about brittney

Brittney has had a passion for sports and music alike from a very young age.  Growing up she was a competitive gymnast and soccer player and musically she found her calling in the choir.  While music has never failed to put a smile on her face, a wiggle in her bottom, and a bounce in her step, it wasn’t until college that Brittney was exposed to ballroom dancing, the perfect combination of her athleticism and musicality.  From her first salsa lesson, she was hooked on dancing…there was no turning back!  Three years, two schools, and several majors later, it became obvious that a career in dancing was the ultimate goal, however crazy others (especially mom & dad) thought it was. The summer of 2006, at the age of 21 with no formal dance training, Brittney began her career at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Buffalo Grove, becoming part of a team whose collective ambition would drive the studio to become number one in the franchise.  It was here that her dance training really began.  During her five years at Buffalo Grove, she had the privilege of working with some of the most prominent ballroom and latin professionals in the world. She became certified through a full silver level (passing with honors), mastered her teaching skills, and met students and staff that have left a lasting impression on her.  Finally, she formed a partnership with Aleks Nashev that was undefeated in the Rising Star Rhythm division throughout 2010, culminating in their most notable achievement to date—2010 United States Rising Star Rhythm Champions.

If someone had told Brittney at 21 that becoming a US Champion was in the cards for her, she would have said they were nuts!!!  She thought that to be a champion one must start dancing at an extremely young age, but now she knows that all it takes is a burning desire and the guts to go for it!!  Through her journey as a competitive dancer, Brittney has received the gift of self expression and a new confidence that has affected every area of her life.  While she has always been a bit of an idealist, she now believes more than ever that anything you put your mind to is possible!!! She is intent on sharing the gift of dancing with everyone who will allow her, hoping they all get a least a small taste of the transformation that dancing sets in motion. Brittney approaches every lesson with unfailing optimism and an infectious spirit that inspires her students to learn and accomplish more than they thought possible!  She is affectionately known for her contagious laughter and a smile that will never fail to brighten your day, but don’t let that fool you, as she is a tough cookie when it comes to learning to dance, unafraid to push students to their limit when in their own best interest.  ☺

Though Brittney’s spunky personality led her to a professional career in American Rhythm, music is in her soul and as a result, she enjoys teaching every style of dance from American Rhythm and Smooth to International Latin and Standard, to club style salsa (where her dancing began) and beyond.  It is her goal to promote dancing in all its aspects: as a social skill, competitive sport, and fun fitness alternative.  After having a baby girl in April, her other crowning achievement, Brittney was inspired to take a Zumba® Instructor Training class as she found that there was no better post pregnancy workout than ballroom dancing and  Zumba® fitness classes!!  If the goal is to shed pounds and shape up quickly, Zumba® is definitely the place to start!!  Brittney is available for private as well as group instruction (check out the class info page for more details). She loves teaching both social and competitive students, children and adults, and is available for shows.

“I hope to see you soon whether on a lesson, in a class, or on the social dance floor!!  Don’t be shy…I don’t bite!!!  Remember, coordination and rhythm CAN be taught so don’t let comments that you have ‘two left feet’ or ‘no rhythm’ leave you feeling hopeless!!  I have years of experience taking beginner students (who thought learning to dance was out of the question for them) to an advanced level!!  If you have even the smallest desire to learn to dance, I challenge you to call me and give dancing a try today!!  Please don’t put off learning for another minute…there is a lifetime of enjoyment waiting for you if you have the courage to take the first step…from there I will guide you every step of the way!”