Our Summit Team

for 2026

Behind every unforgettable event is a team of passionate professionals dedicated to creating and nurturing an exceptional experience. Meet our 2026 team of outstanding coaches who share a commitment to excellence, education, and building a welcoming dance community.

rachel palmieri

Rachel Palmieri has been dancing for over 35yrs and has been teaching ballroom professionally since 2009. She was a National Fred Astaire Smooth Finalist, and is currently competing professionally on the Country Western Circuit, placing second in Division 1 in the last World Championships. Rachel currently teaches in The Villages, FL and the Ocala area. 

Session One

Sho rich

Focused, approachable, and driven by results, Sho made his Professional debut at age 14 signing on as a Professional Ballet dancer. After two world tours and performing on and off Broadway, he discovered Ballroom Dancing. Sho then competed Professionally for many years with great success, and turned his focus to judging and coaching. Now a resident of North East Florida, Sho is excited to share his knowledge and passion of dance with everyone.

Session Two
Session Four

michael Wagner

Bio Coming Soon!

Session Three

Alyssa Caruana

Alyssa is a competitive ballroom dancer, performer, and mentor passionate about helping students find confidence through dance. Along with being Co Owner of DanzAmore Dance Studio, she is a Finalist in Smooth, Rhythm, and recognized as a top teacher in the Ballroom community. Alyssa has also appeared as a salsa dancer in Hallmark Channel’s South Beach Love, Lifetime’s Love on Retreat, and Ballroom TV Reboot.

The Founders

  • Katie Deann

    CO-FOUNDER

  • Sho Rich

    CO-FOUNDER