Meet the Pros

Diana Barrera

Diana is a Certified Dance Instructor at Carolina Ballroom Dance Studio.  She is originally from South Texas. She started her 14-year Ballroom career training along the major cities in Central Texas (San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas), then settling in Tulsa, OK where the performing arts are thriving. She is a 2020 graduate double majoring in Theatre and Musical Performance while simultaneously teaching as an adjunct professor at the prestigious University of Tulsa. Diana has an extensive performing background with a fortuity to perform with Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Oklahoma Showgirls, and Royal Caribbean entertaining audiences in a multitude of musicals including Company, Cabaret, West Side Story, Chicago, and Mamma Mia! to mention a select few. Diana has regularly attended DVIDA Mastery Camp in Las Vegas, College Thespian Festival, and Open Jar Institute Broadway College Summer Intensive. Besides teaching advance dancers, Diana excels with beginners. Her students describe her as a fun and most patient teacher. She is also a choreographer for wedding dances, specialty dances, and formations.

(Dancing with Andrew King and Adam Taylor)

Asangwua Ikein

Asangwua Ikein is a DVIDA certified instructor and owner of Ballroom Alchemy. He has trained social and competitive dancers since 2010. His specialty is developing impeccable technique, graceful movements, and presence. Students enjoy lessons with Asangwua because he is consistent and patient. He meets students where they are and challenges them to build upon a strong foundation. In 2013, Asangwua and his partner won first runner-up at the Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars event. In 2015, he and his partner won 1st place at the Oxygen Ball.

(Dancing with Sherri Turner)

 

Ciara Ikein

Ciara Ikein is an instructor and owner of Ballroom Alchemy. She began partnership dancing in 2011, then began teaching in 2012. Her specialty is music and choreographing fun routines to match. She enjoys introducing students to partnership dance and helping them learn to connect with another person. Ciara and her husband, Asangwua, showcase and compete throughout the Upstate and surrounding areas.

(Dancing with Steven Delisle)

Cesar Jaramillos

Cesar is the owner and director of Jaramillo’s Latin Dance Academy. He is also an experienced choreographer. Cesar has been with the cast of Dancing with the Carolina Stars since the very first show in 2010 and has taken home the dance champion trophy several times.  Cesar is originally from Colombia, where he was taught all latin style dances. With over 25 years as an instructor and choreographer, Cesar makes an excellent teacher that will motivate and inspire all to learn to dance.

(dancing with Casey Kozlov)

Sasha Rondol

Sasha Rondol was born in Poltava, Ukraine. He has degree of Master of Sport of Ukraine in Ballroom and Latin dancing. Merited Coach of Ukraine, and multiple winner Ukrainian Championships and Cup participating in World and European championships in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Latvia, Belorussia, Lithuania, Denmark, the International tournaments in Russia, Moldova, Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Austria, Slovenia. He was the President of the dancing centre “Rondo”, Regional branch of the Ukrainian Dance Sport Association. In addition, he was the chairman of the Committee of the development of Ballroom dancing of the Regional organization “The Dancing Poltavschyna”, member of the Ukrainian Dance Sport Association and World Dance Council.

Sasha choreographed for dance franchise in New York area (Tarrytown, Cold Spring, Bardonia), California Dance Studio, and Durham, NC. He also choreographed a dance show that won World Open Festival on Slovakia. He is also an International adjudicator since 2010.
Sasha is great with both beginners and advance dancers. His energy, positive attitude and expertise will make you feel comfortable and confident on the dance floor.

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