See Less Story Details (Tiles View)
News & Stories from Gia Viseli
So proud of these students who embraced the Sparkle Theme of this month’s party –and braved the storm to come dance. Congrats!
.
Thanks to my students who donned their ocean-blue outfits and joined me at the studio, celebrating my birthday.
.
One of the great pleasures of traveling to competitions is the opportunity to meet some dance Legends — and so it was in San Francisco when I saw Donnie Burns. Such a special time!
One more about International Grand Ball DanceSport Championships and great success of my students Karen Rhew-Miller , Cloudie Amelia Doniat and Gregory R. Miller
Congratulations to Claudie Doniat:
1st places in:
Intl Ballroom (W/T/Q), Intl Latin (C/S/R) and American Smooth (W/T/F) Championships.
1st places in:
Intl Ballroom (W/T/Q) and Intl Latin (C/S/R) 6 Dance Championship.
1st places in:
Intl Ballroom (W/T/Q), Int. Latin (C/S/R) and American Smooth (W/T/F) Scholarships.
1st place in:
Intl Ballroom (W/T/Q), Intl Latin (C/S/R) and American Smooth (W/T/F) World DanceSport Series Championships.
And The Best International Ballroom student of competition
Congratulations to Karen Rhew-Miller :
1st places in:
Intl Latin (C/S/R) and American Smooth (W/T/F) Championships. 2 deferent age groups.
1st places in:
Intl Latin (C/S/R) and American Smooth (W/T/F) World DanceSport Series Championships
1st places in:
Intl Latin (C/S/R) and American Smooth (W/T/F) Scholarships.
And The Best International Latin student of Competition .
Well done Ladies and Mr. Grag.
Thank you Rita Gekhman-Algarra and
Maurice Algarra for beautiful competition and perfect Organization .
I am so proud of Claudia and Karen for all their hard work in preparing for the International Grandball DanceSport Championships in San Francisco this month. We arrived a day early to enjoy the city, then got down to the business of dancing.
Dancing in our red, white & blue, we celebrated Independence Day in style!
.
.
. .
.
Mucho Gracias to those who joined me to celebrate Cinco de Mayo…
.
.
No “shananigans” — just fun dancing at our belated St. Patrick’s Day party.
Great Competition in Rome, Italy! Congratulations to my two students who were the best part of this “Dance as Fire” Championship.
Cloudia Doniat won:
- 1st place Closed Bronze American Smooth Scholarship.
- 1st place Closed Bronze American Smooth RS Championship.
- 1st place Closed Bronze International Standard Scholarship
- *1st place Closed Bronze International Standard Championship
- *1st place Closed Bronze International Standard RS Championship
- *2nd place Closed Bronze American Smooth 2 Dance Challenge
- *2nd place Closed Bronze American Smooth 3 Dance Challenge.
Karen Rhew-Miller, at her very first Competition, won:
*1st place Closed Bronze American Smooth 2 Dance Challenge
*1st place Closed Bronze American Smooth 3 Dance Challenge
*1st place American Smooth RS Championship.
*1st place Closed Bronze International Latin 2 Dance Challenge
*1st place Closed Bronze International Latin 3 Dance Challenge
Amazing results for those 2 ladies.
Thank you Alessia Manfredini and Massimo Giorgianni for this beautiful competition.
Thank you Gregory R. Miller for being with us and supporting us in everything and every moment.
.
. Love is in the air for our Valentine’s party — and I love seeing my students enjoy dancing — on this day and always.
The Big Band Bash that Les DesMerle and his full band held on February 10th had 17 of us from the Studio enjoying the music and dance floor — all for a good benefit. Thank you, Les, and thank you students and spouses for joining me.
Our Wednesday afternoon dance classes for the Amelia Island Newcomers’ Club is featuring Cha Cha (at 2PM) and Hustle (at 3). These ladies are learning lots of fun steps — and making my job as teacher easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ladies!
BTW — there’s always room for more dancers! We can catch you up quickly if you’d care to join us.
It’s official! I am now a citizen of the United States! It’s been years in the making — and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to many friends and supporters. THANK YOU!
Karen, Greg, Claudia and Earlene brought me to the courthouse in Jacksonville where the Ceremony took place. People from 23 different countries became citizens — one from Georgia!
.. The Judge congratulates me.
These students helped me celebrate that night.
Thank you to my students who joined me December 26th for some holiday cheer on the dance floor.
.
.
. Erma, Beverly and Claudia — true performers! I was very proud of each of you.
.
. .
.
.
. Three little Indians???
.
We celebrated Paul’s birthday where he showed off his Swing moves to each and every lady attending the party as one by one, they cut in and danced with him.
I am so thankful to all my students who have helped me build the studio and who share my love of dance.
. Claudia and Jo add feathers to Gia’s costume
Thank you very much, Julia, for this article — I am so thankful for you and all the students who have graced my dance floor. Sharing the joy of dance is my honor and privilege. Through dance, may we all become stronger, healthier, happier people!
Congratulations to my beautiful students Lisa Rosenblum and Claudia Doniat for their great achievements at 2023 Constitution State Dancesport Championships.
