2026 Annual Showcase
Dear guests,
Thank you for being here with us today and for sharing this journey.
This show is more than a performance. It is a collection of personal stories told through movement — moments of courage, humor, connection, surprise, and transformation.
For many of our students, stepping onto this stage represents months of preparation and the decision to try something new. Dance often becomes a destination of its own, leading to confidence, friendships, creative expression, and sometimes even a new chapter in life.
A portion of the proceeds from today’s showcase supports the Dance Vision Foundation, an organization dedicated to expanding access to dance education and helping more people experience the joy and benefits of movement. To learn more about their work, please visit: www.dancevisionfoundation.org
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Showtime: 3.00 PM
Location: FIU Wolfe Center
3000 NE 151st St, North Miami Beach, FL 33181
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Barbara Welding
Hi there, I am Barbara from Germany. For 11 Years during winter I am coming to Floridas lovely sunshine, and also come for the fun of dancing as well as the opportunity to dance at Competitions. I caut believe how much I have achieved since my first lessons. So many new friends welcome me when I come back to the States. Thank you for calling me a friend, who shares this wonderful passion for dancing.
Cecilia Calderon
I have been dancing at Let’s Dance Miami for 2 years now, and Dance has taken me somewhere I didn’t expect — back to joy. I came in looking for something different, and found connection, fun , getting comfortable in my own body, a version of myself that feels lighter and more present.
Brian Lerner
Dance has taken me far beyond what I ever expected—onto a stage, into a community, and into moments of confidence and joy I might not have thought about otherwise. What began as simply trying something new became a place to challenge myself, connect with others, and discover a creative side I did not know I had.
Maria Bojnansky
For me, dance has always been my safe space, my challenge, and my inspiration. Whether social dancing or performing, the music takes over. You forget everything else and become present in the moment in time. That is a gift to be shared.
Angelique Sellers
I started taking dance lessons when it was a difficult time in my life, mostly looking for a distraction. I thought it would just be a few salsa lessons here and there. Little did I know that I would still be at it years later, doing a lot more than salsa and even performing on stage!! This was never the plan, but I am so glad it happened. Not to mention all the wonderful I have met along the way!
Janis Mitchell
Girls like to have fun and that is what we have at Let's Dance Miami. Me and my husband have been dancing for about 5 years at this Studio.. Michael my husband moved here from Germany, he fell in love with Argentine tango there. He conviced me to take dance classe, I went to 3 other dance studios and hated it. My Husband than developed a neurological problem and Dancing helped him so much. He tells everyone he can dance better than he walks. Dancing has saved my sanity and gave me a chance to grow my dancing ability.
Jennifer Leff
I have been a student at Let’s Dance Miami for 3 ½ years – inspite of my innate shyness I was blessed to meet inspiring teachers who led me through my stumblings -
Anatole (Tolls) a brilliant dancer taught me to always look up not down – Eugene a great dancer brought humour to all my missteps – Alex taught me some cheeky fox trot moves –
Daniela a beautiful dancer and an amazing artistic creator of all special events – Gaby is able to transform the dullest of costumes into a thing of beauty –
Stefan incredible dancer manages to put it all together for LET’S DANCE MIAMI!
Natalya Sindyeyeva
I've loved ballroom dancing since childhood. For me, dance is life—beautiful and vibrant, sensual and unpredictable. Dance is the ability to express your feelings, emotions, and thoughts through movement. Dancing taught me that you can start doing any creative activity at any age.
Della Berry
Dancing touches a place deep within my heart. Each movement feels like a quiet conversation between my body and my emotions. I hear the music..worries fade away and a sense of freedom emerges. Dancing helps to express feelings that words cannot explain. It fills me with joy, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Edna Brener
Dance has taken me to a place of courage joy and Happiness I didn’t expect to find. I came just to learn steps, but I discovered supportive friends,wonderful teachers and a part of myself that feels more alive. On the dance floor I feel happy, grateful, and proud to keep growing. Life is meant to be lived with joy, movement, and connection.
