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.
Britt Beresik
Instructor
Britt Beresik is the 2023 PSWB Choreography Contest WINNER of the Beginner Division and the Open Division. If you haven't heard of her yet, here's some of her background:
With over 25 years of dance experience, you cannot keep this young lady off the dance floor! Born and raised in Houston Texas, when she was 9 years old her parents enrolled her in the local dance studio to learn the basics of tap, jazz, and ballet, as well as weekly piano lessons. Learning the foundations of music and dance together helped to nurture a passion within her heart and to train her with the dance technique and skills she has today.
Britt continued to dance into adult life as a hobby. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University, worked for 5 years as a Medical Technologist, married her husband Bryan, and had their 2 children - Bowen and Bailey.
Britt first discovered line dancing in the small town of Gaylord, MI in 2013. The more she attended, the more she loved it! After moving soon to West Texas, Britt found it difficult to find more line dancing... so she started her own class! Cross The Line Dancing- West Texas (then Crossing The Line) had a rocky start, but the group grew to encompass several other dance classes in the area and performed at local festivals. After a brief move to Northern California, Britt's family returned to her hometown of Houston. She enjoyed the instruction under Elsa Campbell for about 1 1/2 years, until she inherited the job to lead the Intermediate class. Cross The Line Dancing Houston was born!
Only 2 weeks later, the Covid19 pandemic shut everyone down. Britt made a "pivot" and took her classes to Facebook LIVE, as well as began taking choreography instruction through Rob Fowler's virtual I.C.E. program. After hosting the Texas onLine Dance Partee in October 2020, bringing a free workshop to dancers world-wide while promoting some local US talent, Britt grabbed the attention of a few event directors. Britt is thrilled with all the new adventures coming her way and knows that line dancing is a part of her life forever.
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
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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.