Biographies

Melanie is a native New Yorker who is in high demand as a coach of top dancers around the world and as a choreographer for actors in film, television and Broadway.  She has choreographed and appeared on film in such major motion pictures as “Dance with Me,” “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “Let It Be Me,” “The Last Days of Disco,” and “What To Expect When You’re Expecting.”  She has appeared as a choreographer on FOX's “So You Think You Can Dance” and “So You Think You Can Dance Canada,” and has also choreographed couples for “Dancing With the Stars.”

She recently wrapped filming for the movie “Leading Ladies,” in which she not only serves as choreographer, but stars as Sheri Campari, a mother who swears off men and lives vicariously through her daughters.  In 2008, she choreographed a photo shoot for Harper's Bazaar called "Dancing with the Designers" that featured Jessica Biel and high-end designers Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Zac Posen.

Champion dancer and choreographer, Tony has been behind the scenes as well as made appearances in various films, TV shows, and Broadway, including feature film performances in “Dance with Me,” “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “Let It Be Me,” and “The Last Days of Disco.” 

Tony started to dance as a toddler while growing up in Samoa, surrounded by the sounds of drums, guitars, and ukuleles.  He credits American Bandstand and Soul Train for helping him to hone his skills and to keep up with the latest moves.  Tony met Melanie in San Diego in 1981 where they began their professional partnership which has lasted over 30 years.

Tony is also known for co-hosting seasons 1 and 2 of the PBS series “America's Ballroom Challenge” with Marilu Henner, and has appeared as a guest choreographer on FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance.”

About Them

World renowned choreographers and artistic directors, Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin have won the world’s most prestigious ballroom dance titles and have choreographed some of the most memorable pieces of dance for both film and television.

Whether you caught any of their pieces on “So You Think You Can Dance,” remember a certain sexy dance scene from “The Thomas Crown Affair,” or a spectacular competitive ballroom dance scene in “Dance With Me,” their work speaks for itself. 

Known in the dance world as “America’s best loved couple,” as well as changing the style of Latin American ballroom dance forever, Tony and Melanie have been recognized for their passion, dedication, artistry, knowledge, and originality.

Tony and Melanie have represented the United States for over a decade in the World Latin American Dance Championships and have taken home over 100 championship titles.  Some titles include:  The United States Professional Latin American Championships, North American Latin Championships, American World Swing and Cabaret Championships, Latin World Cup Championships, Dancesport World Cup Championships, Latin World Trophy Championships, Dirty Dancing Championships, and three time winners of the Championship Ballroom Dancing competition sponsored by PBS.

Upon retiring from the demands of  the competitive dance floor in 1999, Tony and Melanie continue to choreograph for film, television, Broadway, and a new generation of competitive dancers as well as celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan, Renee Russo, Vanessa L. Williams, Tim Robbins. Cameron Diaz, Megan Mullaley, Matthew Morrison, Susan Sarandon, Jessica Biel, Lisa Lampanelli, Steven Dorff, Patrick Stewart, Leslie Caron, Jennifer Beals, Campbell Scott, Rob Schneider, Barbara Walters, and more.

Dance Times Square

Dance Times Square is New York City's premiere Latin and Ballroom Dance Studio created and developed by Tony and Melanie themselves.  The studio is conveniently located in the heart of Times Square where you will regularly find Tony and Melanie choreographing for movies, Broadway shows, and coaching some of the most talented dancers in the world.

Dance Times Square has assembled many of the finest instructors and performers from all over the world. Whether you are looking to feel natural and comfortable in a nightclub, seeking to compete at the highest level of competitive danceSport, or simply desiring a new dynamic way to stay in shape and relieve stress, we invite you to join us in our exquisite ballroom to explore the passion, grace, and fun of Latin and Ballroom dancing.