Mucho Gracias to those who joined me to celebrate Cinco de Mayo…
.
.
May 062024
May 6, 2024
No Responses »
See Less Story Details (Tiles View)
News & Stories from Gia Viseli
Apr 032024
No “shananigans” — just fun dancing at our belated St. Patrick’s Day party.
April 3, 2024
No Responses »
Apr 032024
Great Competition in Rome, Italy! Congratulations to my two students who were the best part of this “Dance as Fire” Championship.
Cloudia Doniat won:
- 1st place Closed Bronze American Smooth Scholarship.
- 1st place Closed Bronze American Smooth RS Championship.
- 1st place Closed Bronze International Standard Scholarship
- *1st place Closed Bronze International Standard Championship
- *1st place Closed Bronze International Standard RS Championship
- *2nd place Closed Bronze American Smooth 2 Dance Challenge
- *2nd place Closed Bronze American Smooth 3 Dance Challenge.
Karen Rhew-Miller, at her very first Competition, won:
*1st place Closed Bronze American Smooth 2 Dance Challenge
*1st place Closed Bronze American Smooth 3 Dance Challenge
*1st place American Smooth RS Championship.
*1st place Closed Bronze International Latin 2 Dance Challenge
*1st place Closed Bronze International Latin 3 Dance Challenge
Amazing results for those 2 ladies.
Thank you Alessia Manfredini and Massimo Giorgianni for this beautiful competition.
Thank you Gregory R. Miller for being with us and supporting us in everything and every moment.
. 
April 3, 2024
No Responses »
Feb 212024
. Love is in the air for our Valentine’s party — and I love seeing my students enjoy dancing — on this day and always.
February 21, 2024
No Responses »
Feb 122024
The Big Band Bash that Les DesMerle and his full band held on February 10th had 17 of us from the Studio enjoying the music and dance floor — all for a good benefit. Thank you, Les, and thank you students and spouses for joining me.
February 12, 2024
No Responses »
Feb 122024
Our Wednesday afternoon dance classes for the Amelia Island Newcomers’ Club is featuring Cha Cha (at 2PM) and Hustle (at 3). These ladies are learning lots of fun steps — and making my job as teacher easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ladies!
BTW — there’s always room for more dancers! We can catch you up quickly if you’d care to join us.
February 12, 2024
No Responses »
Jan 272024
It’s official! I am now a citizen of the United States! It’s been years in the making — and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to many friends and supporters. THANK YOU!
Karen, Greg, Claudia and Earlene brought me to the courthouse in Jacksonville where the Ceremony took place. People from 23 different countries became citizens — one from Georgia!
.
. The Judge congratulates me.
These students helped me celebrate that night.
January 27, 2024
No Responses »
Dec 292023
Thank you to my students who joined me December 26th for some holiday cheer on the dance floor.
. 
. 
December 29, 2023
No Responses »
Dec 182023
. Erma, Beverly and Claudia — true performers! I was very proud of each of you.
. 
. 
.
.
. 
December 18, 2023
No Responses »
Nov 242023
. Three little Indians???
.
We celebrated Paul’s birthday where he showed off his Swing moves to each and every lady attending the party as one by one, they cut in and danced with him.
I am so thankful to all my students who have helped me build the studio and who share my love of dance.
. Claudia and Jo add feathers to Gia’s costume
November 24, 2023
No Responses »
Nov 192023
Thank you very much, Julia, for this article — I am so thankful for you and all the students who have graced my dance floor. Sharing the joy of dance is my honor and privilege. Through dance, may we all become stronger, healthier, happier people!
November 19, 2023
No Responses »
Nov 082023
Congratulations to my beautiful students Lisa Rosenblum and Claudia Doniat for their great achievements at 2023 Constitution State Dancesport Championships.
Good job ladies! You both did a LOT of dances and were very successful. I am proud of you.
