Amy has been part of Queer Latin Dance LA (QLDLA) since 2019, first as a performer and now as coach and choreographer of the intermediate salsa team. She has expanded the team’s repertoire to include bolero, contemporary, and role-switching elements, reflecting her passion for challenging traditional gender roles in dance. In addition, Amy dances and competes with the Claremont Colleges Ballroom Dance Company (CCBDC), where she takes classes as both a lead and follow and has choreographed for the annual concert. She is also active with Theatre Americana in Pasadena, contributing as both a performer and production team member. Professionally, Amy works as an Art Studios Technician at Pitzer College, where she oversees staff and projects, building strong skills in leadership and delegation. Amy brings a unique blend of teaching, performance, and management experience to her work in the dance community and to NAEDA’s mission of inclusivity.

Denise directs one of the nation’s most inclusive college ballroom programs, where every student learns both lead and follow roles before specializing. Her teaching model challenges traditional norms and encourages students to embrace non-normative partnerships, creating a more welcoming and equitable dance community. She has also contributed significant scholarship to the field through her dissertation on gender in ballroom dance, informed by her active engagement with NAEDA competitions and the queer partner dance community. Alongside her academic work, Denise competes in queer partnerships at the open collegiate level, embodying the values of visibility and inclusivity that define her leadership.

Eddie began his ballroom career over 25 years ago and competed professionally in American Smooth from 1995 to 2006, earning Rising Star Champion and U.S. Finalist titles. In 2018, he became the Same-Sex 10-Dance World Champion and continues to compete Pro-Am across all styles with his students, earning multiple Top Teacher Awards. A certified judge in five ballroom styles, Eddie adjudicates both national and international competitions and is also an accomplished choreographer, creating theatrical productions and competitive routines for Pro-Am dancers. His work has been featured on TLC’s Ballroom Bootcamp and behind the scenes of Dancing with the Stars for nine seasons. Since 2009, Eddie has been the proud owner of Century Dancesport, Orange County’s premier ballroom studio.

I have had a deep connection with dance since I was little. By being a part of that community I was immersed in many different worlds and formed relationships that inspired me to be my authentic self. Even when I was not dancing myself, I was attending dance shows, festivals, and learning about cultural ethnochoreography in college and more. I am a patron, supporter, creative, advocate, and participant of the community that helped me heal and grow and now I would like to give back. As the resident artist for Rogue Dance Company, I am delighted to use my talents with painting and visual media like behind the scenes short films & photography to support the creative process and share it with the public. For example, I tabled at a local event this past fall with my favorite queer community coffee shop Brick Road in Tempe, AZ to share the work that Rogue is doing. Outside of painting I enjoy using my corporate skills to help the dance company build a cohesive brand centered around authenticity by sharing the creative process and fun we have on the journey! My former corporate experience was leading the project management of the brokerage business for a top financial firm with over 4 million in funding for a book of process improvement projects. Recent experience has brought me back into the creative world where my heart is full. I am the Vice Chair of the board of directors for Rogue Dance Productions. Leading the branding, socials, communication, and creative direction for the annual fundraiser gala. I am organizing the marketing plan, photoshoots, and leading the set design team.

Beginning in 2016, I founded a fully independent dance event, the Rio Grande Dance Classic, featuring mixed role, same gender, and traditional couples across professional and pro/am categories. I currently participate in numerous LGBTQIA+ partner dance events spanning country, ballroom, and swing styles.In 2025, my event received full sanctioning from the ACDA (American Country Dance Association), the first country dance organization to embrace mixed role and same gender dancing. In the mainstream ballroom world, I boycotted all events sanctioned by organizations that failed to support our community until they changed their policies.

Currently, I serve as organizer and director of the Rio Grande Dance Classic, which offers same gender, mixed role, and traditional partner dancing in ballroom, Latin, and country styles. I also sit on the Board of Directors for the ACDA, a nonprofit country dance organization. Previously, I served on the board of directors for Rhode Island Pride as Vice President of Outreach.

I support the queer dance community by believing that all forms of sexual orientation are natural and beautiful, and that should be reflected in the art that we create.

I have been teaching and coaching dance for about 10 years now, and it has really become my calling in life. I love nothing more than to help people connect with their humanity and identity through dance. I am responsible for leading and instructing high school age students, and while it is challenging it is also endlessly rewarding.