Natalia O'Connor Vlad

Co-Owner & Dance Master

(Teaching in Niskayuna & Saratoga Springs)

Natalia was born in Bloomington, Illinois. She spent her childhood in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, and fell in love with dancing at the age of 7 and have been dancing ever since. Natalia is a professionally trained ballroom dancer who has performed and competed across the world since the age of 10. Mrs. O’Connor Vlad has won various awards and toured extensively during her career in the industry. Having worked as an instructor in many places around the country and world, including Russia, Romania, Louisiana, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Vermont (former UVM Ballroom Head Coach), she is the proud co-owner of the world class ballroom dance studio in the Capital Region. She is US National RS Professional Ballroom Champion, a World Semi-finalist, Top 7 at Blackpool Dance Festival and World Cup Finalist. Mrs. O’Connor Vlad is a member of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) and represents the United States in the Professional field. Natalia has a BA in Psychology having studied both Sports Psychology as well as Behavioral and Social Psychology. 

Florin Vlad

Co-Owner & Dance Master

(Teaching in Niskayuna & Saratoga Springs)

Florin Vlad, originally from Romania, is a world renowned competitive ballroom dancer and is a US National RS Professional Ballroom Champion, Top 7 at Blackpool Dance Festival, World Cup Finalist and former World Championship Semifinalist. He is currently successfully competing in the Professional field. Together with his dance partner and wife, Natalia O'Connor Vlad, he successfully represented USA at over 6 World Championships. Florin is a member of the National DanceSport Council of America. He has a clear understanding of this industry with over 15 years of competitive dancing and teaching experience. Mr. Vlad has a concentrated business experience being a young entrepreneur and successfully handling the various challenges that a start-up company faces in the civil engineering field. Florin was handling all the business, management and office work at the company that he co-owns with his brother. The company continues to be successful even after Florin has ceased his attributions to focus on his dancing career. He has full professional English language skills having studied this language from a very young age. Florin is also very involved with the local communities that he is part of. He regularly volunteers to perform at charitable events that benefit various areas of the local communities.

Andrei Bires

Dance Master

(Teaching in Niskayuna & Saratoga Springs)

Originally from Romania, has been recognized nationally and internationally placing on the podium at major ballroom dance competitions, including: Romanian Championship, Romanian Open, Brasov Cup, Wetzlar Championship (Germany), and many other international championships. Andrei has honorably and successfully represented both Romania and Norway at major national and international dance tournaments and has been a member of the National Team of both countries.

Besides being a world class coach of many top couples at the prestigious Mihai Petre Dance Sport Academy, in Bucharest, Romania, he received his Masters of Performing Arts Degree from Hyperion University of Bucharest as well as acted in many Theater plays.

On several occasions, Andrei was invited to perform in a starring role on the Romanian TV show version of “Dancing with the Stars”, called “Dancing For You”. Jury members of “Dancing For You”, invited Mr. Bires to perform on the show as a result of his extraordinary ability to demonstrate professional dance styles.

Andrei has also successfully competed in the Pro-Am division with his students all over Europe including being placed 1st at the 2019 European Pro-Am Championship in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Dance Fire is thrilled to have Andrei part of our team as a Dance Master. Andrei specializes in Ballroom, Latin and Social styles of dance. He has experience in teaching kids, adults, wedding dance as well as theatre arts.

Andrei “Gabriel” Pop

Dance Master

(Teaching in Niskayuna & Saratoga Springs) 

Gabriel Pop, born in Baia Mare, Romania, is a talented and dedicated Ballroom dance professional. His love for dance blossomed as he watched his sister train at a dance studio. At the age of four, Gabriel joined as well, starting a journey that would shape his life.

Gabriel's commitment and passion led him to become a competitive dancer, and he found success with his partner, Adysa. In 2012, they won the National Championship in Romania, marking their first major achievement. They continued to excel, competing in Hungary, Austria, and participating in the TV show "Next Star," where they triumphed and donated their winnings to a child in need.

In 2016, Gabriel and Adysa chose to represent Austria and joined the renowned "UTSC Forum Wien" dance club in Vienna. Their exceptional talent impressed the Austrian Dance Federation, earning them the title of National Champions for three consecutive years. They also represented Austria at the World 10 Dance Championships.

Gabriel's love for dance expanded beyond Ballroom, Latin, Swing as he explored different styles and he specializes in break-dancing & hip hop.

Now, Gabriel brings his knowledge and passion to Dance Fire Studio as a dance teacher. With his dedication and experience, he aims to help aspiring dancers reach their full potential. Gabriel's remarkable achievements and his belief in the transformative power of dance make him an inspiring and valuable addition to Dance Fire.

Milena Cannon Jasionek

Dance Master

(Teaching in Niskayuna)

Milena was born in Poland and relocated to New York City at the age of 5. She began her dance career at 10, and her passion for dance flourished as she traveled across the US with her first dance partner, participating in various competitions.

They won the USA National Championships in International Standard three consecutive years: 2015 Junior II National Champions, 2016 Junior National Champions, and 2017 Youth National Champions. This achievement earned them the honor of competing in the World Championships. Additionally, Milena competed in International 10 Dance and placed 3rd in the Amateur Standard National Championship in 2009.