RESULTS for Lisa Rosenblum:
1st place- 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer International Latin. (Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba)
1st place- 4 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer International Latin (Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Jive)
2nd Place- 6 Dance Championship Closed Bronze (Cha Cha, Rumba Swing, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot)
2nd Place- 2 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Nightclub (Samba)
2nd Place – 4 Dance Championship Closed Bronze American Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero)
3rd Place- 4 Dance Championship Closed Bronze American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz)
RESULTS for Cloudia Doniat:
1st Place – 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer International Ballroom (Waltz, Tango, Quickstep)
1st Place – 4 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer International Ballroom (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep)
1st Place – 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze International Ballroom (Waltz, Tango, Quickstep)
1st Place- 6 Dance Championship Closed Bronze (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot)
1st Place- 2 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Nightclub (Samba)
1st Place – 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer American Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing)
1st Place- 4 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz)
1st Place- 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze Newcomer American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot)
2nd Place – 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze American Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing)
2nd Place – 3 Dance Scholarship Closed Bronze American Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing)
2nd Place – 3 Dance Scholarship Closed Bronze International Ballroom (Waltz, Tango,, Quickstep)
3rd Place- 3 Dance Championship Closed Bronze American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot)
3rd Place- 3 Dance Scholarship Closed Bronze American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot)
Thanks to beautiful Inna Ivanenko and Evgeny Dyachenko for hosting this beautiful competition.
November 8, 2023
No Responses »
Nov 082023
Thank you to this special student who asked for personalized choreagraphy at her birthday bash. She chose a dazzling Argentine Tango to entertain her guests. It was a wonderful party, Claudia — thank you!
. Sonny presents Claudia one of her many cakes.
Several members of Claudia’s family came to the island from Germany to help her celebrate. Here she is with her Mom — good looks clearly run in the family!
. Bob shows off HIS dance moves with Claudia.
Studio friends Beverly and Erma join me to toast our friend.
. Many studio “sisters” joined in the celebration.
Birthday girl and her hubby stand out in red with this crazy studio crowd
November 8, 2023
No Responses »
Nov 012023
. Karen and Greg win the prize for best costume
. Fangs a lot to you both!
. And the costume prize winners get this T-shirt!
. 
. 
Thank you to all my students for joining in the fun of this holiday — and for joining me
on the dance floor. It was a scary-good time!
November 1, 2023
No Responses »
Oct 022023
Patriotism ran high Friday night at the Studio as we danced in our red, white and blues.
. 
. 
.
. 
October 2, 2023
No Responses »
Aug 272023
THANK YOU to all who surprised me with this early birthday party — It was very, very special. Can’t believe you made Georgian food and even a Happy Birthday sign in my native language (not an easy task, for sure!).
Erma hand painted “Happy Birthday” in my native Georgian language onto this banner.
Students say ALL dancers want to be me — seriously?!?
The party’s line up
Claudia bends over backwards to please me when she dances — sometimes as least!
The support from these lovely ladies is amazing — and so appreciated.
August 27, 2023
No Responses »
Jul 312023
These student friends opted to beat the heat with me Friday night. How? We did some hot dance numbers in our cool, air-conditioned studio — with a Tropical Theme, of course. It was great fun — thank you for joining me!
July 31, 2023
No Responses »
Jul 012023
Gia proudly wearing the USA flag in front of the flag of his native country, Georgia. Lessons are still available throughout the holiday.
.THANK YOU to my students for joining me on the dance floor to kick off the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Sorry to miss some others who were traveling off the island — hope you return safely and enjoy this inspirational holiday.
July 1, 2023
No Responses »
Jun 042023
Special thanks to Ekaterine Archaia for organizing the International Dance Festival in my native country of Georgia. Everything was great — the panel of judges that I was honored to be part of, as well as the atmosphere of the event and all the participating dancers.
What a wonderful event with these people organizing and judging — I look forward to the privilege of judging again in the future.
June 4, 2023
No Responses »
May 062023
Muchas Gracias to all who made our Cinco de Mayo party soooooo much fun!
. Paul and Rana enjoying the dance floor together
. 
