Meet Your Team
Niels Poulsen
Instructor
Niels Poulsen, based in Denmark, teaches line dance workshops, dance technique, and instructor training courses through his local club Love-to-Dance Denmark and his travels within Denmark and internationally. He started dancing in 1996, took up teaching in 2000, and has choreographed over 340 dances since 2002.
His teaching and choreography is for dancers of all levels and has been recognized as such. Some of his award-winning dances include Something in the Water (2012 CBA Beginner Dance of the Year), Ticket to the Blues (2016 & 2017 CBA Beginner Dance of the Year and 2016 Australia International Dance of the Year), and Blaze of Glory (2019 CBA Advanced Dance of the Year [co-choreographed]).
Niels is the 2016 CBA International Choreographer and two-time CBA International Instructor (2011 and 2012). For 2021, Niels was nominated for International Instructor and International Choreographer, and his dances Train Wreck (improver) and The Greatest Love of All (advanced, co-choreographed) also received nominations.
Niels tries to reach as many dancers as possible, choreographing to all levels and using all music styles. When choreographing, Niels focuses on musical interpretation, body flow, interesting/different steps, and music for the target group.
Roy Verdonk
Instructor
Roy Verdonk is a line dance KING - a renowned line dance choreographer, instructor, coach, and competition judge. Those who came to the 2020 Palm Springs Winter Break experienced his enjoyable personality, professional and entertaining teaching stylings, and impressive dance skills. We are very excited to have him return for 2023!
Since 2012, Roy has been the inspiring leader and owner of the prestigious Dutch Dance Academy which has a team of top instructors providing lessons in street dance, line dance, west coast swing, urban, showdance, and standard ballroom and latin - lessons for all ages and abilities. Roy teaches and coaches most of the current World Champions and Megastar dancers. His work with theater shows and stage productions, training teams from around the globe and, of course, training many World Champion Dancers, has proven itself with the reviews and results.
In 2020, Roy started the King’s Online Academy - OnlineAcademy.RoyVerdonk.com - offering multiple dance classes to share his knowledge. Through this, he offers general technique classes. For social line dancers that want that little “extra” when dancing their favorites, the online academy does offer a section that puts styling and technique tips into practice with popular line dance choreography.
Roy has received many awards, such as Best Choreographer, Best Teacher, and was the first European inducted into the CBA Hall of Fame, in 2006, recognizing his dedication and commitment to line dancing. Roy has choreographed over 450 dances, including the 2018 CBA Absolute Beginner Dance of the Year “Oh Carol” and the 2018 CBA Advanced Dance of the Year “Run Me Like a River” - both of which he co-choreographed.
Respected by all, Roy Verdonk guarantees professional, high class work for the 2023 Palm Springs Winter Break dancers.
“A day without dancing, is a day without living.”
Megan Barsuglia
DJ
Megan Barsuglia is returning to Palm Springs Winter Break - she’s taught for us, assisted at registration, led floor splits, helped with dance demos, and was the support DJ in 2020. For 2023, Megan will be your MAIN DJ!
Megan started line dancing in 2014, and she quickly added on choreography and teaching in 2017, followed by competing in UCWDC Novice Solo Line Dance in 2018. Megan has also regularly joined Christopher Gonzalez on Line Dance Podcast, allowing her opportunities to discuss line dance with instructors, choreographers, event directors, and dancers.
7 Arrow Media
Video & Photo
Kelly & Kellie are experienced, professional photographers and videographers who are a huge part of the international line dance family. They often live stream dance events and competitions, and 7 Arrow Media will be the official photographer and videographer for the 2023 Palm Springs Winter Break.
Bracken Heidenreich
Event Director
I am very honored and thankful that Michael Barr and Michele Burton have entrusted me to continue this unique, Southern California dancers' favorite.
Peggy Hall
Registration Extraordinaire
Peggy has greeted the Palm Springs dancers every year, and we are so happy she will continue being that wonderful, smiling, always happy to see you ambassador for the 2023 Palm Springs Winter Break.
Rhonda Sparling Shotts
Invaluable Assistant
Rhonda is a highly experienced event planner and dancer! We are so very lucky to have her help with a myriad of tasks behind the scenes. Some of you might not even notice how much she has helped with Palm Springs Winter Break in the past - she's THAT GOOD!
Volunteers
.
The Palm Springs Winter Break would not be the event it is today without the many, many volunteers and helpful flamingos that donate their time and energy both before and during the event each year. THANK YOU to all who have volunteered before, and if you are interested in volunteering for 2023, please reach out.