The Professional staff of Instructors at The Dancin` Feelin` offer a wide range of expertise and experience to help you become the best dancer you can be in the area(s) that you are interested in. Whether your interests lie in social dancing, competitive dancing or a combination the Staff of The Dancin' Feelin' can help you reach your goals.

 

Among them you’ll find Instructors who have; competed locally, nationally and internationally; taught other teachers nationally and internationally; appeared on television; choreographed for Disney World; train teachers for professional exams, are certified judges who have officiated at regional, national and world events, taught on cruise ships, serve as Chairman of Judges at competitions, Emcee competitions, choreograph for weddings up through Professional competitive choreograpy, received top teacher awards, have students who have won world titles and the list goes on.

 

Let our team of Instructors help you have the time of your life. Come enjoy all the benefits that ballroom, country, latin and swing have to offer. Most important...it's fun!

STUDIO DIRECTORS

Randy Deats & Kathy St. Jean-Deats

INSTRUCTORS

Rachael Capodanno Giancarlo Costa David Endicott

Brianna Faiola Maureen Ford

Danny Kaplan Deborah O'Donnell Jim Valkoun

BIOGRAPHIES

Randy Deats

Randy Deats is Co-Director of the The Dancin' Feelin'. He has been teaching for over 30 years. Randy is a sought after coach due to his experience and the results his students achieve whether it be competitive or social. Randy has won numerous awards for his competitive dancing, his studio (The Dancin' Feelin'), his choreography, his TV show, and his book. He is a member of the North American Teachers of Dance Association (NADTA). He has served both as an officer of Dance Teachers' Club of Boston (DTCB), the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) and the National Dance Council of America (NDCA). Randy has served as Examiner for DTCB. His TV series “Dancing Disco” won an Emmy for outstanding instructional programming. Randy has taught aboard the Crystal Harmony cruise ship traveling throughout the world.

Randy is a fully certified championship level judge with the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) and is also a certified journeyman judge with the United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC). Randy judges many ballroom competitions; collegiate, regional and nationally. He also judges UCWDC competitions and has judged the UCWDC World Championships (several times!). Randy teaches many workshops and seminars at UCWDC events and was a featured Instructor at the USA Dance Nationals. In addition to judging competitions he also is frequently seen as the Master of Ceremonies of many competitions throughout the United States. He is an Instructor for the University of Rhode Island Ballroom Dance Club and isCo- Head Coach of the Rhode Island College Ballroom Dance Club.

 

He is also co- event director of the New England Dance Festival (UCWDC Competition) and Kathy & Randy Ballroom Dances. Randy feels community service is very important and has donated his time to the Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring for the past three seasons.. Randy remains involved not only in the day-to-day affairs of the studio, but continues to personally be involved in the ongoing training of both staff and students.



Kathy St. Jean

Kathy St Jean has been teaching for over 25 years. In addition to being co-director of The Dancin' Feelin' she is a professor of dance at Rhode Island College. She has an extensive background in the performing arts (tap, jazz and ballet) and has a degree in dance. Kathy has competed professionally and has won numerous awards in both American and International categories. Kathy is a member of ISTD, NADTA, DTCB (with dual membership in ballroom and performing arts), DEA (performing arts) ,USA Dance and the UCWDC. Kathy continues to compete Pro-Am in both the ballroom and in country. Her students consistently place at the top of their divisions (including winning world titles and top male student awards).To date Kathy students have won 5 world titles! She is the recipient of numerous top teacher awards. Her students have performed with Kathy at the Samsung Dancing with the Stars Road Tour Pre-Show at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence.

Kathy is a fully certified championship ballroom judge registered with the National Dance Council of America and is a certified master level judge with the United Country Western Dance Council. She judges NCDA, Collegiate, UCWDC and USABDA competitions (including UCWDC World Championships). She has served as Head American Style Coach for the MIT Ballroom Dance Team and Roger Williams University Ballroom Dance Club. Currently she is the Vice President of the UCWDC where she governs the world wide Judge Certification program.