. 
Dance is truly an uplifting experience for some students!
May 6, 2023
No Responses »
May 032023
. 
Celebrating the Studio’s #2 year here on Amelia Island
I am so very grateful to all the wonderful people who joined me here on the dance floor over the past two years — and especially to those who surprised me with an incredible gift and party here on May 1st. Your generosity and support mean the world to me. You helped me through all the challenges that Covid brought to starting a new business. You shared your laughter and willingness to learn with me, and together, we have made the Studio a dynamic place to dance. THANK YOU!!!!
. 
. 
. 
. 
May 3, 2023
No Responses »
Apr 262023
. 
. Waltz was just one of the many dances these students did as they took to the floor during our “Waltz of the Flowers – themed” party on Friday.
Thank you all for coming out and sharing your love of dance with me!
April 26, 2023
No Responses »
Mar 182023
Thank you to all students to helped me celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
Lads and lassies alike seemed to enjoy dancing and partying at the studio. Slainte to all!
. 
. 
. 
.
March 18, 2023
No Responses »
Mar 032023
Thank you to all my students to attended our February Dance Party — you all did great!
Beverly, Lisa, Claudia, Erma, Claudia (the second!) with Gia
Erma and Gia enjoy a Swing dance
Couples coming for lessons now enjoy dancing at our parties.
March 3, 2023
No Responses »
Feb 122023
. 
. Thank you to my students who joined me at the Big Band Valentine Bash — a charity event organized by and featuring the Les DeMerle Orchestra. The music was wonderful! We also really enjoyed the silent auction and art auction. Hope the proceeds can help more budding young musicians on their path to success.
. 
. 
February 12, 2023
No Responses »
Feb 112023
The month of February celebrates Valentine’s Day — and all this month, you can treat YOUR special someone to this Valentine’s offer: 5 dance lessons for the price of 3. For $345, you and your Valentine will receive customized, private lessons in any of the many dance styles we teach. Come treat yourselves to a wonderful, romantic experience that will get your hearts beating and your feet moving in rhythm together.
February 11, 2023
No Responses »
Feb 082023
Some of my students joined me at the Ritz Carlton with past week to participate in the Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Gala. We were one of the many other businesses, large and small, that call Amelia Island home — and applauded those special few who were singled out to be recognized. Congrats to all!
We decorated a table with gift certificates, flowers, chocolates, coffee and more — hoping the winner of this centerpiece will become one of our studio family soon!
Here we are enjoying a delicious dinner together. Thank you to all my students who joined me for this occasion.
February 8, 2023
No Responses »
Jan 082023
Join us from 6 to 8 PM on January 20th for our HAPPY WINTER BLACK & WHITE PARTY. We are kicking off 2023 with this social event full of great music, fun dancing and friends new & old. Just $10 per person.
January 8, 2023
No Responses »
Dec 282022
Thank you to all my students to came to our Studio Christmas Party — You all brought lots of joy and cheer!
I wish you a very Happy New Year — and look forward to dancing with you in 2023!
December 28, 2022
No Responses »
Dec 272022
. 
I am so proud of these two students who competed in the North Florida Dance Challenge held here on the island at the Ritz Carlton this December.
. 
. 
.
Claudia Doniat — a newcomer to ballroom dance, made a strong debut — looking & performing like a pro! And, she brought home a medal!
. 
. 
Lisa Rosenblum — only her second time on the competitive dance floor — showed nerves of steel. She impressed the judges enough to win money in the Scholarship rounds.
Congratulations to both these lovely students! I am so proud to be your instructor, and I look forward to many more dances in our future.
December 27, 2022
No Responses »
Dec 062022
For those couples currently taking private lessons at the Studio, we are now offering a group practice class on Tuesday nights from 7 to 8 PM. Come practice your new moves and meet some new friends on the dance floor. This is a free opportunity to those couples taking lessons to get in some great practice time for you and your partner. Hope to see you there!