Good job ladies! You both did a LOT of dances and were very successful. I am proud of you.
RESULTS for Lisa Rosenblum:
1st place- 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer International Latin. (Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba)
1st place- 4 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer International Latin (Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Jive)
2nd Place- 6 Dance Championship Closed Bronze (Cha Cha, Rumba Swing, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot)
2nd Place- 2 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Nightclub (Samba)
2nd Place – 4 Dance Championship Closed Bronze American Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero)
3rd Place- 4 Dance Championship Closed Bronze American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz)
RESULTS for Cloudia Doniat:
1st Place – 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer International Ballroom (Waltz, Tango, Quickstep)
1st Place – 4 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer International Ballroom (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep)
1st Place – 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze International Ballroom (Waltz, Tango, Quickstep)
1st Place- 6 Dance Championship Closed Bronze (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot)
1st Place- 2 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Nightclub (Samba)
1st Place – 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer American Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing)
1st Place- 4 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz)
1st Place- 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot)
2nd Place – 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze American Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing)
2nd Place – 3 Dance Scholarship Closed Bronze American Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing)
2nd Place – 3 Dance Scholarship Closed Bronze International Ballroom (Waltz, Tango,, Quickstep)
3rd Place- 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot)
3rd Place- 3 Dance Scholarship Closed Bronze American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot)
Thanks to beautiful Inna Ivanenko and Evgeny Dyachenko for hosting this beautiful competition.
Thank you to this special student who asked for personalized choreagraphy at her birthday bash. She chose a dazzling Argentine Tango to entertain her guests. It was a wonderful party, Claudia — thank you!
. Sonny presents Claudia one of her many cakes.
Several members of Claudia’s family came to the island from Germany to help her celebrate. Here she is with her Mom — good looks clearly run in the family!
. Bob shows off HIS dance moves with Claudia.
Studio friends Beverly and Erma join me to toast our friend.
. Many studio “sisters” joined in the celebration.
Birthday girl and her hubby stand out in red with this crazy studio crowd
. Karen and Greg win the prize for best costume
. Fangs a lot to you both!
. And the costume prize winners get this T-shirt!
. .
Thank you to all my students for joining in the fun of this holiday — and for joining me
on the dance floor. It was a scary-good time!
Patriotism ran high Friday night at the Studio as we danced in our red, white and blues.
.
.
.
.
THANK YOU to all who surprised me with this early birthday party — It was very, very special. Can’t believe you made Georgian food and even a Happy Birthday sign in my native language (not an easy task, for sure!).
Erma hand painted “Happy Birthday” in my native Georgian language onto this banner.
Students say ALL dancers want to be me — seriously?!?
The party’s line up
Claudia bends over backwards to please me when she dances — sometimes as least!
The support from these lovely ladies is amazing — and so appreciated.
These student friends opted to beat the heat with me Friday night. How? We did some hot dance numbers in our cool, air-conditioned studio — with a Tropical Theme, of course. It was great fun — thank you for joining me!
Gia proudly wearing the USA flag in front of the flag of his native country, Georgia. Lessons are still available throughout the holiday.
.THANK YOU to my students for joining me on the dance floor to kick off the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Sorry to miss some others who were traveling off the island — hope you return safely and enjoy this inspirational holiday.
Special thanks to Ekaterine Archaia for organizing the International Dance Festival in my native country of Georgia. Everything was great — the panel of judges that I was honored to be part of, as well as the atmosphere of the event and all the participating dancers.
What a wonderful event with these people organizing and judging — I look forward to the privilege of judging again in the future.
Muchas Gracias to all who made our Cinco de Mayo party soooooo much fun!
. Paul and Rana enjoying the dance floor together
.
.
Dance is truly an uplifting experience for some students!
.
Celebrating the Studio’s #2 year here on Amelia Island
I am so very grateful to all the wonderful people who joined me here on the dance floor over the past two years — and especially to those who surprised me with an incredible gift and party here on May 1st. Your generosity and support mean the world to me. You helped me through all the challenges that Covid brought to starting a new business. You shared your laughter and willingness to learn with me, and together, we have made the Studio a dynamic place to dance. THANK YOU!!!!
.
. .
.
.
. Waltz was just one of the many dances these students did as they took to the floor during our “Waltz of the Flowers – themed” party on Friday.
Thank you all for coming out and sharing your love of dance with me!
Thank you to all students to helped me celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
Lads and lassies alike seemed to enjoy dancing and partying at the studio. Slainte to all!
.
.
.
.
Thank you to all my students to attended our February Dance Party — you all did great!
Beverly, Lisa, Claudia, Erma, Claudia (the second!) with Gia
Erma and Gia enjoy a Swing dance
Couples coming for lessons now enjoy dancing at our parties.
. . Thank you to my students who joined me at the Big Band Valentine Bash — a charity event organized by and featuring the Les DeMerle Orchestra. The music was wonderful! We also really enjoyed the silent auction and art auction. Hope the proceeds can help more budding young musicians on their path to success.
.
.
