Meet The Staff: Dance Instructors

Among our staff, your will find teachers who have or are currently:

• Competing locally, nationally and internationally
• Coach other teachers nationally and internationally
• Appear on television
• Choreographed for Disney World
• Train teachers for professional exams
• Certified judges who have officiated at regional, national and world events
• Taught on cruise ships
• Serve as Chairman of Judges at competitions
• Create Professional competitive choreography
• Receive top teacher awards at various competitions
• Have students who have won world titles
• and the list goes on!

Randy Deats is Co-Director of the The Dancing Feeling.

Learn more about Randy…

Rachael Capodanno is kind, patient, and a joy to work with. She loves helping her students grow through private lessons where she balances fun with clear, effective instruction. Her extensive knowledge spans both American and International styles of ballroom dance, as well as country dancing.

Rachael teaches both social and competitive dancers and is known for supporting students at every level. Many of her students enjoy performing in The Dancing Feeling’s studio showcases, where they bring personality and flair to the dance floor. She also competes with her students throughout the United States in both country and ballroom events, where they have earned top student awards, national titles, and world championships.

A recipient of numerous Top Teacher awards, Rachael welcomes new students with open arms—no matter your experience level, she’s ready to help you become the best dancer you can be.

Noah Carsten began dancing in college and quickly discovered how impactful and enjoyable ballroom dancing can be for people of all ages and backgrounds. What started as a passion soon turned into a career dedicated to sharing the joy of dance with others.

Noah teaches a wide range of styles, including ballroom, latin, country, swing, and line dance. His students love his upbeat, approachable teaching style, where fun, combined with just the right amount of technique, helps build confidence and skill.

Noah actively competes with his students in both ballroom and country competitions throughout the United States, where they consistently place at the top of their divisions. He also holds a prestigious UCWDC World Title in line dance, further demonstrating his versatility and dedication to the art of dance.

Whether you’re dancing for fun or aiming for the podium, Noah will tailor your lessons to help you reach your personal goals and enjoy every step of the journey.

Maureen Ford joined The Dancing Feeling with an extensive background in education. As a longtime Physical Education teacher, she incorporated ballroom dance into her high school curriculum, blending her love for teaching with a passion for movement.

Maureen specializes in social American-style dancing and has a particular love for Lindy Hop and Charleston. She is also known for her creative and dynamic formation choreography, often showcased in studio performances with her students. Her enthusiasm for performance and teamwork shines both in and out of the classroom.

Maureen’s energy, experience, and dedication continue to inspire students of all levels to grow, improve, and enjoy every step of their dance journey.

Daniel Koch -hails from Germany and brings many years of teaching experience to the studio. He is passionate about helping others discover the joy of ballroom dancing while experiencing its many benefits.

Daniel enjoys guiding beginners as they take their first steps on the dance floor, as well as working with wedding couples to create memorable first dances. He also has a love of choreographing routines for showcases.

Most recently, Daniel showcased his talent in a “Dancing with the Stars”-style fundraiser competition, where his “star” earned the Judges’ Choice Award.

Christian Larsen – Christian’s dance journey began in college as a member of his university’s ballroom club. It was there that he first discovered his passion for the art and discipline of partner dancing.

Over the years, Christian has developed a successful teaching career and now competes in International Standard. He focuses on helping students build a solid technical foundation while also finding their own unique expression through movement. He believes that dance is about connection, growth, and lifelong enjoyment.

Christian teaches International and American Style ballroom, as well as West Coast Swing. He takes a well rounded approach that supports dancers of every level, from those taking their very first steps to those preparing for the competition floor.

Mary Lucas joins the staff of The Dancing Feeling with a deep passion for teaching ballroom dancing and a heartfelt love for helping people take their first steps on the dance floor. She especially enjoys working with wedding couples, guiding them toward a memorable and confident first dance. Whether you’re preparing for your big day or just beginning your ballroom journey, Mary’s warm and encouraging style helps students feel at ease and excited to learn. Her dedication to making dance approachable and enjoyable makes her a wonderful addition to our team.

Deborah O’Donnell has been teaching dance for over 25 years, bringing a dynamic blend of experience, energy, and passion to every style she teaches.. She specializes in social ballroom dance as well as Zumba, a Latin-inspired fitness program, and is certified by the Zumba Association.

One of the few Zumba instructors with a strong background in authentic Latin dance, Debbie brings an added depth and flair to her classes that makes them truly stand out. Her vibrant teaching style and infectious energy inspire confidence and make every student feel comfortable and motivated—whether stepping onto the dance floor for fun, fitness, or performance.   Debbie has an easy going way to help people get started on the ballroom dance journey.

Come join one of her lively classes or schedule a private lesson to experience the joy of dance with Debbie!

Jayne Pawasauskas began her ballroom dance journey in college, where she joined the ballroom dance club and hasn’t stopped since!  As an amateur dancer and competitor, she won numerous awards at USA Dance and NDCA competitions in American Smooth and 9-dance events.  She became certified as a competition scrutineer and later coached college dance teams.  She enhanced her dance skills as a professional cast member in a weekly 1920’s themed show in Newport, Rhode Island, for several summer seasons.  She currently teaches private lessons with competitor training, and competes in Pro-Am events at local, regional, and national competitions.  When not dancing, Jayne is a Clinical Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy.

Anthony Scalzi has been dancing since 2009 and is known for his friendly, supportive teaching style that helps students feel confident and comfortable while learning at their own pace. He teaches both social and competitive ballroom dancing in American and International styles, and also has a background in country dancing.

Anthony competed professionally in American Smooth on the NDCA circuit, where he and his partner were finalists at numerous  professional NDCA competitions. His time as a professional competitor shaped his deep understanding of movement, technique, and performance. He brings that same expertise and energy to his students, whether they are dancing socially or preparing to compete.

Anthony’s students compete throughout New England, regularly winning or placing at the top of their events in both scholarship and championship divisions. His goal is to help every dancer grow with confidence, skill, and a genuine love for dancing, whether social dance or competitive.