December 6, 2022
No Responses »
Dec 062022
Come kick up your heels and have some fun on Friday, December 23 from 6 to 8 PM as we celebrate the season in style. Bring a beverage of your choice and an appetizer to share, your dancing shoes, and some holiday spirit as we dance to some great music and party together. May the joy of the season bring us together and share some memorable moments. Happy Holidays!
December 6, 2022
No Responses »
Dec 062022
Give the gift that keeps them smiling from their nose to their toes — a gift certificate from Gia Viseli Dance Studio in Fernandina Beach. This special holiday offer gives you 6 private lessons and 6 group lessons for $450 — regularly $630. Don’t wait — limited supply. Order yours today at 302-252-8525.
December 6, 2022
No Responses »
Nov 012022
Thank you to all these lovely ladies for making Halloween at the studio so much fun!
5008FFB9-8279-48A4-B970-561DBF553DD6
November 1, 2022
No Responses »
Oct 212022
If you think you’d like to learn to dance, meet new people, exercise to terrific music, and enjoy the many health benefits of dance — why wait? Give us a call and you can begin learning immediately. Give us a call to find out more!
October 21, 2022
No Responses »
Oct 212022
…we can START in the studio, of course! Come learn a new dance and experience the joy of movement, the many health benefits of dance, and the fun of meeting kindred spirits.
October 21, 2022
No Responses »
Oct 162022
The ladies from the Newcomers Club of Amelia Island enjoy learning some fun new dance moves.
This club reserves time on Wednesday afternoons to have various members drop by the studio to dance. Instruction begins with everyone learning at once, together, and then Gia shows them how to apply the moves to dancing as a couple.
It was great to welcome some first-timers to the dance floor this week — and also see some returning friends
NOTE TO ANY OTHER PRIVATE GROUPS OR CLUBS: Do you need to get ready for some holiday or wedding dance event? Would your group of family, friends or neighbors like a personalized program to learn a dance or two? Call me to discuss what we could do for you!
October 16, 2022
No Responses »
Oct 102022
. Do you recognize this masked man????
. Or these lovely masked ladies?
October 10, 2022
No Responses »
Oct 092022
Students and friends danced up a storm at this year’s Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s Swing Party. Thanks to Les DeMerle and his band for helping us keep our feet in motion — and our hearts happy!
. 
.
October 9, 2022
No Responses »
Sep 192022
Hello Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach! I hope everyone had a great summer!
Ballroom & Latin Dance classes at GiaViseliDanceSport on 8th Street start back today, September 12.. I invite you all back to the dance floor to enjoy music and movement with me.
Monday and Thursday are Latin Dance Days — from 6 to 7PM we offer a beginner class and from 7 to 8PM and Advanced class.
And, as before, private lessons and couples lessons are available — call me for details. 302-252-8525.
What is missing on this dance floor? YOU!!!!
September 19, 2022
No Responses »
Sep 112022
Hope you all had a great summer! We are delighted to say our student, Lisa Rosenblum, represented us well at the Florida State DanceSport Competition in Sarasota (see earlier blog for details). Also, I traveled back to my home country of Georgia to visit friends and relatives there.
I am happy to be back in the Studio now, refreshed and ready to jump into new dance lessons and programs. Hope to see you on my dance floor soon!
. 
.
. 
September 11, 2022
No Responses »
Aug 272022
Would you like to learn to dance? No need to worry — we can teach you! Come see how enjoyable it can be!
Among the many dances we teach at the studio are: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, QuickStep, Viennese Waltz, Salsa, Bolero, Bachata, Mambo, Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and MORE! We also offer customized choreography for your special occasion: weddings, anniversaries, etc.
Hope to see you on our dance floor soon!
August 27, 2022
No Responses »
Aug 112022
The Studio will be closed until Monday, September 12 — we are busy traveling to Competition and then on vacation. Hope to see you all back on the dance floor in September!
August 11, 2022
No Responses »
Aug 102022
Congratulations to my student, Lisa Rosenblum, who attended this year’s Florida State Dancesport Championships in Sarasota, Florida. This prestigious event challenges professional dancers, amateur dancers and the combination of each called “Pro/Ams”– which describes how we competed.
