Bobbi Petri

Master teacher, choreographer and coach, Ms. Bobbi Petri has been teaching social Ballroom, Hustle, Latin and Swing dancing for over twenty years. Prior to teaching and establishing Dance Upon A Time, Bobbi was a multiple Champion Title and Gold medal award winning competitor in Ballroom / Latin and theater arts divisions in major competitions across the country.

Bobbi’s command of the "language and technique" of social and competitive Ballroom dancing, expertise in teaching technique, style, interpretation, musicality, rhythm variations and developing the social dancer's imagination have made her a legendary teacher. Bobbi has danced competitively with her students, and placed at gold level, in Pro-Am competitions. She has also done showcase performances with her students in many New York nightspots including the NY Hustle Congress / Millennium Hustle, Marc Ballroom and Latin Quarter. Her classes are always full as her students remain devoted to her for years.

Brian Gagné

Brian Gagné has made his home in New York City since 1980. His story is one of a chance encounter, stumbling into the dance profession. Trained in theatre arts, Brian started working on stages in America and Europe.

Ballroom dancing became a new direction and Brian was determined to excel. Brian embarked on an intensive study of ballroom dance and encountered Ms. Bobbi Petri. Bobbi trained him to dance at the highest levels and become the instructor that he is today. As he has developed, Brian has gained a level of expertise in both American and International styles of dance. Brian excels at Swing, Hustle, Salsa and the smooth ballroom dances.

Douglas Hagwood

Doug Hagwood, a native New Yorker, is an experienced member of the Dance Upon A Time studio staff. Prior to joining the staff, Doug taught at Fred Astaire in Manhattan. Doug has over fifteen years of teaching experience at private studios as well as local community centers, colleges and universities. Doug excels at Hustle, Salsa and the smooth ballroom dances.

Doug is an award winning champion amateur and competition dancer, winning awards in Ballroom, Latin and Disco. Additionally, Doug was recognized as a choreographer, winning first place for a uniquely choreographed line dance routine in a competition at the fabled country western club Denim & Diamonds.