When you are learning to dance, the only decision more important than the dance studio you choose is your choice of dance coaches.
Gainey Dance instructors are all current, ballroom dance competitors as well as coaches. Through our experience as professionals, we are constantly bringing the newest techniques and ideas to our dance lessons. Our lessons are of the highest quality available and filled with the fun and enthusiasm that comes from doing what you love!
Hunter Stephens (2008 World Pro-Am Latin Ballroom Champion)
Country of Origin: USA (Sonora, CA)
Competitive Category: International Latin and Standard.
Coaching Specialties: Ballet, Technical Styling and Figure Skating Performance.
Hunter as a Dance Coach:
Hunter is one of the most exciting, ballroom dancers in the country at the moment. He recently won the title of 2008 World Pro-Am Latin Ballroom Dancing Champion as well as host of major victories in ballroom competition throughout 2008. He is an extremely versatile and well-trained dancer. Hunter performed in a number of recent ballet productions in Arizona. He also currently coaches several Olympic hopeful figure skaters. As if all of this wasn't enough, Hunter is currently completing his Master's degree in Dance. Hunter is a man on the move and we are eagerly awaiting his successes in the dance world in 2009. Gainey Dance Studio is proud to have the current World Champion on our coaching staff.
JC Yeh
Country of Origin: USA
Competitive Category: American Smooth (Viennesse Waltz, Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango)
Coaching Specialties: American Rhythm, International Latin, American Smooth, Country Western, and Argentine Tango.
JC Yeh as a Dance Coach:
Besides being one of the nicest guys that you could ever want to meet, JC Yeh (or just "Yeh" for short) is a highly accomplished professional ballroom dancer. He has been dancing for over 15 years, winning Ballroom Dance competitions across the United States. Yeh recently began a new dance partnership and plans to compete in the American Smooth category. In addition to his own competitive goals, Yeh's students consistently place very well in competition and his social dancers stand out for sure! Yeh is also a well known fixture in the Arizona dancesport community, recently competing as the Professional Dancer with an Arizona celebrity for the 2010 Arizona's Dancing with the Stars. Not only do his students benefit from great results, but Yeh's relaxed and easy-going manner puts them at ease as they learn. Whether you are just starting your dance journey or have been traveling the road for awhile, Yeh is a great coach for all ages and levels.
Hilary Gainey 
Country of Origin: USA (Omaha, NE)
Competitive Category: American Rhythm (Rumba, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Bolero and Mambo.)
Coaching Specialties: American Rhythm, Latin, Social and American Club Styles (e.g. Salsa, Merengue, Country), Youth through Adult Dancers.
Hilary as a Dance Coach:
Hilary Gainey has been ballroom dancing for more than 14 years, including competing at the professional level in the American Rhythm category. While Hilary no longer competes professionally, she is still actively involved in the dance community. Most recently she participated in the 2010 Arizona Dancing With The Stars as the professional dance partner to an Arizona celebrity. What Hilary most enjoys about being a ballroom dance instructor is taking ordinary people and turning them into good dancers, whether it is for a couple's First Dance at their wedding or just so they can go out to a salsa club. She is excellent at getting good results quickly, all the while ensuring her students have fun on their lessons. Hilary is a very patient instructor who is experienced in all of the Ballroom styles (social and competitive) as well as being a certified Zumba instructor.