 

She has appeared on the original NBC-TV series "Dance Fever" and has taught aboard the Crystal Harmony Cruise Ship traveling through Europe and the Caribbean. Her Performing Arts dance company performed in Disney World as well as won numerous competitive awards. She has served as chairman of the DTCB Ballroom Program, as well as an Examiner for the Society. . Her classes at RIC are the only for credit college ballroom dance courses taught in the state. Kathy can be frequently seen teaching seminars for various dance organizations. She is also co-event director of the New England Dance Festival and Kathy & Randy Ballroom Dances. Kathy’s passion throughout life has been dance and finds great rewards passing on her love and knowledge of dance to her students.



Rachael Capodanno

Rachael Capodanno truly enjoys sharing her love of ballroom dancing with her students. She finds great rewards helping people reach their goals and seeing them become more confident, having fun and becoming great dancers. She does this through private and group lessons, and for some students competition and showcases. Rachael performed with students at the Samsung Dancing with the Stars Road Tour Pre Show at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence . She has also participatied in the Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring Fundraiser. .Rachael is a guest Instructor, Deejay and Host for the Kathy & Randy Ballroom Dances and for many of the events that employ Kathy and Randy Ballroom Deejay services. In addition to teaching she also is an integral part of the management team of The Dancin' Feelin'. Rachael serves as Head Coach of the Roger Williams University Ballroom Club

 

Giancarlo Costa

Giancarlo Costa has been sharing his knowledge and talent as an Instructor at The Dancin' Feelin' for many years. Giancarlo began dancing as a teen in Italy. He competed as an Amateur prior to moving to the United States. His experience quickly led him to become Professional and he began teaching. Giancarlo has been teaching for over 30 years. He is a registered Professional with the National Dance Council of America. He is also considered to be Rhode Island's Specialist in Argentine Tango. He is credited with running successful dances in the Massachusetts area along with being the dance coordinator for a Massachusetts dance association which has sponsored dance weekends. He is frequently seen throughout New England performing with his students. Giancarlo has been a guest instructor for seminars at Dance Teachers' Club of Boston workshops, for many DOCMA events and for dance weekends around New England.



David Endicott

David Endicott has been teaching for over 20 years. In addition to teaching at The Dancin' Feelin' for many years he also teaches in New York City. David continues to study with top coaches from around the world. He is a member of the prestigious dance organization the Imperial Society Teachers of Dance. David along with his wife, Nina, successfully competed in the International Standard. They competed not only in the United States but also at Blackpool. He continues to compete with Pro/Am with his students who consistently place at the top of their divisions. . David has received many Top Teacher Awards.

 

David has appeared on National TV (Good Morning America, Ginny Jones and more). He was also a guest instructor for the USA Dance National Competition. David has be on staff of the American Ballroom Company which provides ballroom instruction to New York City school children. He can be seen in the movie “Mad Hot Ballroom” which features this NYC dance program. David along with two of his students performed in the Samsung Dancing with the Stars Road Tour Pre-Show in Rhode Island and at Foxwood Casino. He also is a guest Instructor for the Exlusive Dance Weekend held in the Pocono's. David enjoys working with the college dancer and is co-head coach of the Rhode Island College Ballroom Dance Club. David is truly a gifted teacher who shares his love for dance with all of his students.

Maureen Ford

Maureen Ford joins The Dancin' Feelin' staff with a tremendous background in education. For many years she was a school teacher specializing in Physical Education. Her love and appreciation of the benefits of dance led her to incorporate ballroom into her curriculum for high school students. Maureen enjoys performing with her students at studio showcases. Prior to turning Professional she enjoyed many successful competitions as an Amateur with focus on American Rhythm and American Smooth. Maureen enjoys teaching as she hopes to inspire her students to learn and love dance as she does.

