Eddie Alba – Owner / Dance Instructor

Eddie began dancing at an early age and spent those early years becoming proficient in Jazz, Tap and Ballet. In 1993, Eddie began teaching and competing in ballroom dancing and currently teaches all styles of ballroom dancing. He spent 8 years dancing in Las Vegas, where he received most of his training. Eddie moved to Southern California in 2001 where he has actively taught private students, group classes, and workshops. As a Pro-am competitor Eddie has won many U.S. Pro-Am Championships and several Top Teacher Awards. In his professional career Eddie is a Rising Star American Smooth Champion and a U.S. Open Semi-Finalist in American Smooth, and was featured on TLC’s reality television show Ballroom Bootcamp. Eddie is currently a part-time instructor of ballroom dance at the Orange County High School of the Arts.

Nichole (Nicky) Eden – Dance Instructor

Nicky started dancing at age 13. When she was 16, she moved to England to further her dance education in International styling. Nicky has competed in American Rhythm and has placed as a reoccuring Rising Star finalist. Nicki has been teaching ballroom dance since she was 17. She is a former Jack & Jill Salsa Champion. She has performed for various companies such as Christian Dior and choreographed the salsa sequence for the franchised food chain ”Taco Time”. She has performed for television on the hit TV show ”Sabado Gigante” on the widely broadcasted Univision with her dance partner, Slawek. She has trained her former Pro-Am scholarship students to take top placement in their event. She successfully trained famous football star Vince Ferragamo, who continues to use his dancing. In addition to ballroom dancing, she has experience performing on stage and theatre.

Dawid Schulz – Dance Instructor

Dawid (pronounced David) is originally from Poland. He started dancing at 7 years old and quickly found success becoming a 6 time undefeated Amateur 10-dance champion of the region. Along with his dancing he also attended university, graduation with a degree in Physical Education. After retiring from amateur competition Dawid took and passed his exams to become qualified as a certified judge and professional dance instuctor. At 21 he became the youngest jdge in Poland. He also opened his own dance studio and hosted many national competitions throughout his region. In December 2005, Dawid journeyed to America where he competed in Pro-Am dancing all styles; smooth, rhythm, latin and standard. He was awarded Top Teacher in Manhattan Dancesport Championships in 2008 and 2009. Together with his competitive partner Natalie, they are the undefeated U.S. Professional Rising Star Champions. As choreographers, they have assisted in the choreography for the Daytime Emmy performance for Vanessa Williams.

Natalie Wakefield – Dance Instructor

Natalie is originally from Provo, Utah. She attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a degree in English and Dance, and was a member of their world renowned formation ballroom dance team.  Natalie has been trained in all forms of dance from the age of 10 and has competed in 10-dance, American smooth, rhythm, and theatre arts.   She is a 4 time US Amateur Theatre Arts champion, two time US Amateur Latin semi finalist, 2 time US Youth Ten-Dance Champion, and a member of both US and World formation team champions, the Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Company.

 Eric Turcio – Dance Instructor

With over 18 years experience, Eric has been a performer of the arts since the age of six.  He studied at the Juled Academy of Dance in Guilford. CT.  Eric teaches all levels of Ballroom dancing in all styles.  Eric recently moved to California to expand his professional career in Ballroom Dancing.  He’s competed and won numerous championships in the East Coast.  Eric has worked in television for over 5 years as a news reporter, anchor, and host for various television shows.  He’s used his dancing ability to host segments on many TV programs in CT teaching his viewers how to dance.  Be sure to watch him in our new studio commercial.  He is a graduate of Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Kristy Rivers – Dance Instructor

Born in Queensland, Australia, Kristy has been involved in the dance world practically since birth. Kristy comes from a well-known and respected dance family including: Father Ray; brothers Matt and Jason; and sister, Toni Redpath. Kristy’s competition experience began at age 10. She has multiple pre-teen and junior titles from Australia, and as an amateur, has placed first in several prominent U.S Latin championships. She turned pro at 19 and now teaches, competes and performs nationwide and overseas. She has been a Rising Star Latin Champion and a finalist 2 years running in the North-American National Championships. Kristy has also been a performer and choreographer for stage shows, film and cruise ship shows, including a featured spot in the acclaimed dance film, ‘Dance with Me’ featuring Vanessa Williams.

 Alessia Minaeva – Dance Instructor 

Alessia is originally from Russion, but grew up in Sweden. She has danced and competed internationally in Ballroom Dancing both in Russia and Sweden from a very early age. Alessia studied in a Performance Academy specializing in Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Acting. Alessia is also an ex-member of the world-famous swing dance group “The Rhythm Hotshots”. Alessia and her partner currently compete in the International Latin Division. She has extensive teaching experience in all forms of Ballroom Dancing. 

 Aurimas Petrulevicius – Dance Instructor 

Originally from Europe, Aurimas is an exceptional dancer, teacher, performer and choreographer. He is a 4 time Europe and 4 time world champion in the Latin formation division. He has a diploma in the arts for choreography and is also a Europe Cup finalist in the Pro Latin division. Aurimas has been teaching for eleven years, and he currently teaches International Latin and Standard as well as American Smooth and Rhythm.

Dale E. Cole – Owner / Business Manager

Dale holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Michigan State University. In addition to his role at Century Dancesport, Dale is employed with the University of California, Irvine Medical Center as a Human Resources Consultant. Dale has a passion for music and the arts. In his past, Dale has been an active member of Kiwanis International and has served on many community and philanthropic committees. Currently, he is an active member of the Irvine United Church of Christ and sings in the church choir.

Tarn Gucci –  Studio Manager

Tarn began dancing at the age of seven, developing her craft in London under some of the world’s top coaches. She quickly became a world-recognized dancer, and has been invited to compete and coach around the world, winning such prestigious titles as Universal International Latin Champion. During her travels, Tarn decided to make her permanent home in the US, and has since made her living as a successful Pro/Am teacher, professional competitor, coach, and judge.  Tarn’s aim is to provide a professional and fun learning experience for everyone, and her years of instructing dancers of all levels give her the experience to help any dancer fulfill their dreams.

Nasrin Mofrad – Owner

Nasrin is a licensed cosmetologist and is the owner of Salon Milano in Newport Beach. She is an avid ballroom dancer and has been taking lessons for the past 8 years. In her spare time, Nasrin enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.