Anthony Mouras

Specialist/Instructor

I was introduced to ballroom dancing by my mother, Rose, when I was 14 yrs. Old. My mother and I started as students at Arthur Murray to prepare a special performance for my sister’s “Sweet Sixteen” celebration and, through our wonderful experience, we grew to really love it. Our primary goal was to have fun and be great social dancers. Eventually, we brought my sister into the mix and she too loved the ballroom atmosphere. We made lots of friends and felt at home when we were at Arthur Murray’s. I didn’t mind the intensive training and when I was asked to join the staff, I jumped at the opportunity! As an instructor I have the privilege of watching my students grow into beautiful dancers and share the same amazing experience that I had. I now realize that dancing, for me, is no longer a hobby… it’s a passion. And I now share in the Arthur Murray vision of changing people’s lives through dance.

Mary Cornetta

Specialist/Instructor

Mary first fell in love with dance as she watched her grandmother, mother and aunts performing jigs and reels at family parties. She enrolled in the Petri School of Irish Dance in East Northport, NY at the age of 12. By 18, she competed her way from a beginner to a preliminary championship level.

Dancing took a backseat as she pursued a B.A. in Communication at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Upon graduating, she held a variety of careers from personal training to selling real estate. Something special was missing, however, and when she discovered Arthur Murray, she jumped at the opportunity to dance again.

Since joining the Merrick Team, Mary, along with fellow instructor, Anthony Mouras, professionally competed at the 2010 Empire State Dancesport Championship in the Future Champions Rhythm category. They are excited about competing in upcoming events!

Having the ability to pass the knowledge and passion of ballroom dance on to her students has been very fulfilling. Mary’s enthusiasm and dedication is destined to result in a successful dance career with the Arthur Murray family.

Genene Rose Piciullo

Counselor

Genene Rose actively began her dancing career at the age of 12. Genene, who enjoyed several years of intensive gymnastics training, saw her best friend in a ballet costume and knew then that she wanted the same glamour had to pursue a career in dance.

At the age of 12, she started her dance lessons in a small studio in Valley Stream, New York, where she was soon invited to join the elite “Dance Company” in that school.

At the age of 16, she continued her dancing lessons, which she grew to love more with each year, at the Step and Broadway Dance Centers in Manhattan.

At 18, after graduating high school, she earned a dance scholarship to Adelphi University, where she studied under Carmen Divila, one the first Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre instructors.

During her college years, she performed and delighted the audience for her part in an off-Broadway production of Sugar Babies. During that time she started to audition for several parts in New York City.

She is delighted to currently be able to master and teach ballroom dance, while working with the professionals at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Merrick, New York. She continues to take dance class while auditioning for musical videos and Broadway parts.

Genene is married and lives in Sea Cliff, New York with her husband Jeffrey and their two Havanese dogs, Max and Teddy.

Arthur Bartman

Specialist/Instructor

Safwat Gerges

Gen. Manager/Franchisee
Certified Master Examiner/Adjudicator

Mr. Safwat Gerges started with the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Training Class over 25 years ago and two (2) years later, became Manager & Owner of the Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studio in Great Neck, NY.

Over the years, Mr. Gerges competed in many Arthur Murray Dance Competitions and has been decorated with several Arthur Murray “Top Instructor” & “Top Executive” Awards.

Mr. Gerges is now recognized as a Master Examiner and Adjudicator, certified through the World Professional Dance Teachers Association and accredited with the National Dance Council of America. You may observe Mr. Gerges judging many student and professional competitions and he is also the organizer of several popular show-dance and competitive events each year.

Mr. Gerges is General Manager and Franchisee to five Studios in New York & Long Island as well as four Studios overseas. Currently, Mr. Gerges is the Co-organizer of the Empire State Dance Sport Championships.