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 dancing 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. Him and his dance partner, Melanie LaPlatin, 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, to name a few. Tony had 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.”
We are proud to have Tony participate in Preciosa Invitational Coaching Series.