Meet Our Instructors

Barbara Nicholas-Owner/Director and instructor at Barbara's Dancing Tonight!

Teaching people to social dance is a real adventure! Everyday is different and rewarding.

I started teaching social dance in Davis in 1992. I am an East Coast transplant and was a self-proclaimed multi-career woman until the day I started to teach ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray's in New Jersey. There, I realized a job doesn't have to feel like work. Since then I settled into being a hometown Davis, ballroom dance instructor.

Barbara's Dancing Tonight Studio has been my California family since 1992. Through the years I have been blessed and privileged to have taught many Davis residents the art of social dancing. Learning to dance is not only fun, but also a life changing experience. At Dancing Tonight, you may come in a wallflower, but you'll leave a dancer!

Mallory Gorenzel

Mallory took her first dance lesson at the age of sixteen at Barbara's Dancing Tonight Studio in Davis, CA. It was there that she discovered her passion for Latin dance, particularly, Salsa. At Barbara's and many Bay Area clubs and studios, Mallory continued to improve her skill and love for the dance. All of the hard work and time has paid off and she is now an instructor teaching Latin, Ballroom and Swing throughout the Davis Community.

Van Lay

Van graduated from UC. Davis with a B. S. degree in Food Science and Technology. Van started with Chinese Folk Dancing at age eight. After three years she took a long hiatus from dancing which ended in college. Van learned Salsa and West Coast Swing in college and since moved into the ballroom world. She is now a Multiple Subject Credentialed Teacher and Zumba Instructor. Van hopes to promote dancing and fitness in the education field and community.

Brian Luu

My name is Brian Luu and I am currently a fifth year, UC Davis student majoring in Sociology.   I started out as an ACE Certified step aerobics instructor at the UC Davis Activities and Recreation Center in Davis, CA.  From there, I branched out and became certified in TurboKick and indoor cycling.  I also have experience teaching strength training and dance fitness.  My philosophy is to challenge yourself but not over-exert yourself.  Fun is a consistent proponent to all of my classes.  I do not care for image nor do I care for perfection.  The only thing that needs to look good in my class is your form!  So, come and have a good time with me!  I'd love to meet you and get to know you!

As for a blurb on TurboKick, here is what Chalene says:
"Turbo Kick is the revolutionary group exercise program that has changed the direction of kickboxing today.  Inspired by dance, Tae Kwon Do, boxing, tai-chi, and funk, this workout creates a party atmosphere that will have [your] members lining up for more.  Classes are fresh with the hottest music, moves and combos available.  Created by people who understand the importance of fun! "

More bios and pics of instructors coming soon!

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Complete Schedule:
Summer 2010 Class Schedule (pdf)

For Ongoing Ballroom, Latin & Swing level Classes :
See Rotation Schedules 1 and 2
or 3 and 4(pdf)

Dance Party Schedule

Specialty Class Schedule

About Swing Kids

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