Marilyn Miller
“Since I joined Let’s Dance about 5 years ago, I have shared endless joy. The staff and the other dance students have become my family. I also have gained more confidence in myself. I truly would recommend anyone that wanted to learn dancing to become a part of the Let’s Dance family.”
Liliana Olivera
Dancing has been a beautiful journey for me for the past five consecutive years, dance has brought you, discipline, and emotions into my life.
I am especially grateful to my wonderful teachers for their guidance and patience.
Is never too late to start moving your body and joy of dance.
Patrick Shelton
As much as I already celebrated life anyway, dance has taken me to new heights of fun and happiness. Between a few ballroom moves, a couple popular Latin rhythms, and the American nightclub classics, now me, my family, friends, and perfect strangers can all be in a time & place together and actually look good dancing with the music
Elizabeth Boey
Dance is my Hero Journey. What started as a creative challenge, enjoyable experiment and past time became my expressive outlet of story telling between whatever the movement or dance steps were . The powerful joy, pain and emotional connection between me, the music, my partner or audience empowered me. It built my confidence for an already accomplished and strong woman. I confronted vulnerabilities, fears that were suppressed. The past "why did I endure what did not work for me" really did not matter anymore. It is about today and forging my muted voice to sing and dance loud in the radiant sun and blue skies. A fearless journey to explore , thrive and grow. Destination : Utopia.
Jeanne Rosen
It’s taken me to a younger version of myself. When the music starts, I am not my age. I am timeless.
My body remembers things my mind has long forgotten.
It’s taken me into the present moment in a way nothing else can. When I am dancing, there’s no room for worry or regret — just the music and the rhythm.
Tatiana Simoes Ashcraft
Dance has taken me to a place of comfort I didn’t know I needed. At first, I was forced into it , but it became so much more. It allowed me to be free, to accept the complicated, and to understand myself a little more. I didn’t expect it to help me grow so much as a person. Because of this community I’ve grown into someone that would’ve been a completely different person and I’ll be forever grateful.
Mary Bastek
I have been a student at Let's Dance Miami for 2 years plus. When I enter the studio my stress leaves. The instructors are so good, so patient and so much fun, So I decided to challenge myself and take part in this show. Brand new experience
Alexandra de Groen
Dance has taken me places I never expected, especially performing on stage and sharing something I love with an audience. It’s also taught me that there’s no true final point in dance. There’s always more to learn, which has helped me focus less on perfection and more on enjoying the journey.
Laryssa Medvid
I came to America 30 years ago from Ukraine, and 5 years ago I moved to Miami from NY. Dancing was my childhood dream, I am so glad I found this studio and many new friends with the same passion. I started dancing at 5 years old, and I was dreaming to travel and show the world my dancing. Dancing is my inspiration, my life, my love and give men a lot of power , beauty and elegance. I have my supportive Boss Husband Igor who supports me in everything.
Silke Wettergren
I started ballroom 1 ½ years ago with let’s dance and found that dance classes and competitions have challenged me to look how I respond to challenge, discipline, expectations, courage and disappointment, pushing me to grow beyond steps and technique. Dance has opened the door to a new personal relationship with myself, a portal to love, acceptance, patience, health, and authentic self-expression, where resilience, vulnerability and joy are the reward on and off the dance floor . 💫
Raquel Hussey
Dance has taken me to a place I never expected — back to my childhood dream. It’s given me the chance to live out what I once only imagined, turning something I loved as a child into something real and meaningful in my life today while making beautiful friendships along the way.
Krystin Echenique
Dance has taken me to a version of myself I didn’t know existed ! Someone more confident, expressive, and fearless. It pushed me through moments of doubt and showed me I’m capable of more than I thought. It’s not just movement, it’s where I learned to trust myself.
