LONG ISLAND TEAM

  • Ralph Abel

    Ralph Abel

    Club Manager

    "There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them." This is a quote that ultimately describes Raphael Abel, manager of Dance With Me Long Island. 'Ralph' as he is affectionately called at the studio, began his love of dancing at the tender age of twelve. Ralph as he is affectionately called at the studio, began his love of dancing at the tender age of twelve. Like most kids, he was a little hesitant at first, but with a gentle push he discovered an inner passion that would stay with him for eternity. After finishing his degree in accounting and entering the New York City work force, he realized that something was missing in his life. His whimsical attitude and adorning personality was immediately a hit with the staff and the students at Dance With Me Long Island. He smoothly dispenses all his knowledge and skill into everyone that crosses his path; building relationships, listening to others and keeping his hands in the mix at all times.

  • IGOR DANILA

    IGOR DANILA

    Staff

    Born December 6, 1986 in Balti, Moldova, Igor Danila Igorevich's love of dancing became apparent as early on as 9 years old. He attended High School N° 14 in Balti, Moldova and continued his education by attending Moscow University, Modern Institute of Humanities in Moscow, Russia. On June 16, 2007, Danila was awarded a degree in Management. Regarding his professional dancing career, Danila has participated in more than 200 competitions, 100 of which were the International category (having won several of these competitions). Furthermore, his professional career has consisted of many remarkable achievements in his home country of Moldova, as well as abroad. International Latin dancer under the guidance of world renown coaches such as Svetlana Gozun, Victor Nikovskii, Larissa Davidova, and Carol MacRaild. Igor has also appeared on a national Moldavian television program which aired several of the competitions he had participated in. His dancing career has also received newspaper-worthy recognition. Igor also studied International Latin dancing extensively the past year and a half in Berlin, Germany before coming to the USA.

  • ANDREA MARLETTA

    ANDREA MARLETTA

    Staff

    Rosario Andrea Marletta, a child full of dreams, was born in Paern Italy, just outside of Sicily, on June 11th 1987. At an early age, Andrea and his family had moved to Gladbeck, Germany. As early as 5 years old, Andrea showed clear evidence that he would become a great athlete. From track and field to cart racing, Andrea had proven time and again that he is born to win. At the age of 12 years, Andrea had moved back to Italy and that is when he discovered Ballroom Dancing. Instantly, his athletic nature had realized the beauty of this fine sport. And after his first dance lesson, Andrea knew that dancing would be his companion for life. With the support of his parents and his natural drive to succeed, Andrea had made dancing his life, and not long after, dance has become his religion. He claims that "There is only one other activity that can compare to the joy of dancing – teaching it..."