Ms. Ekaterina Derevleva is professional Ballroom dancer, teacher, and owner of Ballroom Dance Academy and designer of ballroom dancewear collections.

She is dancing for USA representing Professional Ten Dance and Professional International Latin and Ballroom divisions at World level competitions and currently is the holder of the title World Ten Dance Finalist.

Ms. Ekaterina was born in the North part of Russia, where she won many competitions and became a champion of Arkhangelsk Region in the International Latin division. She has a master’s degree from a pedagogical university named after M.V. Lomonosov with honors.

Her knowledge and dance experience gave her students the opportunity to win high placements in the biggest National and International competitions in all 4 different styles: International Latin, International Ballroom, American Rhythm and American Smooth.

Ms. Ekaterina Derevleva won many USA competitions in International Latin and International Ballroom divisions and became United States National Professional Ten Dance Finalist 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. She is also a Bronze US medalist in Ten Dance and Show dance divisions. Champion and finalist of almost all major DanceSport competitions in the country such as: Heritage DanceSport, Nashville Star, Platinum Dancesport, First Coast Classic, Triple Crown Series, South Open DanceSport, Ohio Star Ball, United States Championship, New York Dance Festival, Florida Super Star, Millennium, Grand National and many more.

She is teaching at Ballroom Dance Academy in Jacksonville and Sway with me Ballroom Dance studio in Ocala (Wildwood), Florida and working as a traveling coach around the USA as well.

Tony had an early aptitude for dance and music, and started dancing at an early age. As a lifelong dancer, he believes in the power of dance to foster the healthiest and happiest versions of ourselves.

Some professional dance accomplishments include dancing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and adjudicating multiple ballroom dance competitions.

Tony’s many dance awards include Open Pro American Rhythm Champion; Open Pro American Smooth Champion; Open Pro International Latin Champion; Open Pro International Ballroom Champion; National Open Pro 9 Dance Finalist; National Open Pro 10 Dance Finalist; and Open Pro Cabaret Finalist.

Tony is also an accomplished professional seascape photographer whose work can be enjoyed at https://www.vitaminseaphotography.com.

Tony is married to Elise Kantin, and they are parents to two lovely little girls, ages three and one, and a beautiful lab, Mia. He, along with his wife, is owner of Seaside Ballroom.

Christian is an independent dance instructor with over 20 years dance experience. While attending the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California on a scholarship, he discovered Ballroom dancing and went on to be trained at the Arthur Murray studios. He was designated Top Teacher there and went on to compete world wide for over 10 years.

During this time, he was also coached by some of the top dancers and champions in the world, like Dimitry Chaplin and Nick Kosovich. Christian is well-versed in all Ballroom dances and styles but he believes he shines in teaching social dancing.

He believes it is his job to to make dance instruction fun for all his students.

“I have never had a student say “I wish I had waited longer to learn to dance” but many say “I wish I had started sooner!” Life is short. Have more fun; start dancing today.”

Carissa Norris has been performing since the age of three and hasn’t missed an opportunity since. Having danced her whole life, it was no surprise ballroom became her next love. Carissa has been teaching for years and is affluent in instructing all kinds of students of all levels and learning abilities. One of her favorite things as an instructor is being able to reach everyone on their level and watch her students grow as dancers and people.

Carissa and her husband, Charles compete professionally together, and both teach at Ballroom Dance Academy. This is her first-time dancing professionally for First Coast’s Dancing with the Stars. Carissa is so excited to be able to support and be a part of this fantastic cause that shares the gift of the arts with local Jacksonville.

Charles Norris is originally from Knoxville TN and has been a ballroom dance instructor since 2010.  He has been competing professionally with his wife, Carissa Norris for the past 3 years. Charles and his wife are new to Jacksonville and are thrilled to expand their dance career in Florida. Charles has been a part of many dancing fundraisers and is excited to be a part of First Coast’s Dancing with the Stars.

Charles’ enjoys the pro/am aspect of dancing and competing because he loves to see the gradual progress his students make along their dance journey.  Dancing is amazing because it allows for continuous growth and is therapeutic, both physically and mentally.  Being an instructor for so long has allowed Charles to see that anyone of any age can dance regardless of their limitations. One of Charles’ most rewarding aspects of teaching is being able to show people with physical disabilities that dancing is possible for everyone at any level.

Chris Thomas has been a driving force in the dance community since 1985. He successfully founded, owned and operated A Social Affair Dance Studio from 1995-2012. He founded and operated Jacksonville’s Dancing with the Stars from 2004-2012.

Currently, he co-founded Monarch Ballroom and Dance Studio, and was instrumental in the development of First Coast Dancing with the Stars. Chris has also developed several successful dance studio owners locally and statewide as well as in Georgia and Ohio. Also, several students on a competitive level partnered with him to win local and national championships; one student achieved a world title in both American Smooth and Rhythm.

Chris is the co-founder and lead vocalist of the very popular band, The Chris Thomas Band, now known as The Chris Thomas Project.

Lastly, Chris recently became engaged to Kassidy Garcia, and he is the proud father of four beautiful daughters, Haley, Lily, Ruby and Gracey. 

 Johnetta Wise is based right here out of Jacksonville, FL and was originally raised in Chicago, IL, where she captured the love for dance.  She has been dancing for over 25 years and teaching for 5 years. Johnetta has been honored to dance in the “First Coast Dancing with the Stars” local event 3 years in a row and she is always looking to participate in any dance event where she can contribute her passion.  She has been on numerous competitive dance teams and trains with coaches to help improve her dancing and teaching. Her dance vision is about making the world a better place through dance and teaching others to be the best version they want to see themselves as a dancer, whether it be as simple as being a confident social dancer, planning for a special wedding, or quinceañera.

Johnetta teaches ballroom, Latin, and freestyle. She also specializes in ladies and heel styling.  She strongly believes in helping others as much as possible and is always looking for ways to bring people together, and she sees dancing as a way to do so. She believes it’s the way to get in touch with your inner self.  Her motto is “Keep Moving Forward” because that’s what gives her a sense of purpose. Johnetta loves innovating, creating new moves, and choreographing for others.  Johnetta doesn’t stop when it comes to bettering herself because she knows it’s the only way to lead by example so that she can be the best teacher for her students. She also loves meeting new people and making connections; it’s the best part of her job!

Traveling is one of her passions as well since she gets to explore other cultures and try new foods.

“I love where life has taken me so far, and I can’t wait to see where it will take me next”