Our Team

Chantell has been in and around Dancing Classrooms for more than 13 years.  She has taught in Ellensburg Washington, Greater Seattle area and now in the Greater Richmond area.  Life has given her many opportunities to teach and learn in many genres: from studio dance to college level to outreach programs.  She loves the challenge of bringing dance to those who have not had the opportunity.  She helps them learn in a fun and easy environment how to find success and appreciation of dance. When she is not teaching, Chantell enjoys camping, hiking, biking and swimming with her family.  She has 3 children and a wonderful, supportive husband.  She resides in Charlottesville and lives by the mantra “Will drive to Dance”.

Christina is an enthusiastic artist and dancer who loves to teach young ladies and gentlemen how to dance and share their best selves with others. This is her third year with Dancing Classrooms.

Mariya Vysotskaya is a champion professional ballroom dancer, instructor, coach and social entrepreneur. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Dancing Classrooms Greater Richmond, which has taught thousands of young people the value of teamwork and discipline as they learn to lead, follow and succeed through the art of ballroom dance. Mariya is a native of Kaliningrad, Russia. She competes as a professional, teaches, both adults and children and coaches to the current United States Amateur Champions. Mariya’s greatest joy is helping children, particularly those who may face disadvantages, know that through hard work they can succeed. Mariya says that when two people move across the floor to beautiful music, they are sharing their humanity. Being able to see past race, position, language, size, and focus on the humanity of another person is a skill that will prepare our children to take their place in a complex and diverse world.