Ballroom Dance Instructors
Claire Hansen
Claire fell in love with Ballroom Dancing at 11 years of age. Claire started by competing in International Latin/Standard and American Rhythm Pro Am competitions in the US and Amateur Standard/Latin Competitions in Canada. At age 16, Claire moved to Europe for 3 years and had the opportunity to train under many English World Champions in International Standard and Latin Styles. A highlight of this period was in 2003, becoming a Blackpool Finalist in the Under 21 Standard Division with her English partner. Claire started competing with her current dance/business partner at the end of 2003 and has never looked back since. For 16 years Claire and Richard competed together and trained with the world’s best instructors.
Claire’s credentials include:
• 2017-2019 Canadian Professional National Champions
• 2010-2018 Canadian World Representatives
• 2017 Blackpool Professional Standard Quarter-Finalists
• 2015/2016 International Professional Standard Quarter-Finalists
• 2012/13 Ohio Star Ball Professional Standard Finalists
• 2011 Blackpool Professional Standard Quarter-Finalists
• 2011 UK Professional Rising Star Vice Champions
• 2010 & 2011 World Professional Standard Quarter Finalists
• 2010 & 2011 1st Runner Up in all of Canada in Professional Standard
• 2010 International Professional Rising Star Vice Champions
• 2009 North American (Ohio Star Ball) Amateur Standard Champions
• Canadian Amateur Standard Champions
• Ontario Amateur Standard Champions
• Manhattan Dancesport Amateur Standard Champions
• Blackpool Under 21 Standard Finalist
• International Under 21 Standard Finalist
Richard Tonizzo
Richard hails from Perth, Australia and started dancing at the age of 4. He competed in Standard, Latin and New Vogues Styles. Richard was Youth Standard Champion in Australia, representing Australia at the World Youth Championships. Richard moved to England with his Australian partner in 2003 to train under top English coaches. Richard started competing with his current dance/business partner (Claire) at the end of 2003 and competed at a world level for 16 years!
Richard’s credentials include:
• 2017-2019 Canadian Professional National Champions
• 2010-2018 Canadian World Representatives
• 2017 Blackpool Professional Standard Quarter-Finalists
• 2015/2016 International Professional Standard Quarter-Finalists
• 2012/13 Ohio Star Ball Professional Standard Finalists
• 2011 Blackpool Professional Standard Quarter-Finalists
• 2011 UK Professional Rising Star Vice Champions
• 2010 & 2011 World Professional Standard Quarter Finalists
• 2010 & 2011 1st Runner Up in all of Canada in Professional Standard
• 2010 International Professional Rising Star Vice Champions
• 2009 North American (Ohio Star Ball) Amateur Standard Champions
• Canadian Amateur Standard Champions
• Ontario Amateur Standard Champions
• Manhattan Dancesport Amateur Standard Champions
• Blackpool Under 21 Standard Semi-Finalist
• Australian Youth Standard and New-Vogue Champion
• Australian Youth Latin Finalist
• Australian Junior Standard Champion
Amy Nabbout
Amy started competing in Ballroom at 7 years of age. She quickly progressed to competing at the Championship level by the age of 12. For several years Amy trained with National Champions in both Latin and Ballroom. Amy is currently studying at the University of Windsor, getting her Bachelor in Psychology and English with the long-term goal of becoming a teacher. Amy has taught dance for the majority of her high school and University career, teaching ballroom in grade schools and high schools. Amy has experience teaching all ages and levels. Teaching dance has always been a passion that Amy has kept alongside her professional pathway.
