MEET OUR AMAZING INSTRUCTORS!
Desiree Durand
Desiree’s passion for health and fitness has always been a guiding force in her life. Her love for working out inspired her to share her enthusiasm with others, motivating them on their own fitness journeys. She holds certifications in Zumba, group fitness, PiYo Strength, and TurboKick.
Desiree leads dynamic HIIT classes that transform workouts into energetic, music-driven experiences. The moment the music starts, her class comes alive, blending movement, choreography, and a carefully-curated playlist to make exercise feel effortless and fun.
For Desiree, the greatest reward is seeing her students find joy in movement while taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Her ultimate goal is to promote well-being and positivity, creating a space where fitness feels empowering and uplifting.
Sharon Epstein
Sharon has a Master’s of Science degree in Dance Movement Therapy. She is also a Yoga Alliance certified teacher and educator. Sharon loves participating as a guest teacher with Dance Party for Parkinson’s, Inc, leading classes on Long Island at the Mid Island JCC in Plainview and at the Sid Jacobson JCC in Greenvale.
Sharon is on faculty with the Mark Morris Dance Group's Dance for PD program based in Brooklyn, NY where she can be found teaching classes at the inpatient PD program at Northwell, Glen Cove Hospital.
Karen Ferby-Guy
Karen began her dance training at Springfield College in Massachusetts under Frank Hatchett and continued her studies in New York City with Nat Horne, while also taking classes at the Alvin Ailey School and Steps. While earning her MA in Education, Karen danced with the African dance company Liberation Ensemble and performed with Dance EPIC (Educators and Performers In Concert).
She has been teaching dance to children and adults since 1976 and recently retired from the Manhasset public schools, where she worked as a Special Education teacher and served as Director of the After-School Dance program.
Annmarie Milohnic-Bolkovic
Annmarie has 20 years of teaching experience in dance education. She is the Owner and Director of Annmarie’s Studio of Performing Arts, an award-winning dance studio with two locations in Great Neck, Long Island. Since opening the studio in 2019, she has created a positive and supportive environment for dancers of all ages. The studio has also been honored with “Best of Nassau” for four consecutive years.
Annmarie began dancing at the age of three and has dedicated her life to sharing the joy and benefits of movement through dance. Throughout her career, she has choreographed for showcases and competitions, with her students earning numerous awards and titles. She has also had the opportunity to teach and judge for Dance Masters of America on both a regional and national level.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Queens College and attended Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, where she trained with and learned from many respected artists and dance companies.
Annmarie is passionate about using dance and movement to bring people together, build confidence, and improve overall well-being. She is excited for the opportunity to work with adults with Parkinson’s and share the healing, empowering, and joyful experience that movement can provide.
Tali Tadmor
Tali is an enthusiastic and dedicated dance teacher with a proven ability to enhance students' skills. She began tap dancing at age 3 and trained for over 15 years with a former Rockette, focusing on tap and jazz. Tali holds a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Hofstra University and has developed dance programs for diverse age groups. Certified in Zumba Gold, she is passionate about leading Dance Party for Parkinson’s classes. Known for her work with Nathan Blake, Tali teaches Blake Experience masterclasses worldwide.
Her teaching journey has taken her from students across the U.S. to the Baba Yaya Dance Company at the University of Cape Town. Tali is deeply committed to using dance to support those with Parkinson's and Frontotemporal Dementia, believing it can improve physical and emotional well-being. Her passion for dance and connection with others fuels her advocacy for the transformative power of movement.
Tara Youngman
Tara was born and raised in New Jersey, and began her early training at Center Stage Dance and Theater School, under the direction of George Warren. Here she studied classical ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip-hop, as well as voice and acting.
She moved to New York to study at The Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College to earn her BFA in Dance. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a concentration in Ballet Performance. During her time at Purchase, she had the opportunity to perform in works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Norbert De La Cruz III, Brian Enos, Michelle Thompson Ullerich, and Stuart Loungway.
Tara has furthered her training with BalletX, Paul Taylor, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, VIM Vigor, NorthWest Dance Project, and BodyTraffic. In addition to these, she had the pleasure of being selected to attend Springboard Danse Montreal.
Throughout her professional career, she has danced with Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, Hudson Ballet Theater, BodyTraffic Contemporary Dance Company, Gleich Dances, Wyckoff Collective, Distributed Movement, and Satellite Collective. She has been selected to perform in works by Igal Perry, Jessica Lang, Dwight Rhoden, Robert Battle, Nicholas Palmquist, Andrea Schermoly, and Matthew Neeenan, to name a few. In addition to her performing credits, she has modeled for Capezio, Dance Magazine, and Advisory Board Crystals. Tara also serves as an adjudicator for Inferno Dance Competition and travels across the U.S. judging and teaching the next generation of dancers.