Scott Huntley

Scott Huntley has been sharing his gifted ability to teach at The Dancin' Feelin' for nine years. His students find Scott’s manner of teaching supportive and patient which helps them to achieve their full potential whether it be learning how to social dance or getting ready for a showcase performance. Prior to turning Professional Scott enjoyed competing with his instructor through which he was able to boast consistent 1st place awards. This success also carried over to competing with various amateur partners. Scott has performed at many events such as Waterfire in Providence, Fort Adams, Newport and Cape Cod Ballroom Dance Association. He has been a guest Instructor for the Cape and Island Amateur Ballroom USA Dance Chapter and has been a guest Instructor at the Exclusive Dance Weekend held in the Pocono’s. Scott also is a Guest Director for the Kathy & Randy Dances and serves as guest Instructor. Scott is certified and a member of Dance Teachers' Club of Boston.(On sabbatical).




Danny Kaplan

Danny Kaplan began dancing many years ago. Danny has a strong passion for ballroom dancing and decided he would like to teach in addition to dancing. He has been teaching ballroom for more than 20 years. He also holds a Certificate from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance for Professional Demonstration of International Standard. He frequently can be seen with his students performing showcases. Danny enjoys using his creativity which enables his students to have great fun with show choreography. He has taught for the University of Rhode Island Ballroom Dance Club and has judged college and RIABDA competitions. In the past, his students have competed at many competitions where they enjoyed much success. He is a guest instructor for the Kathy & Randy dances. When asked why Danny enjoys teaching he states: “I really and truly enjoy the process of watching people grow.”



Deborah O'Donnell

Deborah O'Donnell has been involved in dance since an early age. As a young girl she studied tap and jazz for over twelve years during which she frequently performed. She also has strong roots in club salsa and hustle. The Dancin' Feelin' has had the privilege of having Deborah as part of their highly qualified staff for over fifteen years. She has her certification from Dance Teacher's Club of Boston. She competes and performs showcases with her students who enjoy great success as they have fun in this form of ballroom. In addition, Deborah has danced, taught and performed for various events such as: Newport Preservation Society, Festival Ballet Fundraiser, Waterfire in Providence, Swarovski National Corporate Gala, and many more. Debbie is a certified Zumba Instructor. Come join one of her classes they are filled with energy. Debbie also is a proud contributor to the Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring. This past season she coached Sammy Morris of the New England Patriots to a perfect score victory!



Jim Valkoun

Jim Valkoun recently joined the staff of The Dancin' Feelin' after taking a sabatical from teacing dance. Our studio is very happy he has chosen The Dancin' Feelin' to be his home. Jim enjoys helping people learn how to dance as he feels the benefits of ballroom dancing are endless. Showcases and competitions are great fun for Jim. He most recently competed at the Northeast Open. He was featured in the Warwick Beacon for his participation in the Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring fundraiser. He donated a large amount of time to teach his Mentoring Star a great routine, all to help raise money for this important community charity. Jim also is a guest instructor for the Executive Company which sponsors dance events in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts area.

 

 

The Dancin' Feelin' Studio hours are as follows:

 

Sunday

Private lessons by appointment.

Group class time please see group class calendar

 

Monday thru Thursday

2:00pm - 10:00pm

 

Friday

2:00 -8:00pm then it's time to dance!

 

Saturday

Private lessons by appointment

 

 

Last year I decided to surprise my wife with some dancing lessons as a Mothers Day gift. We had just returned from a vacation in the Dominican Republic where we marveled at how the other couples moved to the Latin music. Acting on a tip from a friend, I purchased a package from The Dancin' Feelin', and the rest is history. We met our private instructor, Rachael Capodanno, and just fell in love with her teaching style. She is passionate about her art, smart, funny, happy, energetic, and most of all, an excellent instructor. Rachael even comes to the weekend dances and helps us with our technique. She is simply amazing!

In addition to our private lessons, we are now in the intermediate level group classes learning all the dances from Waltz to Swing to Salsa, while simultaneously having the time of our lives. As a result of the expertise of the teachers at The Dancin' Feelin', executing these steps has actually become quite simple.

