Roman Makarov

Certified Instructor

Roman is originally from the Ukraine, Russia, where he is considered

a dance instructor of the highest caliber.  Roman is a member of the

World Dance Choreographers' Association.  He is versed in Classical

Ballet, Modern Dance, Folk & Historical Dance as well as American &

International Styles of Ballroom Dance.  Roman has been a many-times Finalist

in the Ukrainian National and Moscow World Cup Championships.  Roman is

certified by the UK Alliance of Professional Teachers & the Kiev University of

Cultural Arts - Dept. of Ballroom Dancing. 

"Through many experiences with several major dance organizations I now come to be

a member of this world renowned Team to continue experiencing the joy of teaching the

World to Dance with the Arthur Murray System."

Emily Edgar

Certified Instructor

Emily Edgar has recently relocated from Springfield, Missouri, where

she succeeded to her Associates degree from Missouri State University.  Emily is

currently continuing her education pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations,

Advertising & Marketing at City College of New York.  During her years in Missouri,

Emily spent most of her free time as a student Ballroom Dance.   She moved to New

York City, where the fine arts thrive, to follow her passion for dance now at a Professional

level with the Manhattan Arthur Murray studio and, "I couldn't be happier!"

"Dancing is something that everyone enjoys and I feel privileged to be able to call this my job!

Where else can one make a career of hearing music and dancing all day, while meeting so

many interesting people!?"

Donnie Weir

Certified Instructor/Administrator

Donnie "Adonis" Weir is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University,

where he received his B.S. in Mass Communications as well as hi B.S. in

Theater Arts.  Throughout his years of college, Donnie has been involved

with several theatrical and video productions where his dancing skill where

implemented and honed.  Donnie has recently moved to New York City

(the "Big Apple") to pursue his ambitions to compete internationally in

Ballroom Dance.

"I am passionate about my dancing, so I LOVE the fact that I get to teach

my passion to others!"

Rebecca Larson

Certified Instructor/Administrator

Rebecca Larson recently relocated from Sun Valley, Idaho.  She is a recent graduate of the

University of Idaho with a BFA in Theater Arts and a Minor in Dance.  She has worked with

Frankie Manning in a revival of his Tony award winning dance "Black & Blue", as well as with

Lorraine Person (author or (Jazz Dance Today" and "Luigi's Jazz Warm Up") in various dance

productions.  "One thing I believe is that we, as people, all experience the same emotions, however

through different experiences.  Dance is one way that we as humans can connect physically,

mentally and emotionally with another human being.  It is through teaching dance that I hope to

inspire others to take what they learn in the studio and go back out in their daily lives,

ready and able to connect with others and feel confident doing so."

Rony Ramirez

Certified Associate Member Instructor

Rony Ramirez has been dancing since the age of 12 years old.  He got his start having

heard about a new style of dance called "B-Boying" a.k.a. Break Dancing.  The Hip-Hop

world opened many doors for him, such as interests in : Ballet, Modern Dance, Street Jazz and

those types of dance afforded Rony the knowledge and drive to become an instructor.  "I have been

blessed with knowledgeable teachers, who have helped me to become what I am today!" 

Rony started with the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Winter Park, Florida.  He continues

his profession today in the World famous Manhattan studio (Where Arthur Murray got his start). 

Rony aspires soon to become one of the world's TOP competitors striving to reach up to his Idol:

Latin Champion - Mr. Robert Powers.

"As a former dance student of different disciplines of dance, I can understand where my students are

coming from.  I love seeing when they 'get it'"

James R. West

Manager

Certified Master Examiner/Adjudicator

Born in Jersey City, NJ and raised in Boston, MA, Mr. James R. West is a

multiple Honors Graduate of Boston College High School.  Mr. West also

holds a Bachelors degree summa cum Laude in Public Health as well as a

Masters degree summa cum Laude in Social Work MSW/BPH) from

the University of Palmers Greene, London, England.

As a 20 yr. veteran with the Arthur Murray Dance Studios, Mr. West

began in Training Class in May of 1986 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. 

Mr. West served there for 11 years as Instructor, Supervisor and Assistant

Manager before returning to the United States.  During his stay in Europe,

Mr. West also trained with many Top Competitors from around the world.   

Continuing his career advancement in the US, Mr. West has taught in the

Boston, Burlington and Stoughton, Massachusetts Studios as well as the

Plainview & Merrick studios.  Mr. West currently manages the New York City  

Studio, while serving the New York/Long Island area as Examiner and Adjudicator. 

Mr. West is certified by the World Professional Dance Teachers Association since 1986

in American, International and Theatrical Dance Styles & is a Member of the National

Dance Council of America since 1998.  

Mr. West has been inducted into the Strathmore "Who's Who" chronicles since 2003

for Academic, Philanthropic & Professional Excellence.

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 two Studios oversees.  Currently, Mr. Gerges serves as Arthur Murray Area 1

Chairman and is the Co-organizer of the Empire State Dance Sport Championships .