MEET OUR TEAM
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Ballroom Director
Youth A Team Coach
Junior A Team Coach
Karate Instructor
Ryan Podzikowski is a multifaceted educator with a passion for dance and martial arts. As a Ballroom Dance Instructor, Ryan shares his knowledge and expertise with his students, empowering them to refine their technique and artistry.
Ryan was a member of the prestigious BYU Ballroom Dance Touring Company for four years, where he honed his skills and performed in front of audiences around the world; including countries such as England, Scotland, Wales, Chile, Argentina, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and throughout the United States. He competed with BYU at both the 2016 and 2019 Blackpool Dance Festivals. His own dance accomplishments include placing in national finals in International Ballroom, International Latin, and American Smooth as well as placing second in the United States National Amateur Cabaret Championships.
Ryan has directed the Island Style Youth and Junior A teams for over seven years, leading them to many Division 1 (top 6) placements at the United States National Championships. In 2024, his Junior A team placed 2nd in the nation in both their Latin and Ballroom medleys. Since graduating, Ryan has also taught Silver and Gold level Ballroom and Social Dance classes at Brigham Young University.
Ryan dedicates himself as a lifelong learner, ensuring he provides the highest quality instruction to his students. He continues to train in International Ballroom, International Latin, and American Smooth. He also recently passed his ISTD Examinations in International Latin.
Ryan has been accepted into a Master of Fine Arts program in Dance at Montclair State University, marking the next chapter in his dance journey, which commences in June 2024.
Ryan’s diligent pursuit of excellence in martial arts culminated in his attainment of a second-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. This rigorous training has not only honed his physical abilities but also instilled within him a sense of discipline and focus. These qualities extend beyond the dojo into every aspect of Ryan’s life.
Ryan is always striving to help his students reach their full potential. He believes that everyone has the ability to succeed and grow, and he works tirelessly to help his students unlock their talents and achieve their goals.
Ballroom Instructor
Diana and Bohdan Velykholova are a talented and accomplished ballroom dancing couple from Chernivtsi, Ukraine. Starting their dancing careers at ages 4 and 7, respectively, they quickly excelled in the world of ballroom dance. From ages 9 to 13, they competed with a studio ballroom formation team, achieving success in international competitions held in Poland, Moldova, Romania, and Austria.
Diana’s talent and dedication led her to begin teaching dance at just 14 years old, sharing her passion with others from an early age. By the time they were 15, both Diana and Bohdan were recognized for their exceptional skills and were awarded the prestigious title of Candidate Masters of Sports of Ukraine.
In 2010, they fulfilled their dream of opening a ballroom dance school in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, where they have since devoted more than 18 years to teaching and inspiring students of all ages, ranging from 3 to 40 years old. Their expertise and guidance have produced outstanding results, having trained 12 candidates for masters of sports of Ukraine, 2 masters of sports of Ukraine, and 2 honored masters of sports of Ukraine.
As licensed international ballroom judges, Diana and Bohdan have played an integral role in various competitions, lending their expertise and contributing to the growth of the dance community. They have also organized numerous dance seminars, camps, and master classes, sharing their knowledge and inspiring dancers to reach new heights.
Their son, Davyd, carries on the family legacy with incredible talent and determination. At just 8 years old, he has already achieved the title of WDC AL Latin and Ballroom Under 8 World Champion.
Diana and Bohdan’s motto, “never give up,” encapsulates their teaching philosophy. They strive to provide their students with the same level of instruction and inspiration they would want for their own children, fostering a nurturing and empowering learning environment.
Ballroom Instructor
Diana and Bohdan Velykholova are a talented and accomplished ballroom dancing couple from Chernivtsi, Ukraine. Starting their dancing careers at ages 4 and 7, respectively, they quickly excelled in the world of ballroom dance. From ages 9 to 13, they competed with a studio ballroom formation team, achieving success in international competitions held in Poland, Moldova, Romania, and Austria.
Diana’s talent and dedication led her to begin teaching dance at just 14 years old, sharing her passion with others from an early age. By the time they were 15, both Diana and Bohdan were recognized for their exceptional skills and were awarded the prestigious title of Candidate Masters of Sports of Ukraine.
In 2010, they fulfilled their dream of opening a ballroom dance school in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, where they have since devoted more than 18 years to teaching and inspiring students of all ages, ranging from 3 to 40 years old. Their expertise and guidance have produced outstanding results, having trained 12 candidates for masters of sports of Ukraine, 2 masters of sports of Ukraine, and 2 honored masters of sports of Ukraine.
As licensed international ballroom judges, Diana and Bohdan have played an integral role in various competitions, lending their expertise and contributing to the growth of the dance community. They have also organized numerous dance seminars, camps, and master classes, sharing their knowledge and inspiring dancers to reach new heights.
Their son, Davyd, carries on the family legacy with incredible talent and determination. At just 8 years old, he has already achieved the title of WDC AL Latin and Ballroom Under 8 World Champion.
