Meet the Professionals
THANK YOU to our professionals who work tirelessly with their "stars" to choose the best dance for each competitor and practice until they reach performance standard. We couldn't do this without their expertise and many have worked with us since the first iteration of Dancing with a Mission. Thanks also to Melange Dance and Events for providing the dance venue for all these rehearsals and practices.
Nick BLack
Nick took his first dance class in college and he has been stepping onto the floor ever since. He began teaching more than 15 years ago and takes pride in his desire to help people feel more confident and surer of themselves. His passion to 'dance it all away' spills onto the floor and offers a good dance that can cure a rough day. Nick has certifications in DIVIDA Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Bolero, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, West Coast, Salsa, Merengue and Samba. He loves to perform - on stage, in routines for showcase, and at Heart of America. But most of all, Nick is all heart and just enjoys teaching his students.
Nick is partnering Bridget Suarez
Nick is partnering Bridget Suarez
Johnny Francoviglia
Johnny is thrilled to be a part of the Dancing with a Mission event for the fourth consecutive year. He is a well-respected coach and choreographer both locally and nationally with over 27 years of dance training in many styles including tap, jazz, ballet, modern, and ballroom. As a competitive ballroom dancer, he is a two-time Blackpool Exhibition finalist, a four-time US and World Professional Cabaret finalist, and a Professional Rising Star American Smooth champion.
When he's not rehearsing or competing, Johnny can be found teaching many styles of partnership dancing to all levels of students. From beginner to advanced, Johnny helps his students push themselves to achieve their very best.
In addition to his passion for dance, he finds great joy in giving back to the community and he is thankful to be a part of such a wonderful cause.
Johnny is partnering Jennifer Owen
When he's not rehearsing or competing, Johnny can be found teaching many styles of partnership dancing to all levels of students. From beginner to advanced, Johnny helps his students push themselves to achieve their very best.
In addition to his passion for dance, he finds great joy in giving back to the community and he is thankful to be a part of such a wonderful cause.
Johnny is partnering Jennifer Owen
Rafael Labrado
As a small child in Juarez, Mexico Rafael started Mexican folk dancing. He performed throughout Mexico and Texas. Later his passion turned to gymnastics, where he excelled. At 19 his family moved to Kansas City in order for Rafael to train at Great American Gymnastics Express. Several Olympic athletes have trained here. At 22 Rafael's gymnastic career was abruptly ended by an injury. Then, one day while flipping through the channels on TV; Rafael came across a program called "Championship Ballroom Dancing" on PBS. The amazing dancers on the program sparked a new interest. Soon he found a local dance studio and dance has been his passion ever since. Rafael has been teaching social and competitive Ballroom Dance for the last 18 years. In that time, he has successfully competed with different partners. Highlights include being a Rising Star and Open Professional finalist and Top teacher awards at the Heart of America DanceSport Championships for the past 10 years. Rafael has also been ranked in the top ten teachers in the US for the past 12 years.
Rafael is dancing with Cyndi Van Cleve
Rafael is dancing with Cyndi Van Cleve
Laurelyn Leimer
Laurelyn is a professional ballroom and Latin dance instructor and choreographer with over 10 years of extensive dance experience. She has been blessed with the opportunity to learn from many different coaches throughout the U.S., from instructors, to amateurs, to world champions. She believes that a dancer should learn from every partner they dance with, whether they are social dancers or champion competitors.
She was the president of the University of Arkansas Ballroom Dance Club and started their competition team, which went on to many successful competitions and events. Laurelyn was a regular volunteer
for the NWA Dancing with the Stars fundraiser and Day of Dance events for local hospitals and organizations while she resided in the Northwest Arkansas area, and is now focused on outreach in the
Kansas City community.
Laurelyn is a firm believer that everyone can learn to dance, and no one ever regrets it. Acquiring a new, lifechanging skill is always an adventure, and will open opportunities to enjoy life to its fullest.
She was the president of the University of Arkansas Ballroom Dance Club and started their competition team, which went on to many successful competitions and events. Laurelyn was a regular volunteer
for the NWA Dancing with the Stars fundraiser and Day of Dance events for local hospitals and organizations while she resided in the Northwest Arkansas area, and is now focused on outreach in the
Kansas City community.
Laurelyn is a firm believer that everyone can learn to dance, and no one ever regrets it. Acquiring a new, lifechanging skill is always an adventure, and will open opportunities to enjoy life to its fullest.
Jessica Macauley
Jessica began dancing at a young age in a rural Kansas town and followed her dreams to earn a B.A. in Dance from Kansas State University, then finally to Kansas City where she fell in love with her husband and ballroom dancing. In 2010, she and her husband, Jim, formed their own independent business, Paramount Ballroom Company and enjoy teaching exclusively at Mélange Dance and Events in Mission, KS. Jessica teaches couples, singles, and youth dancers from the true beginner to the competitive student, with a positive, fun and relaxing teaching style. She also teaches Zumba®️ Fitness classes at the premier Genesis Health Clubs location in Overland Park. She believes that anyone can learn to dance, and everyone can benefit from it. Learning to dance can be a life changing experience, it changed hers.