If there is anyone out there who wants to learn how to Ballroom dance, but is somewhat intimidated by the process, you need to call The Dancin' Feelin' immediately. Their team of Instructors will help those reservations vanish very quickly.

- Jim & Nancy Bucci

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I started dancing with Dancin' Feelin' back in January of 2009 in preparation for the "Dancing with the Stars" event for the RI Mentoring Partnership. WOW! What a wonderful time I had! My instructor, David Endicott, was great... so patient, too, and he really knew how to bring out the best in me. Within just months, I went from couch potato to dancer! Also, I learned what a great outlet dancing can be... both mentally and physically! I'll miss my time at Dancin' Feelin' and when life settles down a bit, I'd love to go back for more lessons!

- Heather Gersten of "Jones and Heather in the Morning" on Lite Rock 105

Her routine can be found on You Tube

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I had the time of my life Dancing with the Stars, and was pleased to be part of this special event for the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership. That experience was more than two weeks ago, and I am still on Cloud Nine!
Only through the patience, hard work and guidance of my talented instructor, Jim Valkoun, were we able to accomplish what we did. A testimony to his ability, it took only two months of instruction (and a heap of blind faith) to perform before 570 people and pull-off a truly entertaining routine.
While I am not a dancer, the direction and encouragement from Jim (and all those at Dancin' Feelin') helped me acquire the skills and self-confidence necessary to perform a great routine, raise money for an incredibly worthy cause, and have a blast in the process.
Thanks to all made this event happen and thank you, again, for letting be part of a memorable evening.

- Serena Connely - participated in the RI Mentoring for Dancing with the Stars.

She represented Office of the Providence Mayor

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A few months after walking through the doors of this wonderful studio, I received many compliments on how my dancing ability had significantly improved in a very short period of time... One year has elapsed since I joined, and now I'm swimming in compliments. I give ALL the credit to Randy, Kathy, Amanda & this excellent team of talented instructors. Kathy has tried to convince me that my improvement has evolved mostly from my own effort & dedication. But, the truth is that I had just as much dedication when I began dancing several months before joining this studio, and until that time I had never before experienced such a dramatic change in my ability to lead.

- Kermin Liu

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Kathy, Randy and the incredible staff of The Dancin' Feelin', Thank You! This summer at your studio was amazing. Classes were always a blast and quite informative too. Lessons from you are so enlightening. Thank you for your constant patience and support. I understand so much more than I did a few short months ago, and I am encouraged to learn more. Thanks for developing such a welcoming environment. You have begun to show me how fulfilling and fun dance can be. Hope to see you from time to time during the school year. Thanks again.

- Nathan Campbell, Member of Holy Cross Ballroom Dance Team

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It was FANTASTIC!!! I can't say enough about the dance party last night. Everyone had a great time and are talking about having another! A great big Thank You to Maureen and Gene. They were unbelievable and very easy to work with. The crowd loved them!! Before you knew it, it was 10:00pm and everyone was still enjoying their "free time" to continue practicing. It has taken me 23 years to get my husband to take dance lessons with me and I finally succeeded (thanks to Maureen and Gene) By the end of the night he was asking ME to practice! Wonderful night had by all. Thank you, Thank You! You will be hearing from us again.

- Beth Pincince, Christ the King Church, Special Event Coordinator

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Had you told me 20 years ago, that someday, my husband and I would be performing a cha cha routine in the elegant ballroom of Rhodes on the Pawtuxet and that I would be wearing a midnight blue, velvet Latin dance costume and my husband would be wearing a tight-fitted black Latin shirt that our son picked out for him, I would have said "no way!" Neither of us were the type to perform. My husband hated to dance for the first 19 years of our marriage, and I had the passion and desire to dance, but no skill—and no partner. The Dancin’ Feelin’ changed all this.

