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Instructors
Robert Campos
Larry Caves
Yavor Genev
Devorah Kastner
Nikolay Kralev
Carmen and Marnie Mattei
Jalair Miles
Lonnie Mitchell
Rodomir Pashev
Shawn Sallee
Gergana Slavona
Lisa Spiegelman
Marietta Tartaglia
Emanuel Vaceanu

Robert Campos blackline

Robert is a 5 time Grand Champion in the U.C.W.D.C. Country circuit and has won many other dance competitions throughout his career. Robert has over 18 years of teaching experience which includes Ballroom, Country, and Swing.Why choose Robert for your private lessons? 1) he is patient, 2) he is very encouraging, and 3) he will provide you with techniques and styling while making you a better leader/follower on the dance floor. He enjoys teaching both individuals and couples. When not giving private lessons, Robert also hosts various group classes during the week, including the best mid-week West Coast Swing group lesson and dance on Tuesday nights. Group lessons are open to everyone, and no partner is required. Just show up and join the fun. If you would like to schedule private lessons with Robert, please contact Paragon at (480) 777-8877.

Robert Campos

Larry Caves larry_caves

Larry Caves

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Yavor Genev yavor

Yavor Genev

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Devorah Kastner devorahheadshot200

Devorah Kastner is a Phoenix native and has been teaching at Paragon Dance Center for over 7 years. She teaches and has competed professionally with her students in every style of partner dance including Ballroom, Latin, West Coast Swing, and Country. Some of her professional ballroom championship titles include:• U.S. National Nine Dance Vice Champion• Rising Star American Rhythm Champion• Rising Star American Smooth Champion If you would like to schedule private lessons with Devorah, please contact Paragon at (480) 777-8877.
Nikolay Kralev nikolay

Carmen and Marnie Mattei

Carmen and Marnie began dancing social lead and follow as many have that eventually compete on Country Western Dance circuit. They have been competing together in the UCWDC circuit since 2004 in dances that include: Progressive 2-Step, West Coast Swing, Night Club-2 Step, Waltz, Cha Cha, Polka, East Coast Swing, Triple 2-Step. They have trained extensively, have won numerous titles throughout the US, and also hold 3-UCWDC World Championships (Couples Crystal III, Diamond II, and Diamond I). They currently compete in Crown Division and are Certified UCWDC Judges.

Carmen & Marnie enjoy sharing their love of dancing with students of all experience levels. They share a passion for helping beginners as well as competitive dancers. They both hold engineering degrees and use a structured approach with students to build strong foundational skills which helps to accelerate their dance competency very quickly. While they are very involved with competitive dance and training, Carmen & Marnie continue to enjoy dancing socially.

Jalair Miles jalair_4x6_grayscale-edit

Jalair has been living and dancing in the valley of the sun since 1988. She has been competing and performing in several forms of dance since the age of 3. She toured with the USA Dance Alliance where she performed in several countries throughout Europe. She discovered a love for partner dancing and has been hooked ever since! Between teaching at the Paragon and running her very own skincare business, she still finds time to compete with her professional partner, Lonnie Mitchell. Jalair is more than willing to share her passion and knowledge of dance with anyone who would like to learn!

Lonnie Mitchell photocomingsoon

Rodomir Pashev radoheadshot200

Shawn Sallee shawn_sallee

Shawn has been teaching dance for 14 years. In 1999, he moved focus from general partner dance to specializing in SALSA as danced in contemporary dance clubs while preserving authentic terminology & history. For his work as an instructor & pioneer in the Seattle & Phoenix dance worlds, he has been honored as a World Salsa Congress Honoree for his contribution to Latin Music & Dance.

Shawn has taught thousands of people, from beginning to instructors. As director of Salvaje! Dance Company, he has produced the highest number of specialized Salsa performers AZ has ever seen. He has directed and performed dozens of dance shows produced huge Salsa events, and won several dance competition.

While striving to make every student reach their potential ASAP, you'll often hear him tell you to "make sure to have FUN in the process."

Join Shawn & Co. every Sunday for Salsa Sundays, aka, "The Social" for lessons & dancing. Private or performance class lessons are available, as well as private & corporate events.

Gergana Slavona gergana

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Lisa Spiegelman lisaspiegelman

Marietta Tartaglia mariettatartagliasmall

Marietta Tartaglia has been dancing and teaching ballroom, latin, swing, and salsa for over 11 years. She has performed with several dance companies and at art festivals, news stations, weddings, city events, charity fundraisers, and nightclubs throughout the Valley. Currently, along with Paragon, she also teaches at Scottsdale Community College, and other venues. In addition to dance, Marietta is currently in graduate school pursuing occupational therapy, where she intends to use dance as a therapeutic modality to aid children and adults with special needs, brain and spinal cord injuries and other disabilities to recover their independence. Paragon, commends Marietta for using her dance talent, to make a difference in the life's of those with special needs. We are very proud!!! If you would like to schedule private lessons with Marietta, please contact Paragon at (480) 777-8877.
Emanuel Vaceanu emanuel

Emanuel Vaceanu

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