Jessica will partner Thiago Santos
Jessica will partner Thiago Santos
Jim Macauley
Jim has been a ballroom dancer and instructor for almost 26 years. He is one of the most experienced teachers that Kansas City has to offer. Jim spent half his lifetime absorbing as much information as possible, having trained in American Rhythm, Smooth, International Latin and Standard has made min an exceptional and patient teacher. His instructing style cannot be matched.
His career has been spent traveling both nationally and abroad performing, competing, and training both students and teachers. Jim and his wife, Jessica, formed their own independent business, Paramount Ballroom Company. Both exclusively teach at Mélange Dance and Events. They both are strong believers in community and helping other achieve any goal they desire, and they participate in as many charities as they can. Jim began dancing at a young age, watching his parents dance around the kitchen. His passion has always been performing and he has performed at venues like the Folley Theatre, Dancesport competitions, other local charities and the Lyric Opera. Jim is beyond proud to be part of this event and looks forward to performing for another wonderful charity.
Jim will dance with Ashley Smith
zachary nicholas
Zach is beyond excited to dance, fundraise, and bless those in the community through Dancing with a Mission.
He is a young professional that loves spreading the gift of dance to everyone he meets! He found his passion in dance as a kid with hip-hop and breakdancing but has evolved into ballroom and social dancing.
He finds his joy in teaching his students to be comfortable on the dance floor and becoming more confident in their ability to DANCE and looking DANG GOOD while doing it. With teaching certifications through Arthur Murray, a global dance school. He is now excited for the opportunity to be teaching at Mélange Dance and events. Zach is well acquainted with all types of lessons, ranging from Eharmony/Match.com group classes, Father-Daughter/ Wedding dances, to competition routines, and social/club style classes. Zach can guide you whether you are looking to go into competitions, or just pick up a new hobby for the weekends. He has a down to earth teaching style that makes it comprehensive and lucid, while also making it fun!
Zach will partner Marci Gutheil
He is a young professional that loves spreading the gift of dance to everyone he meets! He found his passion in dance as a kid with hip-hop and breakdancing but has evolved into ballroom and social dancing.
He finds his joy in teaching his students to be comfortable on the dance floor and becoming more confident in their ability to DANCE and looking DANG GOOD while doing it. With teaching certifications through Arthur Murray, a global dance school. He is now excited for the opportunity to be teaching at Mélange Dance and events. Zach is well acquainted with all types of lessons, ranging from Eharmony/Match.com group classes, Father-Daughter/ Wedding dances, to competition routines, and social/club style classes. Zach can guide you whether you are looking to go into competitions, or just pick up a new hobby for the weekends. He has a down to earth teaching style that makes it comprehensive and lucid, while also making it fun!
Zach will partner Marci Gutheil
Kayla sloan
Kayla Sloan began her professional dance career 13 years ago in Nashville, TN. She is a certified Ballroom and West Coast Swing instructor and has a passion for teaching yoga. Kayla loves working with all levels of dancers from beginner social dancers to advanced competitors and performers. Kayla competes actively and travels often continuing her education and experience with dance.
In an addition to teaching dance and yoga, Kayla has a major focus in the wedding industry. Helping couples prepare for their First Dance has grown into working with entire families on Father Daughter, Mother Son and Wedding Party dances. Kayla has been hired as the Emcee and day of coordinator after making such heartfelt connections with her students.
In 2019 Kayla changed her business name to Connection Studios. “Everything is better with connection. It has to be about more than just teaching steps. We all need to feel something, and sometimes we don’t even know what that is. It’s my goal to help people find healthier ways to connect.”
When Kayla’s not in the studio you can find her dancing and doing yoga somewhere else around the world. “How can you experience life if you stay in the same place?”
Kayla will be dancing with Jake Kearney
In an addition to teaching dance and yoga, Kayla has a major focus in the wedding industry. Helping couples prepare for their First Dance has grown into working with entire families on Father Daughter, Mother Son and Wedding Party dances. Kayla has been hired as the Emcee and day of coordinator after making such heartfelt connections with her students.
In 2019 Kayla changed her business name to Connection Studios. “Everything is better with connection. It has to be about more than just teaching steps. We all need to feel something, and sometimes we don’t even know what that is. It’s my goal to help people find healthier ways to connect.”
When Kayla’s not in the studio you can find her dancing and doing yoga somewhere else around the world. “How can you experience life if you stay in the same place?”
Kayla will be dancing with Jake Kearney