Luann D'Agostino Manley
Owner / Instructor

Luann has been dancing since childhood with 15 years of classical ballet, tap, and jazz and many years of community theater work.  She started her Ballroom career in 1989 as a student, competitor, and then instructor with the Arthur Murray Studio in Wilmington.  Leaving the Arthur Murray Studio (then Candlelight Dance Studio) in 2006, she opened the original Take The Lead in Wilmington (Pike Creek) in 2006, moving the Studio to it's current Hockessin location in 2009.  She sold TTL in 2014 only to return as the owner in 2024.  With 30 years of ballroom experience, Luann teaches primarily Social Ballroom and Latin Dances sharing her continued passion for dance with all of her students.

Douglas Manley
Instructor

Doug started dancing as part of the University of Delaware ballroom dance team in 2004.  He later taught at Crystal Dansport under Pete Taylor.

Doug is a “hard work” dancer; no part of dance comes naturally to him, so he completely understands anyone who struggles with posture, footwork, connection, and musicality.

Joe Figueroa
Instructor
Currently one of the most sought after salsa / bachata instructor in the industry today. A professional dancer since his teens, Joe has pushed the boundaries of the dance world with his exciting and innovative style of Latin Dance. Joe began his career as a professional dancer for MTV Studios. In 2000, this accomplished artist and choreographer transitioned his passion and talent to the art of salsa dancing and quickly became a prominent figure on Philadelphia's burgeoning salsa scene with his unique body movement and choreography.

Known as a premiere salsa instructor and performer, Joe has trained under the guidance of Rogelio Moreno, Jesus Morales, Josie Neglia, world-renowned salsa dancer Alex DaSilva, as well as with master salsa instructors in London, Milan and Australia. Joe combined his extensive knowledge of dance and creativity to develop a distinctive style of dance known as “Philly Style ” — an explosive salsa and Bachata style that combines smooth moves with sharp, complicated turn patterns. This unique style has earned Joe the reputation as one of the Worlds Best Leads.

Nicole Domenic
Instructor
Nicole started her Ballroom career training and teaching with the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Wilmington.  Leaving the Arthur Murray Studio (then Candlelight Dance Studio) in 2005, she was one of the original owners/founders of the original Take The Lead in Wilmington (Pike Creek). She is now back teaching at the Hockessin Studio. Nicole teaches Social Ballroom and Latin Dances, and is always ready to offer her special choreography to our many brides and grooms wanting to add a little flash to their big day.
 
Alexs Matias
Instructor
Alexs was born in New York but raised in Lima, Peru.  
 
Alexs has enjoyed social dancing for years and recently trained with master instructor, Joe Figueroa, to become an instructor for Salsa and Bachata.  We are thrilled that Joe recognized these special skills in Alexs and led him down this path. 
 
In addition to his dancing on the floor, Alexs, now a graduate student, spent much time as an undergrad researching dance.  He spent much of his time with dancers in different fields and conducted research that would lead to ankle injury prevention.
 
Alexs hopes to meet many people from different walks of life through teaching and listen to each of their stories. He strives to create an environment that grants students permission to be creative and express that creativity in their own unique style. His teaching philosophy is simple – to foster growth and encourage students to challenge themselves. He sincerely hopes his students learn and laugh a lot at each class and create lasting friendships and memories.
Rene Ostarek
Instructor

Rene and Brona have been dancing together for over 25 years. They began their careers in the Czech Republic at the tender ages of 8 and 10 respectively. In 1992, they partnered and competed as amateurs in both the International Latin and Standard styles winning titles in Latin, formation team match, and polka divisions. Turning professional in 1997, they soon became seven time Czech National Champions representing the Czech Republic at World and European Championships. In 2002, they immigrated to the United States and began teaching in Philadelphia. Now in Delaware, they teach both International and American styles. Rene and Brona now US Citizens have proudly represented the US in World Competitions.

Brona Vrtalova
Instructor
Rene and Brona have been dancing together for over 25 years. They began their careers in the Czech Republic at the tender ages of 8 and 10 respectively. In 1992, they partnered and competed as amateurs in both the International Latin and Standard styles winning titles in Latin, formation team match, and polka divisions. Turning professional in 1997, they soon became seven time Czech National Champions representing the Czech Republic at World and European Championships. In 2002, they immigrated to the United States and began teaching in Philadelphia. Now in Delaware, they teach both International and American styles. Rene and Brona now proudly represent the US in all World Competitions.
Milan Walker
Instructor

Milan was a competitive cheerleader and gymnast for 12 years and a gymnastics coach for the last 5 years.  She has been dancing Salsa and Bachata for several years and is now training as an instructor under our master instructor Joe Figueroa at Take The Lead. Milan has also expanded her interest in dance, training and teaching in both hip hop and heels dancing.

Look for Milan on the floor and behind our front desk. She will be bringing some fun workshops to TTL in the near future.

Ana Akarman
Instuctor

Ana is currently out of the country, teaching in China.