OUR INSTRUCTORS

Kelly M. Stangel - Director

Kelly began dancing at the age of 3, diving into jazz, ballet, and tap classes. She continued this avenue while pursuing other areas of movement classes including gymnastics, cheerleading, track, modern dancing and hip hop, which all have become part of her repertoire. After graduating from college with a bachelor's degree in communication, she joined the Hartford Conservatory to study dance more closely. During this time, she also joined the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in hopes of becoming a ballroom dance instructor. Upon the completion of the training course, Kelly knew ballroom dancing was something she wanted to pursue. Kelly, owner of Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Bloomfield, CT, not only teaches ballroom dancing, but competes professionally with her partner, winning many Arthur Murray competitions. Now in the business for over 10 years, Kelly and her husband couldn't be happier sharing their love and passion for dancing with others.

Jonthan Stangel - Director

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Diana Chickosky - Instructor

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Eric Chung - Instructor

Eric went to school at Capitol Community Technical College (CCTC) where he received his Associate's Degree and later he attended Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), where he received his Bachelor's Degree. During his time at CCSU he joined the the car club where he met a friend who introduced him to the world of ballroom dancing. Though reluctant at first, Eric soon fell in love with the sport of dancing and saw how it began to change his life. Not only did he feel more assertive and confident, but it also improved his social life. Beyond dancing, Eric enjoys racing cars. He has learned to employ skills acquired from dancing into racing cars. In particular his foot flexibility from dance improved his pedal work. Additionally, Eric has learned that racing a car on the track requires awareness of other racers similar to the floor-craft needed in the ballroom.

Melissa Lenge - Instructor

Melissa Lenge began her dance career in Poughkeepsie, NY at the age of 4. The stage became her other home as she concentrated on tap, ballet, jazz and point. Her passion for teaching was ignited at an early age as she began teaching classes at age 14 and has since been a competitor, teacher, and choreographer ever since. After graduating from Hart Conservatory she began her career with Arthur Murray and is thrilled to be in the Bloomfield Studio. She looks forward to many years bringing the love of dance to many new students.

Mike Schilling - Instructor

Mike began experimenting with body movement through Aikido and Kung Fu. However, he discovered ballroom dancing provided more exciting social life and was better-suited to his lifestyle. While attending Tufts University, Mike spent four years on the Competitive Ballroom team, placing regularly in competitions at the Silver and Gold Levels. After his first year on the team, Mike began training and mentoring newcomer members. After college, Mike lived in Taipei, Taiwan, where he pursued other interests, including Argentine Tango. Opun returning to the U.S., Mike joined the Arthur Murray team and has enjoyed teaching many new students how to improve their lives through dance.