Are you getting married? Let our expert instructors help you with your wedding preparation.

Check out our current class schedule and upcoming events, and see what's new at Dance Connection. For more information, please call 718-625-8105 or e-mail DanceRuLo@aol.com.

About Our Instructors

Laurie Shayler has been involved with various forms of dance for over 30 years. She received a B.S. in Dance from SUNY Brockport. Her professional training and background include Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and Tap and most recently a mixture of Swing, Latin, and Ballroom dance forms. Laurie has performed and taught with a number of different modern dance companies and choreographers throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Laurie began teaching Social Dancing at the New York Health and Racquet Club in Manhattan and at the Picnic House in Park Slope, Brooklyn, in 1989. The popularity of her personalized instruction grew and she created her company, Dance Connection. She teaches 15 American-style social dances and specializes in wedding preparation and choreography.

Laurie frequently performs with her brother-in-law, Jose Luis Leon, and her husband, Ricardo Leon, who both teach Latin dancing. Her freelance teaching, choreography and performing credits include American Express, Chelsea Piers, Creative Arts Studio, Dance Studio of Park Slope, Eastern Athletic Clubs, LaGuardia Community College, Local Produce Festival, Mohonk Mountain House, New York Health and Racquet Clubs, Peninsula Spa, Spoke the Hub, The Montauk Club, and The Yard at Martha's Vineyard.

Ricardo Leon is a native of Guayaquil, Ecuador, where he grew up dancing Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and Bolero. Upon moving to New York City in 1990, he began studying other dance forms, including Swing and Ballroom. He has performed with his wife, Laurie Shayler, at the Creative Arts Studio, Local Produce Festival, Mohonk Mountain House, The Montauk Club, and The Yard at Martha's Vineyard.

Ricardo also performs with Mi Tierra Dancers, a Salsa performance group directed by his brother Jose Luis Leon. Ricardo began teaching group and private classes with Dance Connection in 2002. He especially enjoys sharing his passion for dance with beginner dancers. Ricardo is available for private instruction and wedding dance choreography.