The month of February celebrates Valentine’s Day — and all this month, you can treat YOUR special someone to this Valentine’s offer: 5 dance lessons for the price of 3. For $345, you and your Valentine will receive customized, private lessons in any of the many dance styles we teach. Come treat yourselves to a wonderful, romantic experience that will get your hearts beating and your feet moving in rhythm together.
Some of my students joined me at the Ritz Carlton with past week to participate in the Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Gala. We were one of the many other businesses, large and small, that call Amelia Island home — and applauded those special few who were singled out to be recognized. Congrats to all!
We decorated a table with gift certificates, flowers, chocolates, coffee and more — hoping the winner of this centerpiece will become one of our studio family soon!
Here we are enjoying a delicious dinner together. Thank you to all my students who joined me for this occasion.
Join us from 6 to 8 PM on January 20th for our HAPPY WINTER BLACK & WHITE PARTY. We are kicking off 2023 with this social event full of great music, fun dancing and friends new & old. Just $10 per person.
Thank you to all my students to came to our Studio Christmas Party — You all brought lots of joy and cheer!
I wish you a very Happy New Year — and look forward to dancing with you in 2023!
.
I am so proud of these two students who competed in the North Florida Dance Challenge held here on the island at the Ritz Carlton this December.
. . .
Claudia Doniat — a newcomer to ballroom dance, made a strong debut — looking & performing like a pro! And, she brought home a medal!
. .
Lisa Rosenblum — only her second time on the competitive dance floor — showed nerves of steel. She impressed the judges enough to win money in the Scholarship rounds.
Congratulations to both these lovely students! I am so proud to be your instructor, and I look forward to many more dances in our future.
For those couples currently taking private lessons at the Studio, we are now offering a group practice class on Tuesday nights from 7 to 8 PM. Come practice your new moves and meet some new friends on the dance floor. This is a free opportunity to those couples taking lessons to get in some great practice time for you and your partner. Hope to see you there!
Come kick up your heels and have some fun on Friday, December 23 from 6 to 8 PM as we celebrate the season in style. Bring a beverage of your choice and an appetizer to share, your dancing shoes, and some holiday spirit as we dance to some great music and party together. May the joy of the season bring us together and share some memorable moments. Happy Holidays!
Give the gift that keeps them smiling from their nose to their toes — a gift certificate from Gia Viseli Dance Studio in Fernandina Beach. This special holiday offer gives you 6 private lessons and 6 group lessons for $450 — regularly $630. Don’t wait — limited supply. Order yours today at 302-252-8525.
Thank you to all these lovely ladies for making Halloween at the studio so much fun!
5008FFB9-8279-48A4-B970-561DBF553DD6
If you think you’d like to learn to dance, meet new people, exercise to terrific music, and enjoy the many health benefits of dance — why wait? Give us a call and you can begin learning immediately. Give us a call to find out more!
…we can START in the studio, of course! Come learn a new dance and experience the joy of movement, the many health benefits of dance, and the fun of meeting kindred spirits.
The ladies from the Newcomers Club of Amelia Island enjoy learning some fun new dance moves.
This club reserves time on Wednesday afternoons to have various members drop by the studio to dance. Instruction begins with everyone learning at once, together, and then Gia shows them how to apply the moves to dancing as a couple.
It was great to welcome some first-timers to the dance floor this week — and also see some returning friends
NOTE TO ANY OTHER PRIVATE GROUPS OR CLUBS: Do you need to get ready for some holiday or wedding dance event? Would your group of family, friends or neighbors like a personalized program to learn a dance or two? Call me to discuss what we could do for you!
. Do you recognize this masked man????
. Or these lovely masked ladies?
Students and friends danced up a storm at this year’s Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s Swing Party. Thanks to Les DeMerle and his band for helping us keep our feet in motion — and our hearts happy!
.
Hello Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach! I hope everyone had a great summer!
Ballroom & Latin Dance classes at GiaViseliDanceSport on 8th Street start back today, September 12.. I invite you all back to the dance floor to enjoy music and movement with me.
Monday and Thursday are Latin Dance Days — from 6 to 7PM we offer a beginner class and from 7 to 8PM and Advanced class.
And, as before, private lessons and couples lessons are available — call me for details. 302-252-8525.
What is missing on this dance floor? YOU!!!!
Hope you all had a great summer! We are delighted to say our student, Lisa Rosenblum, represented us well at the Florida State DanceSport Competition in Sarasota (see earlier blog for details). Also, I traveled back to my home country of Georgia to visit friends and relatives there.
I am happy to be back in the Studio now, refreshed and ready to jump into new dance lessons and programs. Hope to see you on my dance floor soon!
. .
.
Would you like to learn to dance? No need to worry — we can teach you! Come see how enjoyable it can be!
Among the many dances we teach at the studio are: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, QuickStep, Viennese Waltz, Salsa, Bolero, Bachata, Mambo, Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and MORE! We also offer customized choreography for your special occasion: weddings, anniversaries, etc.
Hope to see you on our dance floor soon!
The Studio will be closed until Monday, September 12 — we are busy traveling to Competition and then on vacation. Hope to see you all back on the dance floor in September!