Clarence Woodley, Primo Garcia, Michael Cassidy, Jia Campbell and Jill Noel
Lance Sexton, owner, grew up in the dance business with both parents as professional dance teachers. He brings over 25 years of top professional dance experience with him to Melbourne Ballroom.
Lance's background includes extensive training with World and U.S. champions. He is certified as a Master by the former National Director and World Top Instructor of Arthur Murray (see below). Lance competed professionally for 10 years and has won numerous championships and titles during his career. He is one of only a few professionals to win large competitions in all four styles of dancing including:
Owner, Lance Sexton
Mid-United States Open American Professional Rhythm Champion
Mid-United States Rising Star Professional International Latin Champion
Southern States Rising Star Professional Standard Champion
Illinois State Open American Professional Smooth Champion
He currently competes with his students in Pro/Am competitions.
His teacher awards include:
Florida State Top Teacher
Mid-United States Top Teacher
His students have won many championships and top exhibition awards
Lance is registered as Professional Dance Teachers with the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) and USA Dance, Inc.
Barry Johnson, Co-Owner, is originally from Long Island, New York. He started dancing at 7 years of age after watching the Fred Astaire movie "Top Hat". He danced tap, jazz, and ballet for the next 11 years. During that time, he and his family moved to the Kansas City area. Barry began ballroom in June of 1992 at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Lenexa, Kansas. With them he completed training through his Silver level. He moved to TC Dance Studio in 1998 where he completed his Gold level dancing. He also became the studio's Dance Director and Assistant Supervisor. Barry came to Melbourne to get away from the cold and icy winters of the Midwest. He is now living his dream by teaching, dancing, and competing, as well as being part owner of the ever growing Melbourne Ballroom, all while being married to the love of his life.
Lance Sexton and Barry Johnson
Owner, Barry Johnson and
Kristan Johnson
Clarence Woodley began ballroom dancing in 2005. While searching for new places to dance he discovered that Melbourne Ballroom’s Florida’s Ballroom Dance Teachers Academy was accepting new students. He enrolled in September 2007. In July 2008, he earned his Junior Associates Dance Teacher's Certification from the Dance Vision International Dance Association. Clarence has been teaching at Melbourne Ballroom ever since. He is the epitome of the all around dance teacher and lover of music. Not only does he teach with patience until the students get it right, but DJ's for Melbourne Ballroom’s Saturday Night Dances. Showcases, and Open House events all while getting out there and dancing himself.
Clarence Woodley
Primo Garcia has been dancing since he was three. It started as a hobby dancing Hip Hop and grew into his passion. At the age of ten, he started choreoraphing routines. For the next few years, his interest spread into different types of dance. This included Modern, Jazz, Contemporary and poppin'. By the time Primo was 19, he had started Ballroom Dancing. His love for dance continues to grow and shows no signs of stopping. Recently, Primo has begun working on International Standard and International Latin as well as American Smooth and Rhythm for both social and competion level dancing. Truly, his passion and love of dance shows through his never ending commitment to contiuously learning and then teaching others.
Primo Garcia
Michael Cassidy
Michael Cassidy started his dance career 8 years ago as a social endeavor. Over the years, while not officially an instructor, he found great pleasure in helping others learn to dance. He then found out about Melbourne Ballroom's Dance Teachers Academy and enrolled in 2008. Michael completed the teacher training and is excited to be a part of the Melbourne Ballroom Dance Instructor Team. He has also won many photography awards and was published hundreds of times. He is now our Event Photographer. Michael has always been a people person and looks forward to teaching dance. He has great patience and seeks to find the individual's best learning style in order to reach their dancing goals.
Jia Campbell comes to us from China. Although well versed in all ballroom dancing, her main focus is the International Latin style. She has competed in China and here in the states receiving many awards along the way including the 1rst Place Award of Latin Dancing of Youth Team 2004 in Handan City. Her qualifications and training in clulde the Title of State Grade A Teacher of Ballroom Teaching in Latin Dancing from China CBDS examiners, British Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, and American IDTA international appraiser. We are so happy to have someone who is so quailified in and dedicated to the love of dance.
Jill Ann Noel is a certified yoga instructor with a strong background in dance. She has taught dance at Brevard Community College and opened her own yoga studio in 2006. She holds bachelor’s degrees in physical education, art education and elementary education. Her teaching experience includes a wide range of ages from preschool to seniors in her fields of visual art, dance, yoga, swimming and various fitness classes. She has taught in the Melbourne area since 1990 as a Brevard County art teacher and in many dance/yoga studios as well. She has a passion for yoga and all forms of dance. She firmly believes that yoga is the perfect balance between the mind and body. Her positive outlook on life and warm smile makes it a joy to be in her class.
