In this photo:
Alesia Miller, Linda Carpenter, Heather Loughley, Betty Marcus, Decho Kraev, Bree Watson, David Butcher, Jeff Goltiao, Anna Koziars, Michael Curtis, Katheryn, Paul Rutherford, Mark Miller, Ron Clark, Nita Lytle, Steve Dashner, Jean-Paul Gronek

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Linda has danced since 1976.  Competing in both International and American Style.  She won top Theater Arts at the Mid-United States Tournament, Top Students and Top Amateur couple at the Detroit Star Ball, and Top Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Star student at the Ohio Star Ball.

Linda has been teaching for Dance Plus Ballroom for 26 years in both American and International syles.  Also teaches adult and children group classes throughout Ohio.  Her students have won top Bronze, Silver, and Exhibition awards at the Ohio Star Ball and she was Top Exhibition teacher for five years and finished in the top six freestyle teachers twice at the Ohio Star Ball.  One of her junior students was United States Amateur Junior Champion at the United States Dancesport Championships. (USDSC)

Jean-Paul has been in the dance business for almost 20 years.  He has competed in the Professional International Latin division and was a Finalist in many competitions.  He also works  at several competitions across the country either dancing Pro/Am with his students, judging, or on-deck coordinator.  His most recent achievement is becoming a Regional Examiner for the DVIDA organization.  However, you will see Jean-Paul on the dance floor again, perhaps not competing, but doing shows with Kimberley Mitchell.(former US Latin Champion)

Michael Curtis fell in love with dance at the age of 18, when a friend of his from the Dominican introduced him to Salsa dancing.  He instantly knew that he wanted to dance as a profession.  He boasts a broad knowledge of Ballroom & Latin dance, knowing both the American and International styles.  He holds certifications in Social Foundation and Associate of American Smooth.  Michael is also a recognized member of the Dance Vision International Dance Association and the National Dance Council of America. He has been recognized by these organizations as reaching a high standard in dance education.  Michael regularly performs and has danced for the Wasserstrom Company, Budweiser, Latino Fest, and fashion shows, as well as many others.  He also coaches amateur dancers and has extensive experience with ballroom choreography.  He has choreographed dances for showcases, cotillions for the Gold Medallion Foundation, and weddings.  Michael currently competes at the Professional level with his partner Anna Kosiarz, as well as the Pro/Am level with his students.

Anna was born and grew up in Gdynia, Poland.  She was always especially interested in sports like dancing, karate, volleyball and ping-pong (table tennis).

At the age of 7, she started her dancing and singing career in a kids’ group, “Delfinki” (Delphins).  She stepped onto a ballroom floor at the age of 10 in Gdynia’s YMCA.  Her busy schedule with school didn’t allow her to continue dancing, so after 2 years she took a break.  Then, at the age of 18, she saw an advertisement for dance classes and decided to give it another shot at “Tango Gdynia” dance studio.  After 2 months of attendance, she was taken to a high level competition group where she found her dance partner from Poland, Jan Jaczewski.  She competed with him in the International Standard and Latin divisions for 4 years.  They placed very well together.  (2nd place; “Sopot Open” 2004, “Perfekt Gdansk” 2004, “Puchar Kwidzynia” 2005, and 3rd place; “Perfekt Gdansk” 2005)

Mark began dancing in 1998.  After taking lesson for a brief period at the Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Mark cam to Dance Plus as a student in 2000.  In 2003, Mark joined the Dance Plus Ballroom staff as an instructor, teaching part-time in the evenings and weekends.  During the day Mark is the Chief Financial Officer for the Ohio Automobile Club (AAA) and is a retired Captain from the US Navy.  Mark continues to train in American Smooth and Rhythm from Linda Carpenter, and receives coaching in International Standard from Gert and Kirstie Roslender.

Alesia realized a life long dream by becoming a dancer in 1991, coaching with numerous teachers in various styles with partner #1.  By 1997 she met a much more serious partner, from 1997-2001 they competed and performed all over the United States as amateurs.  They were also involved in a local Argentine Tango Troupe performing at many events year round.

By 2005, she had a “luck break”, Alesia had the great privilege of dancing with 2 new partners.  Dancing American Smooth & Rhythm with one, and International Standard with the other.

This has all resulted in yet another dream come true - the great opportunity to work with the wonderful staff at Dance Plus Ballroom.

Paul has been involved in ballroom dancing since 1979.  Initially, he was a student at the Arthur Murray dance studio and later a student and Danceland studio in Columbus.  While at Danceland, he received his training in International and American Style dancing from Pat Woody.  In 1990, Paul and his wife, Susan, became students at Dance Plus Ballroom under the instruction of Linda Carpenter and David Butcher.  In 2003, Paul became an instructor at Dance Plus Ballroom.  Currently, Paul is receiving International Standard style training from Gert and Kirsti Roslender and American Rhythm/Smooth style training from David Butcher and Jean-Paul Gronek.

Steve has enjoyed dancing since he was a young child.  Though most of that early dancing would have likely been good material for America's Funniest home videos, he did enjoy attention and applause doing East coast swing in his early teens with his sister.  In 1991 he got into Line dancing with the big craze.  A bar owner asked if he would start teaching Line dancing at his establishment and Steve agreed.  He started teaching line dance 5 to 6 nights per week at different venues, and started a mobile DJ service.  Both businesses did very well, and in 1995 he began construction on Dakotas Ranch dance hall.  It was completed in 1997, and had a grand opening party with over 150 people.  The business grew until 2002 when gas prices started to go up, and attendance started to fall.  The business finally had to be closed in May of 2006. Steve, always wanting to grow and learn, started working with Dance Plus in 2001.  At first trading line dance lessons for Ballroom lessons.  As time went on, Steve got more involved with Dance Plus, teaching Private Ballroom and Group Line dance lessons.  After closing Dakotas Ranch, Steve started a home remodelling and repair business.  He continues to teach part time at Dance Plus.