Michael Hosale

Michael Hosale joined FADS in 1991. Since the beginning of his career, Michael has been recognized as a top instructor both within and outside of the Fred Astaire Organization. As an instructor, he consistently breaks records through his exceptional performance in the South Central Region, and is a recipient of five Gold “Freddy” Awards. As a professional competitor, Michael has been considered a top dancer in his region; as a Pro-Am competitor, he has been honored with such awards as Top Male Instructor throughout his career.

Michael’s students have received regional and national competitive merits, such as Top Female Student and Highest Average Score for female competitors. Michael has participated in the Ohio Star Ball, United States Ballroom Championships, and the world-renowned Blackpool Competition, and continues to earn the reputation of a top competitor within the Fred Astaire Organization.

Amberly Nichols

Amberly Nichols began her career as a professional dancer and choreographer in 1995; her professional work spans ballroom dance, ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and professional theatre. Amberly has worked with dance companies throughout the United States, including Lineage Dance and the Jazz Tap Ensemble. She has film and stage credits with the Los Angeles Dodgers, latin recording artist Michalenea, and Christina Aquilera.

Amberly was also a choreographer for the 2001 Miss Alabama Pageant. Amberly joined the Fred Astaire Organization in 2003, earning a championship title at the Magic City Invitational in 2004. Her students have received high honors and regional merits, including a Most Entries for Male Student award and various highly commended and honors awards. In addition to her affiliation with Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Amberly is a guest instructor and choreographer for the Alabama School of Fine Arts.

Nancy McLemore

Nancy McLemore studied opera in Cincinnati, OH where she landed studio work as a jingle singer.  After making a start in jingle singing, one producer suggested that she do some voiceover work.  The rest is history.

In Chicago, Nancy worked as a voice and on-camera talent for such clients as Motorola, Chex Snack Mix, and Encyclopedia Britannica.  She currently lives in Birmingham, AL where she works from various studios and home studio via ISDN line.  President George W. Bush recently heard a presentation by NASA which Nancy voiced.

Erica Kooymans

Erica Kooymans began her professional dancing career in 2002 as a member of Athens, Georgia premier jazz dance company, Dancefix. Her interests traveled into ballroom dancing the ensuing year as she became  a member of the University of Georgia’s Ballroom Performance Group.

Erica began dancing with Fred Astaire Dance Studios in 2004. As a professional competitor, she has placed as a finalist in the Novice and Mixed Novice categories at the Carolina Challenge and Cross Country Dancesport Championships. Most recently, she competed in the South Central Dancesport Championship, earning a championship title in the Novice category.

Christopher Busbin

Christopher Busbin has been a professional ballroom dance instructor since 2002. His accomplishments as an instructor include a Regional “Freddy” Award nomination as well as a National Certification by the Fred Astaire National Dance Board. As a competitive ballroom dancer, he has danced Pro-Am with his students both regionally and nationally.

His students receive First Place Awards and are Top Student Finalists at both the regional and national levels. As a professional competitor, Chris was a finalist in the South Central Dance Championships and a Magic City Invitational Champion.