meet the staff

Joan Bartoletti

Owner - Tap, Performance Team Director

Dance FX founder Joan Bartoletti hails from Detroit and has spent most of her adult life in Sunrise, Fla., where she started Dance FX more than 25 years ago. Bartoletti got her training at Ricardeau's in Detroit. Prior to her move south, she performed at the pre-show at the State Fair, as well as various tradeshows and conventions. With 55 years of dance under her belt, Bartoletti favors tap above all of the styles of dance. In fact, she couldn't do without her tap shoes. Bartoletti can most often be found teaching ages 3-8 in ballet, tap, jazz and creative dance. She counts among her biggest accomplishments starting the Central Park Dancers, opening Dance FX and training So You Think You Can Dance runner-up Tiffany Maher. Bartoletti's dance role model is Gene Kelly. When asked, "Why dance?" Bartoletti's response is: "Why not? What a way to be free!"

Julie Bartoletti

Artistic Director - Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, and Company Director

Julie Ann Bartoletti is the Artistic Director of Dance FX Sunrise. Although she was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 12 (Gemini!), she is homegrown having spent most of her life in Sunrise. Bartoletti began dancing at the age of 2 1/2. She trained at the University Center for the Performing Arts in Davie, Florida, New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida and Tremaine Dance Studios in Los Angeles, California. Her specialty is L.A.-based Jazz and Lyrical, which is by far her favorite discipline. She started her career with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. From there she did numerous industrials including Remax, Kodak, Chrysler, AT&T, American Tobacco and Xerox. She has also performed with Chayanne, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Donna Summer, Melanie Griffith, Sophia Loren, Eddie Murphy and Marie Osmond and appeared in television commercials for Univision and the Latin Grammys. Despite her many pairs of dance shoes, she is partial to performing barefoot. Her dance role models include personal mentors Doug Caldwell and Joe Tremaine, as well as famous dance icons Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gregory Hines and Ann Reinking. For Bartoletti, dancing is like breathing -- she couldn't live without it. Her biggest accomplishment is running Dance FX.

Julie Bartoletti

Artistic Director - Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, and Company Director

Julie Ann Bartoletti is the Artistic Director of Dance FX Sunrise. Although she was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 12 (Gemini!), she is homegrown having spent most of her life in Sunrise. Bartoletti began dancing at the age of 2 1/2. She trained at the University Center for the Performing Arts in Davie, Florida, New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida and Tremaine Dance Studios in Los Angeles, California. Her specialty is L.A.-based Jazz and Lyrical, which is by far her favorite discipline. She started her career with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. From there she did numerous industrials including Remax, Kodak, Chrysler, AT&T, American Tobacco and Xerox. She has also performed with Chayanne, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Donna Summer, Melanie Griffith, Sophia Loren, Eddie Murphy and Marie Osmond and appeared in television commercials for Univision and the Latin Grammys. Despite her many pairs of dance shoes, she is partial to performing barefoot. Her dance role models include personal mentors Doug Caldwell and Joe Tremaine, as well as famous dance icons Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gregory Hines and Ann Reinking. For Bartoletti, dancing is like breathing -- she couldn't live without it. Her biggest accomplishment is running Dance FX.

Joan Maret

Tap

Joan Maret is Dance FX's veteran tap teacher, having been a part of the staff since the studio opened 25. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Joan M. has spent her entire life dancing. Before embarking on her career in dance, she trained in Ohio and New York, she still takes advantage of every opportunity to hone her skills. Joan's experience includes performing in "Milk & Honey" on Broadway, "Foolies Bergere" at the Tropicana in Las Vegas. She was also part of the Mitch Miller Show and Japan Tour, as well as performing as one of Jackie Gleason's "June Taylor Dancers." She continues to perform in condo shows throughout Broward County and Palm Beach County. Her biggest accomplishment is being picked up for a Broadway show after just six weeks in New York. Her dance role model is hoofer Savion Glover. She is in constant pursuit of finding that one pair of dance shoes she can't live without.

