Dance Boulevard - Where the South Bay Learns to Dance!

The Owners

Miles Ogata: Owner and Instructor

Miles started teaching Ballroom Dance in 1989. Since then he has worked as a coach, Dance Director, and a Studio Owner. He has won many top teacher awards and currently does Pro-Am (Professionals dancing with their students) events. Miles is versatile in many styles of dance, including International Standard & Latin, American Rhythm & Smooth, and Night Club dances including Salsa and West Coast Swing. He teaches amateurs as well as professionals.

Hans Schmitt: Founder, Owner and Instructor

After a collegiate swimming career and earning a B.S. in Geology and mathematics, Hans decided to follow his other passion and pursue a career in Ballroom Dancing. He opened Dance Boulevard (then known as "the Floor") in 1997. In 2000, Hans danced his way to the U.S. final and earned the title of U.S. Rising Star Champion and Open Professional Finalist. Since he began teaching, Hans has coached many top amateur and professional dancers.

Jula Walker: Owner and Instructor

After receiving a degree in Marketing from the University of Arizona, Jula decided she wanted to dance! She has spent the last fifteen years competing in Smooth and Standard and teaching all styles of ballroom dance. Jula has been Rising Star Champion of over ten regional competitions as well as Rising Star finalist at the prestigious Ohio Star Ball. In addition to her competitive achievements, she has also won many top teacher awards for dancing with her students!

The Instructors

Christine Bagube: Instructor

Christine graduated from San Jose State University with a B.A. in dance and a minor in musical theater. Although Christine's main passion is performing, teaching dance and creating choreography have proven to be her true talents! While teaching at Dance Boulevard, she continues to pursue a professional career in dance choreography and musical theater.

Creative Director and Instructor

David began his dance career as a youth student at Dance Boulevard and for many years served as DJ at the studio's Friday Night Dance Parties. At Santa Clara University, while acquiring a B.A. in Studio Art, he served as the president of the Social Dance Club and offered free Ballroom Dance classes to the student body. He became an instructor at Dance Boulevard in 2007.

Jennifer Davis: Instructor

Having been involved in musical theater since she was eight years old, Jennifer turned to Ballroom and Latin dance at sixteen when she joined Dance Boulevard's Youth Program. An energetic and upbeat teacher, Jennifer Davis specializes in the American Smooth and Rhythm styles as well as the Night Club dances. She enjoys the challenge of choreographing formation routines and the satisfaction of watching all of her students succeed and grow as dancers.

Luanne Lee: Instructor

Luanne has been involved in aerobic and weight training programs for over 25 years. She began dancing at Dance Boulevard with her husband Ron and developed an immediate passion for dancing. Her first performance showcase was in December of 2006 and shortly afterward she was drawn to the studio's teacher training program. She teaches private and group lessons and manages the studio's Friday Night Dance Parties.

Annie Morrissey: Instructor

Annie started Ballroom Dancing at age 14. Throughout high school she competed in the Amateur Championship division in both Latin and Standard styles. Annie turned professional at age 18 during her freshman year at Santa Clara University. While earning her B.A. in Art History and English, she competed professionally in International Latin dance. In 2005, Annie founded Keep the Rhythm Dance Company to allow her to exercise her love of choreographing dance routines.

Shanna Porcari: Instructor

After devoting the past seventeen years to music and the past fifteen to the theater, Shanna turned her energies towards Ballroom Dancing. Shanna is currently a student at San Jose State University working on a B.S. in Kinesiology (the study of movement and the body). She is a member of Keep the Rhythm Dance Company and enjoys performing in dance shows with her students. Shanna became an instructor at Dance Boulevard in 2006.

Daniel Suniga: Instructor

A warm and engaging teacher who's always ready to put a smile on his students' faces, Daniel teaches the ballroom and latin dances as well as the night club style dances. He works with high-risk youth, bringing dance into their lives and has also choreographed dance routines for a local university. Daniel enjoys the challenge of working with new students. He is supremely patient and will make sure your dance lesson is a positive experience!

Sheldon Utley: Instructor

Sheldon began dancing at country & western clubs in the '90s, but by 1994 he had switched to ballroom dancing, taking weekly group classes and private lessons. In 1999 he discovered Argentine Tango and was immediately captivated. Each year since 2001 he has taken intensive week-long workshops with the Argentinian masters. He appreciates all styles of Argentine Tango but mainly focuses on Salon style because of its expressiveness in musicality and partnering.

Krysta Walsh: Instructor

Krysta graduated from UCSD with a B.A. in Theatre and another in Dance. She first fell in love with ballroom dance ten years ago when she took a social dance class; she began competing within a year. She is currently training as a competing professional. "Dance is the embodiment and celebration of life. It feeds the mind, body and soul. I love to share the joy of dance, whether it be through performance or teaching." Krysta continues to share her passion for dance with students, friends and audiences.