Meet Our Staff

Instructor

Theresa has been dancing ballroom for nearly 20 years and has spent much of her life sharing her love of dance with others. Before joining R&J Ballroom, she taught line dancing for many years, building the upbeat, welcoming teaching style that students know and love today.

For the past 5 years, Theresa has been an important part of the R&J Ballroom team. Her energy, positivity, and genuine passion for helping people feel comfortable on the dance floor make her a favorite among students of all experience levels.

Theresa especially enjoys working with wedding couples, creating choreography that feels elegant, natural, and easy to enjoy on such an important day. Her ability to make dancing feel approachable helps couples relax, have fun, and feel confident together.

In addition to teaching, Theresa has also made a strong impact as a competitor and team leader within the studio community. She won R&J Ballroom’s 2025 Team Match, and one of her crews went on to win the 2026 Crew Battle.

Whether she’s teaching beginners, coaching wedding couples, or cheering on students at events, Theresa brings enthusiasm, encouragement, and a true love for dance into every lesson. We’re incredibly grateful to have her as part of the R&J Ballroom family.

Instructor 

Brendan (“B”) views dance as a constantly evolving art form — something that can always be refined, explored, and understood more deeply. What first drew him to dancing was the endless opportunity for growth, creativity, and self-expression, and that same passion continues to drive him today as both a teacher and competitor.

Since joining R&J Ballroom, Brendan has become known for his intense focus, dedication, and desire to continually improve. In 2025, he officially made his debut on the professional competitive dance floor, beginning his career in both Pro/Pro and Pro/Am competition. His commitment to training and growth has made him an exciting rising talent within the studio and competitive ballroom community.

As an instructor, Brendan enjoys helping students discover their own connection to dance while building confidence and skill along the way. Whether working with brand-new beginners or more experienced dancers, he brings enthusiasm, patience, and a genuine love for learning into every lesson.

For Brendan, the journey of dance never truly ends — there is always something new to learn, experience, and share.

Co-Owner / Coach / Education Manager

Jonathan Green began dancing in 2006 at the age of 16 and quickly discovered a passion not only for dancing, but for teaching and building community through dance. Early on, he founded ballroom dance clubs at both Canton McKinley and GlenOak High Schools, helping introduce young dancers throughout the area to ballroom dance.

Over the years, Jonathan has traveled across the United States competing in many of the country’s most prestigious ballroom competitions, earning numerous national and world titles for both himself and his students. His experience as both a competitor and instructor has helped shape the structured yet welcoming teaching approach that R&J Ballroom is known for today.

Alongside his wife Rachel, Jonathan co-founded R&J Ballroom with the vision of creating more than just a dance studio — a place where people of all experience levels can grow, connect, and become part of a supportive community. His passion for teaching extends beyond the studio as well, including scholarship programs, local school partnerships, teacher training, showcase events, and community outreach throughout the Canton area.

Now back in his hometown of Canton, Ohio, Jonathan is committed to helping make the area a growing hub for ballroom dance education, social dancing, and community. Whether working with beginners taking their very first steps or advanced students pursuing competitive goals, his mission remains the same: to help people discover confidence, joy, and connection through dance.

Co-Owner / Coach / Academy Professor

Rachel Green is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Musical Theatre Dance and has dedicated her life to both performing and teaching dance. Her background includes work in multiple styles and disciplines, giving her a unique ability to connect strong technical training with creativity, expression, and real-world teaching experience.

Rachel is a former member of Dancing Wheels Company, a professional modern dance company based in Cleveland, and previously served as the Dance Department Coordinator for the Solon Center for the Arts. She began studying ballroom dance while attending the University of Akron and has now taught ballroom throughout Northeast Ohio for well over fifteen years.

As a competitor, Rachel earned several American Rhythm Professional Rising Star titles alongside her partner — and now husband — Jonathan Green. She is also certified in both American Rhythm and American Smooth through the DVIDA syllabus system.

Today, Rachel co-owns R&J Ballroom with Jonathan and plays a major role in the studio’s growth, organization, and day-to-day operations. Known for her supportive teaching style, attention to detail, and ability to connect with students of all levels, Rachel has helped countless dancers build confidence both on and off the dance floor.

Whether working with wedding couples, social dancers, performers, or competitive students, Rachel brings warmth, professionalism, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed through dance.