Carly Sargent

Acro and Contemporary

Carly is known for leading her students to be 150% in everything in life - to always be “full out”! She has performing experience and has been seen in things such as the ProBowl Halftime Show in Hawaii, Walt Disney World Parades, 42nd Street for Clear Channel Miami, An Off-Broadway show in New York City and The George Lopez Show. This will be her 18th year teaching, (16th year at Dance FX) competitive level Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, and Acrobatics classes, as well as choreographing competition

Carly Sargent

Acro and Contemporary

Carly is known for leading her students to be 150% in everything in life - to always be “full out”! She has performing experience and has been seen in things such as the ProBowl Halftime Show in Hawaii, Walt Disney World Parades, 42nd Street for Clear Channel Miami, An Off-Broadway show in New York City and The George Lopez Show. This will be her 18th year teaching, (16th year at Dance FX) competitive level Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, and Acrobatics classes, as well as choreographing competition

Alyssa Insua

Tiny Dancer Program, Lyrical and Contemporary

TBD

Jimmy Rodriguez

Ballet

TBD

Kristin Juliano

Tap and Lyrical

Kristin Juliano’s passion for dance began at the early age of 2, following in the footsteps of her older sister. She spent 12 years as a dedicated member of the Dance FX competition team and is a proud DFX alumna. She was also a member of the Tremaine Performance Comany for 6 years, during which she had the privilege of assisting some of the top educators in the dance industry.

Today, Kristin continues to share her love for dance by teaching and choreographing for multiple studios across South Florida and Southwest Florida. Her innovative approach to choreography has earned her multiple choreography awards in both lyrical and tap categories. Kristin is committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers and fostering a deep appreciation for the art of dance.

Rachel O'Shields

Ballet, Lyrical, Performance Team Director

Rachel's journey in dance began at the young age of 2, where she instantly found her passion. After graduating high school, she became an alumna of Dance FX in 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID pandemic. She then pursued her college education at the University of Central Florida (UCF), earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in dance. During her time at UCF, Rachel actively engaged in the dance community, performing in numerous shows, choreographing a piece for UCF Celebrates the Arts, and serving as the assistant director of the show.

After completing her undergraduate studies in May 2023, Rachel returned home to start a master's program in clinical mental health counseling at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). Her passion for dance continued as she started teaching at Dance FX at the age of 16 and has been dedicated to it ever since. In addition to her teaching, Rachel works as a Registered Behavior Technician, providing applied behavior analysis therapy to children on the autism spectrum. She finds immense joy in combining her two greatest passions: working with children and dancing.

Amberlyn Quinonez

Tiny Dancer and Shortie Program

With over 18 years of dance experience and over a decade of teaching, Amberlyn Quinonez blends a passion for dance with a commitment to education. Amberlyn creates dynamic classes that emphasize technique and personal expression.

In addition to teaching dance, Amberlyn works as a special needs educator, bringing a unique perspective to their approach in the studio. This dual career allows Amberlyn to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, nurturing both their dance skills and personal growth.

Dedicated to both the dance and educational communities, Amberlyn continues to inspire and motivate students through their dual passions.

Taylor Russell

TBD

Jimmy Rodriguez

Ballet

TBD

Ricardo "Flow" Barker

Hip Hop

Originally from NY, Flow has a very unique take on Hip Hop. His first style under the umbrella of Hip Hop is Breaking. Over the years Flow has studied and learned many styles ranging from House, Popping and New Jack Swing. Rooted in both technique and creativity, Flow teaches both foundation and finding your own creativity within Hip Hop. Flow has been featured in music videos as well as movies while performing with music artists. He is also an active competitor in the national and international underground hip hop dance scene.