Flash forward to the present: We now spend 5-10 hours a week dancing. Crazy? Not if you’ve met Kathy and Randy. They make us smile. They have a love of life that's delicious to experience. We love watching them dance together—whether it’s an elegant waltz, a sultry samba, or an energetic hustle. Our classes with them are often the high point of our week.

Their passion is contagious. They've chosen wonderful dance instructors, such as Amanda, who radiate a similar joy and share the same “user-friendly” method of teaching. Kathy and Randy are exceptionally skilled pros. We enjoy their creative, colorful teaching style (e.g., zany imagery, playful metaphors, clever exercises). They make the learning experience pure fun! Ah… we are so very lucky. Thank you Randy and Kathy—for a lifetime of pleasure.

- Ellen and Harris Kenner - "I'm Harris Kenner and I approve of this message."

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Just want you to know how much I am enjoying classes at your studio. I take privates with Amanda and group with Scott... they are both excellent. Thank you so much.

- Ellen Geltzer

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I had tried ballroom dance lessons before. It was a lot like the Lawrence Welk show, boring, sleepy-time. I also watched the ballroom competitions on PBS and saw that young people did it too, but had to practice hours a day. This could not be fun. Then one day, a friend lured me to the Dancin` Feelin`. There were people of all ages, singles and couples, and they were friendly.

So I tried the introductory special. There were lots of people in the beginner class. What a relief to see so many of them as awkward, clunky and nervous as I was. This helped a lot in feeling okay. They had us rotate partners a lot. When I went to my first dance, it was a great relief to see many beginners from the lesson. I was still nervous but having classmates to dance with took the pressure off. The instructors were great and made learning easy. It has been such great fun.

- George Viveiros

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I stumbled (literally...) upon the Dancin' Feelin' after admiring some couples laughing and having fun doing the swing. I am now in my fifth year and I love it! The teachers are the best and everyone is so friendly that I consider it my second home. Sometimes I cannot believe that I am waltzing around the floor! Everyone should try it!

- Annette Lemieux

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"I remember when I was calling around to different studios looking for a teacher to teach a ballroom dance class on Campus (Rhode Island College). All the studios I called were busy, put my request on a waiting list, or just didn't return my calls altogether. It was extremely difficult to find a studio that would take the ballroom dance club seriously. As I was flipping through the Yellow Pages I happened to see an ad for The Dancin' Feelin', I decided to call. The moment I called I felt like our needs were accommodated. The studio made us feel like we were important. This was four years ago and the Dancin' Feelin' still teaches a number of classes on the RIC campus. They have provided us over the years with exceptional ballroom dance classes. The care and attention the studio has given has been spectacular."

- Felicia Higgins - Former President of The Rhode Island College Ballroom

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I’m having a great time! Whenever my family or friends outside the dance world call and can’t find me, they always say, “Jeanne, I know you are dancing, but would you p-l-e-a-s-e call me when you have a chance.” That’s what happened to me. It’s hypnotic! The process of learning is exciting.

My teachers GianCarlo Costa and David Endicott at both knowledgeable and talented. They both are tireless in their endeavors to convey technique and dance secrets that I want to learn.  The Directors, Randy Deats and Kathy St Jean are truly conscientious in transferring their skills and passion for dance. They help to open a whole new social world for their students who travel in from all walks of life.

We have social dances, group and private lessons, showcases and if you wish competitions. We encourage each other and have become a strong unit consisting of a mosaic of people and personalities. It’s a joy! Come and see!

- Jeanne Rose

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I’ve always enjoyed dancing (in the privacy of my home) but wouldn’t dance where people would see me. I was a very shy, stay at home person. My life changed two and a half years ago when I entered the doors at The Dancin’ Feelin’. Everyone at the studio has been very warm, loving and supportive. They make you feel like family. They have ignited the passion in me to dance, a passion I have been searching for for a long time. With their encouragement and the patience and loving support of my Instructor, Danny, I now feel comfortable dancing in showcases and competition. Staying at home is no longer an option when you can be out dancing. Thank you Dancin’ Feelin’.

