Ballroom Fever : Staff

Introducing the Staff of Ballroom Fever

Gunnar began dancing at the age of 10, following in the footsteps of his older brother, literally, in Reykjavik, Iceland. He continued his pursuits successfully to become a 13 time Icelandic Champion in Latin, Ballroom, and 10 Dance. In his competitive career he has placed 5th on the Scandinavian Closed 10 Dance category and competed 5 times in Blackpool, England, World Youth Latin and Amateur 10 Dance Championships. He has spent summers in England training with some of the best dancers in the world, as England is the international dance Mecca. In 1996 he moved to the United States and began teaching in a local ballroom studio and soon managed one in Trumbull, CT.

Daryll began dancing Ballet at the age of 3, shortly adding Jazz, Tap, Modern, and Lyrical. At the New England Dance Conservatory in East Longmeadow, MA, she was accepted into the pre-professional program at 14 years of age. As she began her Bachelors of Science in Business at Bay Path College she also began teaching in a local ballroom studio and continued teaching while she completed her degree.

Soon after Daryll graduated, Daryll and Gunnar were engaged to be married and moved to Westchester County, NY to continue teaching before they returned to Enfield to open their own studio. In March of 2003, Daryll and Gunnar began their Professional Competitive career in the American Rhythm division. In September of 2005, they came in 1st in the country Pro Rising Star American Rhythm. In September of 2006, they came in 1st in the country Pro Rising Star American Smooth, becoming the only couple in the United States ever to win Both US Rising Star Titles. In September 2007, they won the USA National 9-Dance Championship. They have pursued their training by receiving coaching from outstanding dance teachers from around the world. After giving birth to Alex and Evalynn, Daryll has resumed teaching at Ballroom Fever three days a week.

2007
Ohio Star Ball 2007 Professional World American Smooth Finalists

36» Ohio Star Ball American Style 9-Dance Champions

35» Champions - Constitution State Challenge 2007   Open Pro American Smooth
34» Champions - USA NATIONAL 2007   Open Pro American Style 9-Dance
33» Champions - Dancing A La Carte 2007   Open Pro American Smooth
32» Champions - Tri State Challenge 2007   Open Pro American Smooth
31» Champions - La Classique 2007   Open Pro American Smooth

2006

30» Ohio Star Ball American Style 9-Dance Champions
29» Champions USA NATIONAL 2006  Pro Rising Star American Smooth
       Runners Up- 2nd in USA NATIONAL 2006  Open Pro American Style 9-Dance
28» Champions - American Star 2006  Open Pro American Smooth
27» Champions - American Star 2006  Open Pro American Rhythm
26» Champions - Windy City Open 2006  Open Pro American Smooth
25» Champions - Windy City Open 2006   Open Pro American Rhythm
24» Champions - Virginia State 2006     Pro Rising Star American Smooth
23» Champions - Twin Cities 2006     Open Pro American Smooth

2005
22» Ohio Star Ball American Style 9-Dance Champions
       Runners Up- 2nd in USA American Style 9 Dance 2005
21» Champions - Constitution State 2005    Open Pro American Smooth
20» Champions - Constitution State 2005     Rising Star American Smooth
19» Champions - Capitol 2005     Pro Rising Star American Smooth
18» Champions - Manhattan 2005     Pro Rising Star American Smooth
17» Champions - Maryland Open 2005     Open Pro American Rhythm
16» Champions - USA NATIONAL 2005     Pro Rising Star American Rhythm
       Runners Up- 2nd in USA NATIONAL 2005    Pro Rising Star American Smooth
15» Champions - Yankee Classic 2005   Pro Rising Star American Smooth
14» Champions - American Star 2005    Pro Rising Star American Smooth
13» Champions - Tri-State 2005   Pro Rising Star American Smooth
12» Champions - Tri-State 2005   Pro Rising Star American Rhythm
11» Champions - Heritage Classic 2005   Pro Rising Star American Rhythm

2004
10» Co-Champions - Commonwealth 2004     Pro Rising Star American Smooth
9» Champions - Commonwealth 2004     Open Pro American Rhythm
8» Champions - Commonwealth 2004     Pro Rising Star American Rhythm
7» Champions - NJ State 2004   Pro Rising Star American Rhythm
      2nd in USA American Style 9 Dance 2004
6» Champions - Empire State 2004      Pro Rising Star American Smooth
5» Champions - Maryland 2004      Pro Rising Star American Smooth
4» Champions - Maryland 2004      Pro Rising Star American Rhythm
3» Champions - Northeastern Open 2004      Open Pro American Rhythm
2» Champions - Holiday Classic 2003      Pro Rising Star American Rhythm
1» Champions - Constitution State 2003      Pro Rising Star Rhythm

Rob has been an instructor at Ballroom Fever, Inc. since 2003. He began his dancing career at a franchised studio where he was a top instructor for 9 years. He has professional competition background and exhibition show experience. Since September of 2010, Rob has been dancing American Smooth professionally with his new partner Tanya Nunez. His teaching practices are thoughtful and individual to each student, and he has an amazing sense of humor. Rob was also a Certified Personal Trainer and assists people in achieving their goals in strength, stamina, and body shaping. These skills help him in his own dancing, as well as the instruction of his students.

Diana graduated from Sarah Lawrence with a degree in Musical Theatre. She started dancing at the age of 5, though started ballroom dancing only 5 years ago. She quickly transitioned into ballroom and began teaching 4 years ago. Diana is incredibly thorough in all of her teaching and always strives to help her students realize their potential. Diana currently competes in the Professional Standard division with her pro partner, Mick.

“My favorite thing about teaching is to see a student push past their boundaries either physically or mentally to accomplish a goal they never thought possible.”

Jessica earned a degree in Fine Arts from Alfred University in New York, and recently completed a Connecticut Art teacher certification program for public schools. Not only is she an artist and accomplished teacher, but she is also a talented ballroom dancer. She has been teaching ballroom for 9 years and competed in Professional Standard for 6 years. Along with teaching part-time, she is also the Manager of Ballroom Fever.

Matt was born in Poland, and came with his family to the United States in 2001. Matt’s been teaching since 2005, and teaches all four styles of dance. He loves to go to competition with his students and make them shine! Matt also competed professionally in Latin, with lots of success. When not imparting his knowledge and passion for dancing to his students, he is busy studying for a degree in electrical engineering from Central Connecticut State University.