Meet The Staff

  
 

Mark Dostalik and Kevin Freedman, Owners

Kevin Freedman (right) and Mark Dostalik, Owners of PA DanceSport, opened The Ballroom in September 2003. "A lot has changed since those early days, thankfully all for the better. PDS has the friendliest, most professional, best teaching staff in the area. Not only do they love instructing and dancing—they also do it very, very well. What's more, PA DanceSport is the only one of its kind in Central PA. The 5,000 square foot Ballroom is nothing short of beautiful and 3,000 of it is "the floor"—built only for Ballroom and Latin dancing. If you would like to learn how to dance or you're just curious about the idea, please pay us a visit. We think you'll be pleased."
 

Melodie Crawford, Instructor

Melodie has been dancing since the age of 2. Whether it be ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics,swing, latin or ballroom, she has always had her feet on a dance floor. She participated in and won numerous competitions and championships throughout the United States, including the 2006 World Pro/Am 10-Dance Championship, where she placed first in ALL dances. She has, and still is working with teachers such as Alain Doucet, Anik Jolicoeur, Beverly Donahue, Garry Gekhman, Giampierro Giannico, Arunas Bizukas and Katusha Demidova. Melodie has been teaching at Pa DanceSport since 2004. She is available for private lessons as well as group classes in both American and International styles.
 

Jonathan Kopatz, Instructor

Dedication, attention to detail, enthusiasm and obsession are all terms that accurately describe Jon’s relationship with Ballroom and Latin dancing. He has always had a love for music—any music—but didn’t begin dancing until 2002. Since then, Ballroom and Latin has been his life’s passion. Jon has trained with world-class champions, namely; Alain Doucet, Anik Jolicoeur, Garry Gekhman, Natalia Skorikova, Igor & Polina Pilipenchuk and Irina Sarukhanyan.

 


Shellie Lawyer, Instructor

Shellie began her dance career at the age of five when she began studying various styles of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Tap and eventually Hip Hop.  Following high school, with numerous dance experiences under her belt, Shellie went on to become a Professional Cheerleader for a local semi-pro soccer team. In 2001, Shellie began teaching Ballroom Dancing.  She has taught with Arthur Murray Dance Studios, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, YMCA, and the Movement Center as well as independently in the Harrisburg areas, but Shellie has found her home at PA DanceSport.  She has been a full time instructor at DanceSport since the beginning of 2008.

 


Mindy Hofsass, Instructor

Mindy’s passion for dance began at the age of 5, when she started her training in classical ballet. Her musicality was further established as she delved into the musical realm and has played the french horn for over 19 years and holds a minor in music from Gordon College. Mindy has been enjoying ballroom and latin dancing since 2006, and has competed in American style Smooth and Rhythm, Country, and is currently competing in International Standard. She has been teaching at PaDanceSport since 2009 and loves to introduce people to the wonderful world of dance. 
 


Bryce Ricca, Instructor

Pa Dance Sports newest member of the teaching staff, Bryce Ricca brings a solid ballet background to the ballroom. Originally from Louisiana, where he began his training, he's found his way to Pennsylvania, but not before Dancing principle roles in the Ascension Parish Ballet Theater, and as a company member of the Alabama Ballet Company. He shined in Roger Van Fleteren's Dracula, and as a soloist in George Balanchine's Nutcracker to name a few. Bryce feels that his ballet/choreography background brings a unique element to the ballroom. His attention to detail in shape, line, hold, and footwork are key in his training philosophy. Paired with his youthful exuberance and sense of fun, he's excited to create shining stars in the ballroom.