- Pat Reali

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Q: What is the best way to get started?
A: If you are new to dancing, we recomend starting with our introductory special. It is a discounted sampler so you may try private lessons, group lessons and practice parties. After you have had a chance to try each of these you will know what the best method is for you to learn quickly and right the first time!

Q: What dances should I start with?
A: Our experienced professionals will direct you towards the dances which are most likely to be fun for you. If you have an event coming up they will help you to learn the dances you are most likely to use.

 

Q: What should I wear for the lessons?

A: Come dressed comfortably and wear something that is easy to move in. Shoes should have non-sticky soles so that it is easy to slide your feet. Woman should not wear slip on shoes as they make it more difficult to dance.

 

Q: I have danced before, how do I know what group class level is right for me?

A: If you have danced before let us know what your experience is and we will help guide you to the right level. You may need to try a certain level and if that is not the right fit you will have a better idea as to what class level is just right for you!

 

 

 

 

August 2010

 

New England Dance Festival

 

July 2010

 

Kathy Judges Big Apple Competition, NJ

Dancin Feelin Showcase July 17th at the German Hall, Dinner at Hose Co. # 6, Dance to follow

 

June 2010

 

Yankee Classic Compeition

Orange Blossom Festival, Orlando

 

May 2010

 

kathy and Randy judge Montreal Grand Prix.

 

Kathy teaches Two step and West Coast Swing workshops in Provincetown.

 

April 2010

 

Randy is chairman of judges and scrutineer for the Simsbury Collegiate Competition.

 

Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring raised $ 65, 000.00 for this great charity. Randy's star won most entertaining, Giancarlo's student won the people's choice award and Kathy's student won the judges award.

Congratulations to all the stars they all did a great job for a great cause.

 

March 2010

Tri-state Challenge: Randy Deats competes with his student Ive Colon winning 1st place in 9 events and one 2nd place. Martha Cox competes with her teaacher David Endicott bringning home numerous first place titles and a 2nd. Congratulations on these great successes.

 

Peachstate Dance Festival...Kathy St Jean along with her student Josh Morgenstein win both categories they entered! Congrats to Josh.

 

Kathy and Randy judge Holy Cross Collegiate competition. Rachael deejays the competition!

Rhode Island College, URI and Roger Williams compete and do a great job!

 

 

Februrary 2010

 

January 2010

Kathy's students compete and win 3 world titles and a 2nd place. at the UCWDC World Championships.

Randy teaches workshops for the Connecticut District High Shcool Grant Program.

David judges Seacoast Compeititon, Dover, NH.

Randy emcees and judges Northeastern Open, Stamford, CT.

 

December 2009

Kathy judges Christmas in Dixie Competition, Birmingham, AL.

Randy and Kathy provide the music for DOCMA's Holiday Dance in Lake Pearl.

Kathy and Randy's New Year's Eve Gala at Rhodes On the Pawtuxet

 

 

November 2009

 

Studio Showcase at the German Hall, a good time was had by all.

Randy and Kathy judge the NDCA competition Commonwealth Classic, MA.

Kathy compete with Josh Morgenstein. Josh wins both of his divisions and top male student for the comp.

Kathy judges and teaches seminars at the Dallas Dance Festival.

 

 

October 2009

David teaches at the Exclusive Dance Weekend, Pocono's.

Randy judges and emcees the Constitution State Challenge.

Kathy judges UCONN collegiate competition.

 

September 2009

Giancarlo teaches and performs workshops at New Hampshire Dance Weekend

Kathy and Randy teach workshops for the Cape Cod Chapter of USA Dance

Randy and Kathy teach workshop for DOCMA National Ballroom Dance Week They also deejayed the dance.

Kathy judges and Randy judges and emcees Music City Classic in Nashville TN

Josh, Arnold, Ernie & Arnold and Carol compete in Nashville, TN Congrats on your successes.