In 2012, Milena paused her dance career to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing and Management. She contributed to revamping several retail loyalty programs, including those for Macy’s and Staples. Currently, she resides in Latham with her husband and daughter and works as a loyalty marketing strategist.

Milena is grateful to Dance Fire for the opportunity to teach again and looks forward to seeing you all on the dance floor!

Kevin McNamara

Dance Master

(Teaching in Niskayuna)

Kevin taught ballroom dance for over 15 years. He taught hundreds of students from beginners to higher level dancers. He was always a hit, teaching group classes, conveying some nugget of ballroom dance with wit and entertainment. He loved the Friday night parties where he danced every song with his students, and often put on a routine to entertain the guests for one of the many themes each party had. 

Over the 15 years of teaching, he won 10 Tournament of Champions awards for being a Specialist Teacher.

Each year he would bring eight to ten individual dancers and couples to a Dance Competition, where each student always came away with either a first, second, or third place award.

Kevin always shined in the Showcase presentations at these events, creating original choreography to popular music. Two of his proudest moments were a formation routine to the 7-minute routine of Blue Danube Waltz, and performing a jazzy foxtrot routine to “Blue Skies” at one of Marylou Whitney’s Saratoga summer balls. 

Since 2002 Kevin has had a very successful career teaching First Grade at the Latham Ridge Elementary School, but he has never left dancing entirely. He was often a guest instructor at one of the Capital USA Dance ballroom dances, and a frequent dance host at many of their black tie events. Since 2018 he has served as Vice President on the board of Capital USA Dance.

Kevin wants to thank Dance Fire for this opportunity to stretch his dance wings once again, back on the dance floor, teaching couples and individuals the joy and love of moving to music. See you on the dance floor!

Lilian Odom

Dance Master

(Teaching in Niskayuna & Saratoga Springs)

Lilian began dancing at the age of five. She has danced with many different studios throughout Missouri and the country. She was a student at the Kansas City Ballet School for seven years and performed in several professional productions with the Kansas City Ballet including “The Nutcracker” and in George Balanchine’s “Mozartiana”. Lilian attended summer intensives on scholarship at Kansas City Ballet in Kansas City, Missouri, Tulsa Ballet in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Ballet Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. She also danced in New York at Steps on Broadway during a summer. Lilian has received extensive training in classical ballet and Horton technique for modern dance. She is also an excellent Wedding Dance choreographer. Lilian is so excited to have this opportunity at Dance Fire and continue to share her passion and love of dance.

Thomas Russell

Dance Master

(Teaching in Saratoga Springs & Niskayuna)

Tom has been teaching ballroom dance for 15 years. He is a USA Dance National Champion. His students enjoy his down-to-earth style as well as his jokes. He delights in sharing his love of dance and helping couples enjoy going out dancing with confidence. For 20 years Tom has been an active participant in the Capital District dance community. He has volunteered at the Dance Flurry Festival, taught at numerous dances, performed with his wife and dance partner Tamara, and served on multiple dance boards, including serving on the Board of USA Dance since 2019. Tom and his wife Tamara have been competing in Ballroom dances for the last 20 years and have been successfully representing nationally and internationally our Dance Fire Team. Tom has a passion for teaching, having recently retired as an educator at Paul Mitchell Schenectady. Tom specializes in Ballroom, Latin, and Social dance styles and loves choreographing wedding dances.

Jon Licht

Dance Master

(Teaching in Saratoga Springs & Niskayuna)

Jon Licht grew up in Montgomery County and has graduated from Fulton-Montgomery Community College in 2014 with Associates in Digital Multimedia. He is currently attending SUNY Albany for a Bachelors in Business Administration. Jon has performed in Winter and Colorguard throughout high school as well as performing as a member of the White Sabres Drum Corps.
He has a desire to learn and began ballroom dancing with his dance partner a while back. His competitive career started in the International styles of dance winning all his competitions. Jon is certified medal tested in International & American Smooth dances. Jon has also experience in tap & choreography. He is appreciative to Dance Fire for the opportunity to branch into teaching others the joy that dance has brought to him.

Rachael Blanchard

Dance Master

(Teaching in Niskayuna & Saratoga Springs)

Rachael Blanchard's dance journey began at the tender age of 2 at Dance Dimensions, a prominent studio in the capital region. Her early passion for dance propelled her into the competitive dance world by age 4. Over the years, she honed her skills at several prestigious institutions across the country, including Broadway Dance Center, Millennium Dance Complex, Mather Dance Company, and Studio 19 Dance Complex.

Rachael's professional dance career took off when she appeared on the television series "So You Think You Can Dance." This exposure opened doors to various opportunities in commercials, music videos, and live performances. She has worked with notable artists and brands such as Iggy Azalea, Party Favor, Yoshiki, Redken, and Ulta.

In 2022, Rachael returned to her roots at Dance Dimensions as an instructor. Unlike many in the field who prioritize choreography, Rachael's teaching is distinct for its emphasis on the fundamental principles of dance technique. She believes that a solid technical foundation is crucial for dancers, as it enhances their abilities across all dance styles. Her dedication to technique makes her a unique and invaluable asset to the teaching community.