Meet our team
Ryan Schultz
A Sandusky native and Tera Tech Community College Alumni, Ryan Shultz started his dance journey in the year 2010. Flash forward to Cleveland two years later, and Ryan was working as a ballroom professional at Fred Astaire Studio in Chagrin Falls… being awarded their coveted “Teacher of the Year” award in 2014. His career has taken him to Starz Ballroom and on to opening Elegance Ballroom in November 2024 as Head Instructor. With a versatile skill set ranging from social dance to competitive dancesport, Ryan enjoys teaching all styles and levels of students. And now for a surprising fun fact… Ryan was even the frontman of a Grunge band his senior year of high school!
Throughout the years, he has also taken part in numerous CASA "Dancing with the Stars", and University Hospital "Dancing with the Docs" charity fundraisers, choreographing for and dancing with participants. He and his students can always be found gracing the stage at showcases, and competitions such as Fred Astaire National Championships, Northcoast, Harvest Moon, and Imperial.
Ryan is proficient in both American and International style ballroom dance, and offers private lessons, wedding dance choreography, and competitive dance.
Nick Malusky
Nick began his ballroom dance career at American Dance Exchange in the year 2011. Starting with a foundation in ballet at age 7, Nick has an extensive performance background also including Tap, Jazz, and Community theater. Nick has modeled for Eye 5 Talent Agency in New York City with clients including "Lady Gaga: The Monster Ball Tour" and promotional modeling for Crate & Barrel. Nick graduated with a Media Arts / Film Degree from Cuyahoga Community College in 2011 with a concentration in Casting and Editing.
Nick also owned a Ballroom Dance studio of his own called Ballroom by Nick in Davenport, Iowa, from 2019 to 2024. During his years in Iowa he directed and produced a local "Dancing With The Stars" style charity fundraiser entitled SHINE ON Quad Cities. Nick is currently the Director of "Dancing With The Realtors" in the Northeast Ohio and Indianapolis markets. Available for private lessons, group classes, and wedding dance choreography. References available upon request.
Mariana Lucas
Mariana was first introduced to the world of social Latin dance in her home country of Colombia, where she began learning Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue from a young age. Her academic pursuits are more impressive still. Our bright (and bi-lingual) Mariana graduated from the Universadad Libre in Cali, Colombia with a Bachelors Degree in Law shortly before moving to the United States in the year 2018. She began working in the Ballroom Dance industry officially in 2023 at Starz in North Olmsted.
When she is not in the studio teaching, Mariana likes to hit the gym and go on photo shoots! She is a published Model with PMTM Agency in Akron, Ohio. She was one of the original members of the Bachata Training Group at 567 Studio in North Royalton and dances with them to this day. Mariana has graced numerous showcases and team matches with her performances, and is passionate about teaching her students the artistry of dance that has been her inspiration.
Available for private lessons, group classes, and wedding dance choreography.
Book your lesson today!
Call or text 216-200-6515 or
email us at
info@eleganceballroomandlatinstudios.com