Some dancers compete after years of study — Lisa set her sights on competing just a few months ago. Her results:
1st place — Closed Bronze in American Smooth 2-dance Championship (Waltz/Tango)
3rd place — Closed Bronze in American Smooth 3-dance Championship (Waltz/Tango/Foxtrot)
3rd place — Closed Bronze in American Smooth 4-dance Championship (Waltz/Tango/Foxtrot/Viennese Waltz)
3rd place — Closed Bronze in American Rhythm 2-dance Championship (Cha Cha, Rumba)
In the Newcomers’ Category, Lisa took first place in:
- American Swing
- American Bolero
- Mambo
in Pre-bronze level, she took 1st place in Cha Cha and Rumba, and in Full Bronze, she earned 1st place in American Mambo.
A special shout out of thanks to Earlene Zarrella and Cloudie Doniat — two others from the studio who came there to cheer Lisa on — what a wonderful show of support!
August 10, 2022
No Responses »
Jul 202022
From couples who have been together for years and years and want to prepare for a special occasion — or youngsters interested in learning some cool new moves on the dance floor — we can coach you to dance better than you ever thought possible. The benefits of dance are many: better balance, stronger muscles and bones, enhanced mental acuity, improved cardiovascular function, fun social times, and more. We offer individual instruction, couples’ lessons, group lessons, and personalized lessons for your own private club, family or group. Hope to see you on the dance floor soon!
July 20, 2022
No Responses »
Jul 022022
Congratulations to the delightful family of Ann Witham Moser who came to my studio as a private group to learn Salsa. What a privilege it was to teach you all! Thank you!
I would love to see more PRIVATE GROUPS coming to the studio — so if you would like to pull together some friends, family members, class mates, neighbors, club members or others — and come together to learn a specific dance, please contact me. You can soon be dancing Salsa, Bachata, Waltz, Tango, Argentine Tango, Foxtrot, QuickStep, Cha Cha, Rumba, Bolero, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Mambo, Samba or others. I’m happy to choreograph something special for you to your favorite song or one of mine.
July 2, 2022
No Responses »
Jun 282022
Lots of fun on the beach with some students as we listened to Salsa music in the sizzling sun at Peters Point. Hanging out with such nice people was a great way to spend a hot afternoon. Thanks, all!
June 28, 2022
No Responses »
Jun 202022
. It’s such a privilege to choreograph and teach the wedding dance — and this couple did a great job. You both were fast learners and put a lot of work — and heart — into it. The enthusiasm you brought to the dance floor was terrific!
Thank you for sharing photos of the special day, and I’m sure your first dance together as husband and wife was beautiful.. Congratulations and best wishes for your journey ahead together.
. This note touched my heart! Thank you!
June 20, 2022
No Responses »
May 162022
Our East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing classes — by popular demand — will continue through the end of June. Wednesday afternoon from 2 to 3 pm, we get into West Coast Swing. From 3 to 4, we dance East Coast Swing. It’s never too late to join in as we review material each session before moving on. Just $10 per person and you need not register, just “swing in!”
May 16, 2022
No Responses »
May 132022
Our Beginner-level Ladies’ Latin Dance classes (Mondays and Thursdays 6-7pm) will start fresh in June, and we’re looking for new adult beginners as our April and May Beginners will move to our Advanced classes (Mondays and Thursdays 7-8pm).
If you’re looking for a fun way to stay cool this summer (we have a spacious, air-conditioned studio), exercise to some fabulous Latin music, meet new friends and learn dance moves from such Latin favorites as Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba and Bachata, come join us. No experience necessary — this class is truly for beginners, so we will take “baby steps” in learning these Latin dances.
Gia, the instructor, shows you each move, puts them into a simple routine for the group to dance to and also shows you how each movement works in a couple dancing situation.
Come join the fun!
May 13, 2022
No Responses »