Special Guests & Organizers 

Special Guest Performance

Roman Malkhasyan & Galina Detkina

Roman and Galina are 3 time US National and World Champions in American Smooth.

As Professional Grand Slam tour 2023 champions, they made American Smooth style a winner over International Standard, International Latin and American Rhythm divisions for the first time in the ballroom history.

Special Guest Performance

Dynasty Youth and Paramount Ballroom

We are happy to welcome Dynasty Youth and Paramount Ballroom. These talented young dancers have been training in ballroom dancing and will give a special performance at The Debutante Ball Orlando. These kids with special needs are incredible and their hard work and love for dance shine bright!

Special Guest Performance

Piotr Iwaniki

Piotr is one of the most accomplished wheelchair dancers in the world, with multiple wheelchair World Latin Champion titles, including 6 World, 5 European, and 11 Polish Championships. He has performed at some of the most prestigious ballroom dance competitions including German Open, Blackpool (UK), Snowball Classic (Canada), Millennium Dancesport Championships (Florida). Piotr has contributed to the popularization of wheelchair dance sport performing and teaching in many countries and inspiring other wheelchair users to dance and pursue their dreams.

Special Guest Performance

Katevan Zazanashvili

Founder of the Georgian National Wheelchair Dance Sport Federation.

Ketevan worked as an inclusive dance instructor and para-dance coach in Georgia, including the Georgian National Paralympic Committee. In 2014, Ketevan and her wheelchair dance partner won the “Georgia’s Got Talent” competition which substantially boosted public interest in para-dance and inspired her to found her own organizations—the Georgian National Wheelchair Dance Sport Federation and the Tbilisi Inclusive Dance Company. With these organizations being the first of their kind in the region, Ketevan is a trailblazer in the world of inclusive dance and performing arts.

Ketavan is a US Government Global Sports Mentoring Program mentor where her focus is  empowering women through sports.

Live Music

The Orlando Chamber Symphony Orchestra

Led by the esteemed conductor John Sinclair, the 33-piece orchestra will enchant guests with their performance. Dr. Sinclair, Director of Music at Rollins College, has a renowned reputation for his expressive conducting style and innovative programming. Joining them is tenor John Grau, an acclaimed performer known for his interpretations of J.S. Bach's works. Grau has performed at prestigious events like the Boston Early Music Festival and the Ravinia Music Festival. Together, they bring an extraordinary musical experience to The Debutante Ball Orlando.

Conductor

John Sinclair

John V. Sinclair is a nationally recognized conductor known for his work with choral masterworks and as Artistic Director of the Bach Festival Society. With a master's and doctoral degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music, he has also authored Falling Off the Podium, and Other Life Lessons. Sinclair, a master teacher, is the Director of Music at Rollins College and has been called Central Florida’s “resident conductor” for his extensive work as a conductor, clinician, and lecturer.

Tenor

John Grau

Tenor John Grau is a renowned performer of oratorio and opera, with notable performances at festivals like the Boston Early Music Festival and the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. His voice has been praised in major works of J.S. Bach and Handel's "Messiah." He holds degrees from St. Olaf College, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Minnesota, and currently chairs the Department of Music at Rollins College. His career includes appearances with numerous prestigious ensembles and festivals.

Live Music

Bay Kings Band

​A high-energy Tampa based band, The Bay Kings Band has performed with artists such as Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Gloria Estefan, along with performing with many Broadway shows. 

Ambassador

Michael Chapman

During his competitive years, Michael won several titles including 2x Canadian Exhibition Champion, 2x World Open Professional Exhibition Champion and US Pro/Am Grand Champion.

Organizer of the Millennium Dancesport Championships, New Orleans Open and the Hollywood Dancesport Championships.  Michael is an award-winning choreographer, coach and international adjudicator. He has brought two ballroom dancing series to television (The Dance League, Triple Threat) with Sinclair Broadcasting. A Tony Award winner, Michael is a producer of multiple shows for Broadway including Beetlejuice, Becoming Nancy, Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish and Plaza Suite starring Matthew Broderick & Sarah Jessica Parker.

Host/MC

Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy is a celebrated American ballroom dance champion, choreographer, and judge, best known for her vibrant presence on the television show "So You Think You Can Dance." With a career that spans over competitive ballroom dancing and choreography, Murphy has not only won numerous dance titles but has also made significant contributions to dance education through her dance studio, Champion Ballroom Academy in San Diego. Her distinct, enthusiastic judging style, marked by her trademark scream, has endeared her to fans worldwide. Beyond the dance floor, Murphy's life story includes overcoming a thyroid cancer diagnosis, showcasing her resilience and passion for dance.

Host/MC

Billy Flanigan

Billy Flanigan, a Boston Conservatory of Music alumnus with a BFA in Musical Theater, has built a remarkable career at Walt Disney World, featuring in shows like "Tarzan Rocks" and "Finding Nemo the Big Blue and Beyond." Notably, he played Ken in "The Magical World of Barbie." Billy's talent also shines on screen, with appearances in "Dream Trap," "Superboy," and "From The Earth To The Moon." His life and 41-year Disney career are spotlighted in the Prime Video documentary "Billy Flanigan, The Happiest Man on Earth," which also covers his pandemic-inspired Flanigrams. Offstage, Billy is a proud father and grandfather to four children, two daughter-in-laws, and three grandchildren.