Teachers

Our Teaching Team

Mirror Ball has a great team of fun and enthusiastic instructors who are looking forward to meeting you! Between us we have expertise in a range of different dances and we excel in teaching beginners (two left feet or not!) as well as experienced competitive dancers. Our teaching team has won many awards over the last ten years both for their own dance as well with their students. We also love putting on showcases that you can come and watch, or better yet, be a part of! Find out more about us below.

	Danny Lerer has more than 35 years of teaching and dancing experience. He has held a number of National Championship titles as a dancer and has trained many students to a national level. In the last ten years alone, his studios and students have won numerous awards in competitions across the United States including several United States Champion titles. Danny is a nationally ranked judge and is one of few in the United States to hold the highest level of certification in Ballroom and Latin. In addition, he is also certified in American-Style Smooth, Rhythm and Theater Arts. Though Danny has many years of training competitive dancers, his teaching of beginner students is unparalleled. In addition to private lessons, Danny teaches: Dance Express and VIP class series
	Barnaly Pande loves working with her students and teaches ballroom, latin as well as the social dances. She has fun teaching beginners and more advanced students. Barnaly teaches pro-am, couples and children. She has achieved national success, notably the British National Professional Showdance Vice-Champion title in 2009. Dancing with her, two of Barnaly's students achieved National Championship titles in Ballroom at the 2011 United States Championships. She also recently achieved the title of '2012 Top Female Instructor' at The Emerald Ball Dancesport Championship. Barnaly also co-ordinates The Mirror Ball Dance Studio. Barnaly assists in teaching the Dance Express and VIP class series with Danny, and is also available for private lessons. Kids Ballroom and Latin – Mondays at 5.30pm
	Djimi Klein has been dancing for over 10 years and excels in teaching beginning dancers. He is also passionate about Argentine Tango and has developed his own style of teaching it, making it easy for beginners to learn this beautiful and intricate dance form. For more information, please take a look at his website Any 2 can Tango. In addition to private lessons, Djimi teaches: Social Dance on Wednesdays at 7.30pm Argentine Tango on Wednesdays at 8.30pm Argentine Tango on Sundays at 1-3pm
	Jamie Cooper has many years of dance experience in a variety of forms from ballroom to hip hop. She is a talented choreographer and has created many highly celebrated group dance routines. She is also enthusiastic about health and fitness and has a degree in Fashion and Design from UC Davis. As a dancer she has won a number of awards and the title of United States Champion in 2010. She also excels as the Showcase Director at The Mirror Ball and has put together many very professional shows. In addition to private lessons, Jamie teaches: ZUMBA with Jamie! on Tuesdays at 6.30pm Group routine choreography SEASONAL – please ask for more information
	Bronson Chapman is experienced in hip hop as well as ballroom and enjoys dancing both equally. In 2011 he won the title of United States Gentleman's Ballroom Champion and now dances professionally. You will enjoy his energetic teaching style. Bronson is available for private lessons in ballroom, latin, west coast swing and hip hop.
	Hye Archer teaches 'mixed dances' which include ballroom dances such as waltz, foxtrot and tango; latin dances such as rumba, chacha, bolero and swing, as well as dances such as nightclub two-step and hustle. She also runs social dance parties on Friday nights and is the current President of The Lets Dance Ballroom Club of Sacramento. Hye teaches: Mixed Dances on Mondays from 7.30-9pm. Social Dance Parties on Fridays from 7.30 -10.30pm.
	Melissa (MISSI) Medina is passionate about teaching kids and has been teaching ballet, tap, jazz and cheer/pom dance to children for many years. She has formed Missi's Academy of Dance and in collaboration with the Mirror Ball regularly showcases her students in dance recitals. She teaches children of all ages and abilities.For more information about Missi and this program, please take a look at her website Missi's Academy of Dance. Missi teaches: Ballet, Tap, Jazz on Tuesdays from 4.30-5.30pm (4-7yrs) Cheerleading and Pom Dance on Tuesdays from 5.30-6.30pm Ballet, Tap, Jazz on Thursdays from 4.30-5.30pm (8-11yrs) ADVANCED Ballet, Tap, Jazz on Thursdays from 5.30-6.30pm
	Ria DeBiase is renowned as a several-time World Lindy Hop Champion. She has many years of teaching and dancing experience and has traveled all over the world teaching and showcasing Lindy Hop. Ria teaches all levels from beginning to advanced dancers. Ria teaches private lessons. Please contact her directly:
	Bryant Burmich teaches social ballroom and latin dance at The Mirror Ball Dance Studio. He enjoys working with beginning students and wedding couples. Bryant is available for private lessons.
	Jessica Herrick caught ballroom fever in 2010, and hasn't looked back since. Her passion is Argentine tango. She loves the magic of gliding around a floor with a partner in this improvisational, intimate, expressive dance. Jessica takes great pleasure in working with beginning students, helping them to quickly become comfortable on the dance floor and, most importantly, have fun with the dances! Jessica grew up in Chico, California, where she obtained her Master's Degree in History. When not at The Mirror Ball, she can be found helping researchers as an archivist and historian at the California State Archives, or playing with her two dogs and cat at home. . Jessica teaches: Social Dance on Wednesdays at 7.30pm Argentine Tango on Wednesdays at 8.30pm Argentine Tango on Sundays at 1-3pm
	Robert Barchfeld Robert is passionate about teaching the Historical Dances such as Polka, Mazurka, the Polonaise and the Rotary Waltz, to name a few. He and his students regularly participate in historic-inspired events in Old Sacramento and beyond, and you can often see them dressed in full Victorian attire! For more information about historical dancing events in Sacramento please check the Sacramento Ballroom Society website. Robert teaches: Historical Dance on 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 2pm
	Richie Selby Richie is a fun and energetic instructor. He dances and teaches Latin, West Coast Swing and Hip Hop for beginners as well as more advanced dancers. His enthusiasm will have you dancing in no time! Richie is available for private lessons
	Charlene Johnson Charlene Johnson is dedicated to mind-body-spirit wellness and brings these elements to her classes. Using the stability ball, her program Ball-Chi Fit incorporates ideas from yoga, pilates and callanetics, but dont be deceived - she will definitely make you work out!