DFW Young & Social Instructors

Owner, Dance Instruction, & Event Host

Alexi, our master dance instructor, brings extensive professional training and a deep passion for teaching to every class. With expertise in over 25 dance styles, she ensures each class offers a clear and engaging understanding of the material for all participants. A dedicated social dancer since age 14, Alexi began her professional career in 2016, studying under renowned instructors like Natalia Lind and Michael Kuka. She has taught thousands of students and performed in numerous styles, finding special joy in working with beginners and witnessing their self-discovery.

Beyond her dance expertise, Alexi loves designing events that facilitate easy connections. Since founding her first social club in Los Angeles in 2015, she has hosted over 100 events, always aiming to foster genuine connections and inspire joy. Now, Alexi runs DFW Young & Social, which hosts over 400 events, classes, and mixers annually. At DFW Young & Social, Alexi’s mission is to create a vibrant community where people can learn, connect, and thrive through the power of dance. Join one of her classes to experience the passion, expertise, and warmth that Alexi brings to our community.

Owner & Event Host

As the primary host, Marco facilitates check-in, welcomes members, and helps guide the flow of each event, ensuring the atmosphere is both seamless and inviting. He attends every gathering, either supporting or leading, and acts as the central point of contact for collaborations, partnerships, and future expansion. More than logistics, Marco views each event as an opportunity to build meaning through shared experience. His guiding belief is that connection is what gives life its depth, and he brings relentless dedication to making every class, mixer, and social a place where people can belong.

Beyond that he also oversees the full design and operations of DFW Young & Social. With a background at Southwest Airlines and Ericsson, he developed expertise in building teams, managing strategy, and creating environments where people can thrive. At the club, he applies those skills to every detail behind the scenes, from event creation and set design to AV tech, supply sourcing, and financial management. He also leads the creative side of the community, designing flyers, social media campaigns, and event materials that capture the energy of the group while ensuring its long-term growth and stability.

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Chelsea is a jack-of-all-trades, eager to try any activity. With over 8 years of experience in fitness instruction, she’s been a physical therapy technician, personal trainer, running coach, and group exercise instructor. Chelsea also practices martial arts and participates in social dance and Japan’s group dance style, yosakoi. She believes in healthy living and community involvement.

ZUMBA DANCE INSTRUCTOR (Member)

After taking her first Zumba class in 2019 she immediately fell in love and became a Zumba instructor at Crunch Fitness in 2021. Her classes emphasize creating connection and having fun while engaging in a full-body dance workout. Outside of Zumba, April is currently a CMHC student at Tarleton. She enjoys events planning, boardgames, social dancing, art projects, trying new activities, and sharing mediocre dad jokes.

ART & LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR (Member)

Hailing from vibrant South America, Maria is a dedicated instructor of Spanish and Clay Sculpting. A true enthusiast of art and languages, she delights in teaching both individuals and groups, skillfully tailoring the curriculum to each class. Her enthusiasm and creativity make every lesson a unique journey of discovery.

LEATHER WORKING INSTRUCTOR

Sharena is a dedicated leather tooling instructor. Despite no formal artistic background, her quest for creativity led her to leather tooling. Though early in her journey, she loves teaching this craft to others. Sharing the joy of leather crafting is deeply rewarding for her, proving creativity can thrive at any stage of life.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Crystal is an adventurer at heart, with a passion for movement, wellness, and community. Whether leading a yoga class, scaling a climbing wall, or diving into dance and acroyoga, Crystal thrives on staying active and trying new things. Outside of DFW YAS, she’s actively involved in various organizations that enrich the community, fostering connections and promoting well-being. Crystal brings a blend of mindfulness and playfulness to all her pursuits, always embracing curiosity and adventure in everything she does. Feel free to follow her on Instagram to see what she’s up to!

DUNGEON & DRAGONS
RESIDENT DUNGEON MASTER

Andrew is a multi-talented creator who has dedicated himself to the art of storytelling and world-building. As a registered Dungeon Master with the Adventurers Guild, he has led countless campaigns, guiding players through a variety of unique and immersive settings. ​When he's not busy crafting epic adventures, Andrew channels his creativity into his other passions. He is a writer, artist, and musician who enjoys creating music and spending time in nature, camping under the stars. His diverse skills and love for adventure make him a true modern-day bard, bringing stories to life through various mediums.

DFWYAS RUN CLUB HOST

He discovered running in Philadelphia about seven years ago, where it quickly became a way to clear his head, enjoy the outdoors, and stay active. Joining local run groups showed him how powerful running can be for building community, inspiring him to start a more social club here in Irving. Originally from India and raised in Nigeria, he has also lived in India and Philadelphia before settling in Dallas five years ago. Outside of running and his career in banking, he enjoys dancing, scuba diving, kickboxing, photography, drone videography, traveling, and building with Legos.

DFWYAS RUN CLUB HOST

Running has been a source of comfort and connection for Kumaran as he navigated frequent relocations in his academic life. Through run clubs, he found a sense of community and the encouragement to grow as an athlete. Now, at DFWYAS Run Club, he helps both new members and regulars feel welcome and confident by organizing pace groups, fostering a supportive atmosphere, and offering tips to make running a more enjoyable practice. Outside of running, he enjoys yoga, science, and experimenting with colorful nail art.