Diana and Bohdan’s motto, “never give up,” encapsulates their teaching philosophy. They strive to provide their students with the same level of instruction and inspiration they would want for their own children, fostering a nurturing and empowering learning environment.
Pre-Teen A Team Coach
Hula Team Coach
Kelani Schultz is a versatile dancer with a wide range of training and experience in various styles of dance. She started dancing at the young age of three and hasn’t stopped since.
Kelani’s training began with the rich culture of Polynesian dance, where she honed her skills in the traditional styles of Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Maori dance. She also trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop – developing a strong foundation in technique and artistry.
As a seasoned ballroom dancer, Kelani has earned a number of accomplishments. As a former member of the BYU Ballroom Touring Company, Kelani showcased her exceptional talent and passion for dance to audiences throughout the United States. Her experience includes training and competing in all five styles of competitive ballroom dancing; including International Ballroom, International Latin, American Smooth, American Rhythm, and Cabaret / Theater Arts, where she has earned many awards – including second place in the United States National Youth Cabaret Championships. She has also placed as a national finalist in American Rhythm and as a finalist in various other competitions in multiple styles.
Despite her many achievements, Kelani remains humble and grounded, always seeking out new opportunities to refine her skills and expand her repertoire. She enjoys sharing her passion with others through her work as a dedicated instructor and mentor, sharing her knowledge and experience with dancers of all levels and ages. Kelani continues to train and compete with her husband, Allen Schultz, in American Rhythm and International Latin.
In 2024, Kelani coached her Island Style Pre-Teen A Team to victory as the United States National Ballroom Formation Champions, a testament to Kelani’s ability to inspire excellence and achieve outstanding results in her coaching endeavors!
Pre-Teen B Team Coach
Savannah Espiritu is a seasoned dancer with 12 years of experience in various styles such as smooth, standard, Latin, and a bit of hip hop. She represented the United States at a world dance festival in China and recently achieved the 1st place title of British Latin Formation Champions at the 2024 Blackpool Dance Festival with the BYU Ballroom Touring Company.
Savannah’s passion for dance extends beyond her own performances to her role as a teacher. As she guides her students through their own dance journeys, Savannah takes joy in witnessing their growth, both as dancers and individuals. She believes in the transformative power of dance, not only in honing technical skills but also in fostering confidence, discipline, and self-expression.
Savannah loves dancing and teaching because it brings happiness to herself and others. Seeing the delight on her students’ faces as they learn and perform is one of her favorite parts of being a teacher. She believes in the power of dance to spread joy beyond the studio, touching the hearts of audiences and creating meaningful connections. For Savannah, the simple act of sharing the love of dance is a source of deep fulfillment and purpose.
As a member of our Island Style staff, Savannah helped lead the Island Style Pre-Teen A Team to victory as the Ballroom Formation Champions at the 2024 United States National Formation Championships.
Pee Wee Team Coach
Mini Team Coach
Hula Team Coach
Leinani Metler is a highly skilled dancer and teacher who has dedicated her life to the art of dance. She discovered her passion for dance at the tender age of two and has been honing her craft ever since. Her main area of expertise is in Polynesian dance, in which she has over thirty four years of experience. Her extensive knowledge and talent in this field have allowed her to perform on stages across the United States with her family performing group.
In addition to her expertise in Polynesian dance, Leinani also trained in ballroom dance and was a member of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company for two years while attending Brigham Young University.
Leinani’s diverse training has equipped her with a versatile skill set that she has utilized to become an outstanding teacher. She has taught dance for over twenty years and has a particular passion for teaching young children. Her ability to connect with her students and create a positive learning environment has earned her a reputation as a fantastic teacher.
Youth B Team Coach
Allen Schultz is a seasoned ballroom dancer with diverse experience and achievements. For three years, Allen honed his dance skills at Provo High School, participating in the ballroom dance formation teams. Continuing his journey at Brigham Young University, he spent another three years as a member of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company, honing his experience as a formation dancer as well as complementing his training with diverse technique classes.
Allen has also trained and competed individually in International Latin, American Rhythm, International Ballroom, and American Smooth, reflecting his versatility and dedication to mastering various facets of the art form. Allen’s competitive accomplishments include placement as a national finalist in American Rhythm, and placing as a finalist in various other competitions in multiple styles.
Transitioning from competitor to mentor, Allen has found profound fulfillment in his role as a ballroom teacher. He derives great joy from witnessing the growth and progress of his students, fostering their development both as dancers and individuals. Underscoring his own dedication to being a lifelong learner, Allen has successfully passed ISTD examinations in the International Ballroom style, cementing his credentials as a knowledgeable and skilled educator.
Currently, Allen is embarked on an exciting chapter of his dance journey, competing alongside his wife, Kelani. Their partnership on the dance floor is a testament to their shared passion and commitment to the craft.