James Keelen

Hip Hop

James Keelen Jr. discovered his passion for dance at a remarkably young age, starting his journey at just 5 years old. His early years were marked by intensive training and participation in numerous dance competitions and conventions, where he showcased his versatility across a range of styles including Hip-hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Acrobatics, and Break Dancing. This early exposure not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a deep love for the art form. As James matured as a dancer, so did his role within the dance community. At the age of 16, he took on the responsibility of substitute teaching at his childhood dance studio, stepping into the role with natural ease and enthusiasm. This experience not only allowed him to share his knowledge with younger dancers but also laid the foundation for his future career as an instructor. By the time James turned 18, he had expanded his teaching repertoire to various studios in the vibrant dance scenes of New Jersey and New York City. His teaching style, influenced by his diverse training background, quickly gained recognition for its creativity, technical precision, and ability to inspire students of all ages. Beyond his work in traditional studio settings, James also found success as a performer and party motivator. His dynamic stage presence and infectious energy made him a sought-after entertainer for a wide array of events, including town and school functions, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, and other celebratory gatherings. His ability to connect with audiences through dance further solidified his reputation as not just a dancer but as a captivating entertainer and performer. James Keelen Jr. continues to evolve as both a dancer and educator, constantly pushing the boundaries of his creativity while nurturing the talents of the next generation of dancers. His journey from a young competitor to a multifaceted dance professional serves as a testament to his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the art of dance.

James Keelen

Hip Hop

James Keelen Jr. discovered his passion for dance at a remarkably young age, starting his journey at just 5 years old. His early years were marked by intensive training and participation in numerous dance competitions and conventions, where he showcased his versatility across a range of styles including Hip-hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Acrobatics, and Break Dancing. This early exposure not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a deep love for the art form. As James matured as a dancer, so did his role within the dance community. At the age of 16, he took on the responsibility of substitute teaching at his childhood dance studio, stepping into the role with natural ease and enthusiasm. This experience not only allowed him to share his knowledge with younger dancers but also laid the foundation for his future career as an instructor. By the time James turned 18, he had expanded his teaching repertoire to various studios in the vibrant dance scenes of New Jersey and New York City. His teaching style, influenced by his diverse training background, quickly gained recognition for its creativity, technical precision, and ability to inspire students of all ages. Beyond his work in traditional studio settings, James also found success as a performer and party motivator. His dynamic stage presence and infectious energy made him a sought-after entertainer for a wide array of events, including town and school functions, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, and other celebratory gatherings. His ability to connect with audiences through dance further solidified his reputation as not just a dancer but as a captivating entertainer and performer. James Keelen Jr. continues to evolve as both a dancer and educator, constantly pushing the boundaries of his creativity while nurturing the talents of the next generation of dancers. His journey from a young competitor to a multifaceted dance professional serves as a testament to his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the art of dance.

Adele Villalon

Jazz, Acro, Pixie Team Director, Xtreme Team Collective Assistant Director

TBD

Mia Brown

Contemporary

Mia has been a part of our dance studio since the day she was born and has accumulated 16 years of dance experience. For the past 4 years, she has also been an integral part of our assistant program. Her favorite style of dance is contemporary, though she is a well-rounded dancer with skills across multiple genres. Mia is committed to her dance education, attending numerous events across the country to continue honing her craft.

Mia Brown

Contemporary

Mia has been a part of our dance studio since the day she was born and has accumulated 16 years of dance experience. For the past 4 years, she has also been an integral part of our assistant program. Her favorite style of dance is contemporary, though she is a well-rounded dancer with skills across multiple genres. Mia is committed to her dance education, attending numerous events across the country to continue honing her craft.

Testimonials

Miss Smith and the teachers at Dance FX are just INCREDIBLE! They genuinely care about every single dancer and we couldn't be more grateful!

]Geli E.

Sophia very eagerly looks forward to class every single week. The teachers are truly amazing. Hands down the best dance school in the area!

Makenzie T.

Contact Us

ADDRESS

10120 West Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise FL 33351

Mon – Wed : 8:00am – 06:00pm

Thu – Sat : 10:00am – 8:00pm

Sunday : Closed

About

Dance FX is a children's dance studio located in Sunrise with an award-winning team dedicated to providing the best dance instruction whilst also empowering tomorrow's leaders.

Opening Hours

Mon – Wed : 8:00am – 06:00pm

Thu – Sat : 10:00am – 10:00pm

Sunday : Closed

ADDRESS: 10120 West Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise FL 33351

Email: dancefxsunrise@me.com

Telephone: +1 954-539-9722

@ Copyright 2026 - Dance FX - All rights reserved