Natalya Shternberg
I’ve dreamed of dancing for a very long time, and finally my dream has come true. This was my very first dance on stage, which makes it even more special. My husband Igor and I go to Let’s Dance Miami together, and we both truly enjoy it. They are real professionals with such a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Meredith Altman
I have been submerged in dancing since I was 3 yrs old. My father was a competing tango dancer, and I would put my feet on his, as he demonstrated the different steps. Although, I took lessons, ballet, tap, etc. I never knew ballroom dancing, as I do now. I’m a SAG/ Aftra member, as I was a voice over actress, many years ago! My passion now, is ballroom, specifically, Latin music and dances.
Proud mother of 3 and retired Nurse Practitioner. After having joined Let’s Dance Miami, 4 yrs ago,my love of ballroom
Dancing has been enhanced through instruction, and practice of this amazing art.
Jodi & Daniel
Daniel: Dance has taken me to numerous fascinating stages, to meet and dance with amazing individuals multiple times a week, and to perform in front of a few people or a big crowd! And, dance has taught me to let go and enjoy every time I dance, especially whenever it is show time, a class, or a party at Let's Dance Miami!
Jodi: Dance has taken me back to part of myself. I didn't grow up dancing. As a child, music was my creative expression. But, during adulthood, while focused on work, I lost that creative, playful part of myself. Dance connected me back to music and reminded me of a more joyful part of me. Thank you Let's Dance Miami!
Jessica Gilmore
Dance has always been my whole life, but starting ballroom dancing brought me somewhere I never expected. Beyond the steps and technique, it has given me confidence, patience, trust, friendship, and joy. Through every practice and performance, I’ve discovered that the journey in dance is not just about movement—it’s about the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the person you become along the way.
Kelly & Sam
We have been dancing with the Let’s Dance team for the past year.
Dance has helped us reconnect with a part of ourselves that is sometimes forgotten— the part that feels free, confident, and excited.
Eleonora Martelli
I have been dancing for the past 10 years. My passion is fashion and I am the owner of Moda39 a clothes boutique in Aventura. I love dancing because of the way it make me feel and that I exercise and I don't even feel. It is the most amazing thing in life!
Maria Jose
Dance has helped me process the sudden death of my 23-year-old son, DiegoJose, one of the hardest losses a person can endure. My longtime friend Stefan brought me back to dancing with great heart and determination. Alongside the team at Let’s Dance and the friends I have found there, dance has given me joy, support, and a way forward one step at a time.
Chicky Torrens
I can’t believe this is my third year performing at this beautiful showcase.
Honestly, I’ve never expected to be dancing at the level I am now. Dancing has given me so much confidence, and my family is proud of me.
I want to thank Let’s Dance Miami and all the teachers, especially Stefan Ilies, for teaching me and bringing me so much happiness. I’m truly grateful that at my age I’m able to do this. Yes, God is good.🙏🏻💃🥰
Ken Percy
The fun of choosing the track and then learning with Daniela how to master the steps that bring it to life is the journey for our final destination of being on stage.
Dancing is infectious. Let's Dance Miami has me hooked. Now Ken can dance!!
Terez Fiderer
I’ve been dancing with LDM over 4 years. It’s been the most joyous journey! In retrospect dance has always been a favorite vehicle to express myself. Dance competitions and performances have challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally….but somewhere in my journey fear became fun!! Learning to dance with a partner really teaches you so much about yourself, however, allowing someone else to lead still continues to challenge me😊
Teresa Hawk
Dance has taken me to a place where I challenge myself with new content, new levels, different coaches, and taking better care of my health. I’ve even stopped drinking diet coke! During my first competition, I got “lost” in the routine and it was scary, but Stefan kept saying “Don’t stop, Don’t cry” through the entire song. In the end it all turned out fine. I didn’t stop, I didn’t cry, I just kept going. I always say “If that’s the worst thing that can happen, I can do anything.”
Nora Villaviza
Dancing has taught me that chasing a dream requires perseverance, dedication, and passion. Chasing a dream is a journey not a destination. Just as a dancer 💃🏻 must repeatedly practice and polish their technique, pursuing a dream demands consistent effort.
I am proud to say that I have finally achieved my goal of learning classic dance….it’s a huge accomplishment for me. Dance has shown me that with hard work, determination, and passion, one can turn a dream into reality.