches a hustle program.
Kim can be contacted at kimvanamandance@verizon.net.
Natalie Mavor Miles, Master DVIDA Teacher
Natalie has been dancing since the age of 5, having trained in modern dance, jazz, ballet, tap,flamenco and ballroom. At age 15, Natalie won her first U.S. Amateur Championship title inthe Latin American style. Natalie went on to become the United States Amateur Latin American and U.S. Amateur 10-Dance Champion. She has represented the U.S. at six World Championships.
Natalie also claimed the U.S. Professional Rising Star Rhythm title, as well as winning the L.A.Salsa Championships at the Mayan Club, defeating all of the top local Salsa couples. Natalie has performed worldwide and has been the featured dancer on such projects as the Young and the Restless, the Geena Davis Show, the Boston Tree Lighting Ceremony, including a dance performance with Harry Connick, Jr. at the Belagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
She has also co-produced Crystal Cruises newest production show “That’s Dancin!” Natalie has worked for Norwegian Cruise Lines performing in “Hooray for Hollywood”,“Gotta Dance” and “Showstoppers”. She has been performing and choreographing for Wayne Forster Productions in San Diego, California, as well as for Crystal Cruise Lines in LosAngeles, CA.
Film credits include; “Can’t Stop Dancing”, “The Swan Princess”, “The Contest “ (Santa Monica Film Festival), “Dance With Me”, starring Vanessa Williams, The Disney Film,“Enchanted”, starring Partick Dempsey, as well as coaching actors for the film “Shall We Dance”, starring Jennifer Lopez.Natalie has most recently finished working as a featured dancer on the 80th Annual Academy Awards Show.
She is completely versed in all styles of Ballroom dance including the International style and the American style of Ballroom and Latin as well as Salsa, Swing, Argentine Tango, and Adagio/lifts. She has studied with Ron Montez and Elizabeth Curtis, Rick Valenzuela, Johan and Nadia Eftedal, Brian and Kristi McDonald, as well as studying Theatre Arts (adagio/lifts), with Tom Slater, Cate Camplin, Roy and June Mavor.
Natalie is accepting new students on a limited basis. She can be contacted at QnCtyBalrm@aol.com. Please inquire about pricing and policies for private lessons with this instructor as they may vary from those currently posted.
Lori Steeves, Yoga and Pilates Certified Instructor and Personal Trainer
has been teaching creative movement and yoga, dramatic arts, fitness, voice, and more, since 1977. Lori has studied theatre and music at Cal Arts, voice at the Boston Conservatory, and she holds a degree in teaching from Fullerton College. She has worked all over the country in schools, camps, and health clubs, and is thrilled to be coming on board at The Queen City Ballroom!
Lori can be contacted at loriel202@yahoo.com.
Tracey Barker Randlett, Zumba Instructor
Tracey started her Zumba career in 2009. After her first class, she knew she wanted to share all that Zumba can do for others, not just physically, but mentally as well. Tracey has developed a love and passion for Zumba, and wants to share a different and exciting way of exercising. It's truly amazing to see the transformation Zumba can do for others with all of its fun moves and steps.
Tracey's classes are always comfortable, and with her professional guidance and outgoing, fun personality, you'll be exercising with a smile on your face. Tracey has been a member of ZIN (Zumba Instructor Network) since March 2011. She is licensed to teach regular Zumba classes and Zumba Gold.
Tracey can be contacted at 603-341-2514.
Carol Michael, Instructor
Music and dancing have always been an important part of Carol's life, having grown up in a family of musicians. As a teenager, she was introduced to ballroom dancing but only started taking lessons as an adult in 2005.
Carol's theatrical dance background includes nine years experience in ballet, point, jazz and tap.Carol has studied with Karen Shackleford, Ron Blankenstein, Natalie Mavor and Jim Marantoas well as other dance professionals.
Her instructing career began in April of 2010 as a substitute, and she now teaches on a regular basis at Queen City Ballroom. Carol also assists Ron Blankenstein with the QCB classes taught on Thursday nights in Concord, in conjunction with the Concord Adult Education program. Since 2005, she has performed in numerous showcases.
Carol's professional life, apart from ballroom dance instruction, has revolved around children and training adults who work with children. Her responsibilities include creating and presenting professional development opportunities for adults, and event planning for educational retreats.
Carol is available to teach beginner to intermediate private and semi-private lessons. Please contact her at carol@queencityballroomnh.com to discuss availability.
Nicki Tebeau, Instructor
Nicki has been ballroom dancing since 1995, and began her theatrical dance training as a preschooler. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Springfield College with a minor in dance. She specializes in choreographic techniques for groups, and coaching of wedding dance for brides and grooms.
Nicki has Pro-Am experience at competitions such as the Yankee Classic, the Commonwealth Classic, and the Connecticut State Challenge.
She was previously the Instructor and Choreographer for the Teen Team, and is returning to teaching at Queen City Ballroom as Team Instructor, Sunday Youth Instructor, and Part Time Sunday Party DJ.
Her work outside of the ballroom setting is as a Psychiatric Crisis Clinician for a premier health care organization.
Shelley Thompson, Instructor
Shelley has been involved in Ballroom Dancing since the 70’s, starting in 1973 at the Boston Ballroom and Metro Dance Studio in Boston. In 1974, she received International Medals in Quick Step and Cha Cha and also joined the Formation Team at Chestnut Hill Country Club,performing at Chestnut Hill and Copley Plaza.
From 1974 through 1975, Shelley participated in competitions throughout New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachussetts with Mrs.Tina’s Dance Studio (Gloucester,MA) in the ProAm Division. She has been dancing at Queen City Ballroom since 2007, performing in various showcases.
Shelley also participated in classes and workshops by Ron Montez, Natalie Mavor and Bill Morganti.
Mary Sheldon, Administrative Staff
Mary has been ballroom dancing since 1998. She also has a background in ballet, jazz, and square dancing. Mary works part-time as an administrative assistant for QCB, in addition to another job. She holds a MS in Statistics and Computer Science from the University of Delaware. When she is not busy dancing, she enjoys activities such as hiking and backpacking, playing with her 3 dogs, camping, snowshoeing, yoga and tai ji, gardening, and biking. Mary can be contacted at mary@queencityballroomnh.com.
Cheryl Coderre, Marketing, Design & Web Guru
Cheryl joined the Queen City Ballroom staff in June of 2012 as a front-desk admin. A notorious non-dancer and natural-born klutz, Cheryl now opts to facilitate the studio's success from her home office at Coderre Studios. There, Cheryl builds websites, creates fine/commercial art and design, maintains QCB electronics and marketing, and teaches art. Her two adult daughters, fiancé, assorted relatives and friends, one dog, assorted fish and *chocolate* fill up the rest of her time. Cheryl can be contacted at cheryl@queencityballroomnh.com.
Staff
