Joseph Wynes
Joseph is dancing with Susan Clay

Joe is an independent dance instructor from Sebastian, Florida. His Friday night group social dance classes at the Sebastian Community Center have introduced the fun of ballroom dancing to people of all ages and walks of life. He also teaches private classes for individual students, couples and small groups at Dance Space’s Sebastian Studio. Joe began his teaching career in 1973 as an instructor of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Education from the State University of New York and Master of Fine Arts degree from the Maryland Institute in Baltimore. In 1981 Joe shifted gears and began training for a career in the health care field as a Respiratory Therapist. Following his move to Florida in 1988, Joe was first introduced to ballroom dancing by a talented nurse who encouraged him to begin dance training and ultimately to enter into a few dance competitions as her partner. In 2006 he started “Desire to Dance” with the philosophy that social dancing is an enjoyable and healthy activity that can be enjoyed by anyone. His mission is to offer cost effective dance instruction and to serve as an ambassador of social dance both within and outside of the local community. Joe’s website www.desiretodance.com can provide extensive information about his background and experience. Joe took first place in the competition with Star Rebecca Emmons in 2010.

“To be included in the lineup of dance instructors for the third year is quite an honor for me since , at one time or another, most of them were, or still are, my teachers. All are truly and inspiration and I am pleased to call them all my friends. We are united in supporting the vision of the Healthy Start Coalition to benefit our area’s future dancers.”

Patti Rooney
Patti is dancing with David Croom

Patti Rooney relocated to Vero Beach from the windy city of Chicago in 2006. She is no stranger to the world of entertainment or dancing for that matter. Patti has appeared in numerous commercials, music videos, stage productions, television shows and danced in various stage productions including the famous Radio City Music Hall Rockette’s Christmas Show. Closer to home, Patti has worked as executive director of a charitable trust, financial controller and business owner. As owner of Rooney Bookkeeping Service, Patti works with a client base that ranges from medical practitioners and professional to landscaper and retail developers. Her passion, however, lies in the philanthropic arena, supporting the work of non-profits locally and internationally. She also served as CFO of Sebastian’s By the River, a 41 unit independent residential community for low-income seniors. Patti was one of the star dancers in the inaugural competition.

“I am excited about dancing to benefit the Healthy Start Coalition again and I hope that my efforts will enhance the capabilities of this vital organization”
 

KaRren has been teaching American and/or International style dance for over 20 years. She is a certified instructor through Fred Astaire Dance Studios and has competed in many events. Karren danced in the 1999 Super bowl for Gloria Estefan and Stevie Wonder. She continues to work on her dancing skills and recently completed a workshop with Karina Smirnoff and Dmitry Chaplin from hit reality show “Dancing with the Stars.”

James Martin
James is dancing with Dr. Juli Goldstein

James Martin has been involved with the 14th. Ave. Dance Studio for nine years. He is “hooked” on swing dancing above all other styles of dance and continues to take lessons and assist Shari & Joe Tessier whenever the need is there. James by profession is a software Developer and computer gamer. He loves comedy and movies and has an upbeat personality which makes him a great fit to be participating again in Dancing With Vero’ s Stars.

“I danced a Fast Lindy last year with Annamarie LaBella. We were great! I wanted to participate again in this event because I want to get more people dancing, enjoy giving something back and I think this is a good cause to be a part of.”
 

Beth Shestak

Beth is dancing with Kenny Holmes

Beth moved to Vero Beach from New York 5 years ago. Since relocating here she has choreographed for Shiloh Theatrical Productions, CBPH productions, and Theatre Go Round. She taught at Florida Arts and Dance for 4 years in the styles of Ballet, Jazz and Tap, as well as theatre classes. Currently you will find her teaching at Riverside Children’s Theater and performing with Theatre Go Round.

Stefanie Conrado

Stefanie is dancing with Jarrod Owens
 

Stefanie has been dancing Salsa for over 6 years. After completing college she landed a job with the Public Defender’s Office and is working on her second Bachelor's Degree in Education. At night she teaches and assists with the 14th Avenue Dance Studio's Salsa classes. After getting bit by the jitterbug last year, she now travels the country for dance events to satisfy her Lindy Hop addiction! She is also the newest addition to the Swingsation performance team. New this year to Dancing with Vero's Stars she is excited to have the opportunity to take home the mirror ball trophy.

Robert is a former US International style ballroom champion. He is nationally certified in all styles of ballroom and Latin in both the American and International venues. He is certified by the Imperial Society of teachers of Dancing (World Governing Board). Bob has been operating a dance studio in Vero since 1987.
 

Shari & Joe Tessier
Shari is dancing with Patrick Toole
Joe is dancing with Judy Van Saun

Meeting for the first time at Brevard County’s SwingFest ’98, Joe and Shari, became fast friends and dance partners. Discovering a magic between them that reveals itself when they take the dance floor, they form the performance team Swingsation and developed a relationship that blossomed into a marriage and their two businesses, Swingsation’s 14th Ave Dance Studio & Infinite Entertainment DJ Company. A business that has continued to thrive here in Vero Beach for the past 11 years giving them the honor of being Vero’s most established dance studio.
Joe and Shari have the distinction of performing at such events as the Daytona 500 Grand Marshall Ball & 1999 Orange Bowl Half-Time Show with top performers such as Tonight Show host Jay Leno and popular swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Choreographing routines for and performing at these, and many other events, has made them a great fit for Dancing with Vero Stars. At the inaugural event, Joe and his star, Pam Director, took home the Highest Dance Score Trophy and last year Shari and her star, David Busch received 1st Runner Up. For more information on their studio check out www.DJandDanceProductions.com
 

Note: Joe and his partner Pam Director were the highest scoring couple in the inaugural 2009 Dancing with Vero’s Stars and in 2010 Shari and David Busch took 2nd place in the competition.