Private Image Dance Studio

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Rita O'Connor, N.D.C.A.

Unique in the Maui dance community, Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy Instructor, Rita O'Connor has been teaching Latin & Ballroom dancing from New York City to Maui, Hawaii since 1988 and is an active Professional Member, Instructor and Competitor of the National Dance Council of America, a nationally recognized governing body in Ballroom & Latin Dance. Along with her partner, Brian, they enjoy sharing their love of Latin & Ballroom dancing with others!

While teaching Ballroom & Latin dancing in New York City, Rita met Brian, when he signed up as a student for private dance lessons! Since 2000, they have contributed enormously to the tremendous emergence of partnership dancing in Central, West and most notably in South Maui. Rita & Brian have given freely of their time and talent over the years to various dance events and charitable organizations.

On February 7, 2007, Dance Professional Rita, along with her partner Brian conducted the World's Largest Dance Class at the Academy and continues to teach the State of Hawaii's largest Latin & Ballroom dance classes!

In addition to Rita’s numerous awards as an International Latin dancer, Rita's professional background includes being an Instructor at Pierre Dulaine's, NJ, Founder of the American Ballroom Theatre, as well as an Instructor, Pro-Am Competitor and Professional Competitor with Paul Pellicoro's DanceSport, NY and Stepping Out Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio, NY. Rita has been a competitor in both the International Latin, American Style Rhythm and Smooth and Theatre Arts divisions and is Maui's only experienced Latin & Ballroom Dance Instructor with full professional training.

Rita has appeared on TV ("Broadcast 9," "Good Morning America" and "MTV") and has danced in instructional dance videos. Brian & Rita's local performances include The Hui’ Nu Visual Arts Center, Maui Bridal Association Show, Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association and the Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy.

Rita is a Latin and Ballroom dance choreographer for solo exhibitions & team formations and she teaches individuals and couples (from social to wedding couples), as well as a coach for Dance Professionals in her private dance lessons through her company "Private Image, Inc." Rita also holds college degrees in Fashion Design (Rutgers University, NJ and The Fashion Institute of Technology, NY) and is a Ballroom & Latin costume designer.

One of the things Rita loves most about teaching is watching her students grow in confidence, proficiency and enjoyment of partnership dancing and the lives that she has touched in bringing people together in an artistic, cultural and health-minded environment! Her expertise in technical coaching, partnering and unparallel styling has earned her statewide recognition by her students and her Professional colleagues!

All images on this site are copyright Rita O'Connor and may not be used without express permission.