Meet the Dancers

Annette Lindeman, Executive Director of Women's Services

I am so excited to have the opportunity to dance this year for Lovelace Women's Hospital. I relocated to Albuquerque a year ago and I am so invested in my role at Women's Hospital and Westside Hospital, which has given me the opportunity to serve this great community. I've had a wonderful time practicing for the Duke City Dance Off with Randy Piatt from The Dance Studio and we are ready to win! See you all there!

Randy Piatt, The Dance Studio

Marissa Torres, Reporter, KOB

Hi Everyone!! I couldn't be happier to be participating in this years' Duke City Dance-Off Competition for Lovelace Women's Hospital. I moved to Albuquerque in September to be an anchor/reporter for KOB Eyewitness News 4. I have had a great time exploring the Land of Enchantment- it's so different than my Midwest stomping grounds! I was born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, went to the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and spent my first job in Central Illinois. Now, I am ready for my next challenge- the Cha-cha! Look forward to seeing you at the event! For Lovelace Women’s Hospital’s Day of Dance, I am competing with Joe Moncada.

Joe Moncada, CSP Dance Studio

Joe Moncada, a native of El Paso, Texas, has been dancing since the age of 16. He started his career performing with the El Paso Association for the Performing Arts. He has danced and performed with the New Mexico Ballet Company, Ballet Theatre of New Mexico, Modern Dance Moving Company, People in Santa Fe, Baila! Baila! and Ballet Folklorico Rio Grande. Joe has competed in the professional American Rhythm division in Ballroom Dancing for 10 years, receiving awards such as top teacher for numerous Pro-Am Competitions with Fred Astaire Dance World and the NDCA. For Lovelace Women’s Hospital’s Day of Dance, he is competing with KOB anchor Marissa Torres.

Will Carr, General Assignment Reporter, KOAT

Will Carr joined the Action 7 News team in January 2010. As a general assignment reporter, you'll see him breaking stories and digging for answers in various newscasts throughout the week.

Previously, Will served as a reporter at WRCB-TV and WTVC-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee; he's also served as anchor, sports anchor, producer and photographer. He won the prestigious Esther Award in 2006.

As a reporter, Will meets a variety of people throughout the day and covers many different stories. Will's most memorable stories include deadly tornadoes that swept through Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama in 2008; mass flooding that left numerous families homeless; and a bombing at a Georgia law firm.

Will earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Georgia with a major in broadcast news and a minor in English. While a student, he also interned for well-known consumer reporter Clark Howard. (Will maintains that Clark taught him the true meaning of "frugal.")

Born in Atlanta, Will is a Southern boy at heart, but he is enjoying New Mexico's mild weather and beautiful landscapes. He enjoys exercising in the great outdoors, reading, writing, listening to jazz and cheering for his favorite sports teams -- both in Georgia and New Mexico.
For Lovelace Women’s Hospital’s Day of Dance, Will is competing with Patti Smith of CSP Dance Studio.

Patti Smith, CSP Dance Studio

Patti Smithhas been a professional, certified dance teacher for more than 10 years.  She enjoys teaching beginners as well as advanced students. "My philosophy is that fun should always be the No. 1 priority, and everything else will come with time." Patti also believes everyone is dancing for a different reason and it is her job to help her students meet their goals. Patti competes with her students in numerous NDCA and UCWDC competitions. For Lovelace Women’s Hospital’s Day of Dance, she is competing with KOAT reporter Will Carr.

Elias Gallegos, Face of FOX

Elias Gallegos is a home-grown actor who was born and raised in Santa Fe. Elias left his hometown to pursue a career in film and TV in Los Angeles, Calif., where he studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts West. Elias called Los Angeles home for more than 10 years, where he cut his teeth on stage, his first love. Over the years you may have seen him driving cars for Motor Trend Magazine or a commercial or two. Elias Gallegos has also been on “ER” and has appeared on Lifetime Television, but lately you can catch him on 2 Kasa FOX as he tackles one of his most challenging roles as the Face of FOX. I will never get used to talking about myself in the third person and I wanted to say I am very proud and excited to be a part of this year’s competition. I am competing with Charity Toya of Arthur Murray.

Charity Toya, Arthur Murray

Charity Toya has been with the Arthur Murray organization for 12 years. Besides being an accomplished teacher, she is currently the Counselor at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Albuquerque. She has been a finalist in both Rhythm and Smooth competitions.  She is a Northstar 9-Dance Champion. For Lovelace Women’s Hospital’s Day of Dance, she is competing with Elias Gallegos, the Face of Fox.

Danny Vigil, Executive Producer and Co-Host, “Morning Mayhem,” KKOB

My name is Danny Vigil and I am New Mexico – born and raised, I was born in Farmington and moved to Albuquerque when I was 1. Most of my family is from northern New Mexico in a small town called Chama. I went to Eldorado High School, and then on to the University of New Mexico where I graduated in 2010 with a degree in English and Communications. My favorite color is orange, I love Halloween, cold weather, long walks on the beach and candle light dinners! I have a small, girly dog named Dresden and am engaged to an amazing girl! I have been doing radio for about three years now. I started in promotions and eventually hard work and my passion for the business and music landed me a spot on the morning show as the Executive Producer and Co-Host of “Morning Mayhem.” Music is life to me and I love waking the 505 up with music and fun every morning on 93.3 KOB-FM!

For Lovelace Women’s Hospital’s Day of Dance Duke City Dance-Off, I’ll be dancing with Kim Piatt from The Dance Studio.

Kim Piatt, The Dance Studio

Heather Mills, Anchor/Reporter, KOB

Heather Mills is an anchor/reporter for KOB-TV. She came to New Mexico in March of 2011 from Wichita Falls, Texas, but is no stranger to the Southwest. Heather was born in Tucson and has lived in Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles and Denver. Heather trained with the Colorado Ballet and danced for a few modern companies in college. She was even a top contender for Miss San Diego and Miss Southern California with a routine she danced en pointe. Heather says ballroom dance is a whole new experience and that it's been a long while, but she's excited to dust off her dancing shoes and learn some new moves! For Lovelace Women’s Hospital’s Day of Dance, she is competing with Chip Hindi of Enchantment Ballroom.

Dawn Davide, Owner, La Bella Spa Salon and Homes by Dawn Davide

Dawn Davide has spent much of her life in New Mexico, but she has traveled the world in the name of style. Dawn has owned a luxury salon on Wall Street, lugged antiques across oceans and through rain forests, and styled hair on stage as a platform artist. These days, as owner of La Bella Spa Salon, she spends her time helping Albuquerqueans look and feel their best. As owner of Homes by Dawn Davide, Dawn has also built dozens of custom homes in New Mexico – proving that her keen eye for class extends far beyond the salon chair. Dawn is paired with Chip Hindi of Enchantment Ballroom and is eager to direct her natural sense of style and flair to the art of dance.

Chip Hindi, Enchantment Dancing

Chip Hindi has been teaching dance for 21 years and has been the proprietor of Enchantment Dancing for 12 years. He is trained under the DVIDA syllabus and the ISTD syllabus for any dance level. Chip was the recipient of the “Top Professional” award and voted “Favorite Professional” at the People’s Choice Dancesport Championship.

In order to provide the most outstanding, comprehensive ballroom dance instruction around, Chip undergoes regular training to improve his technique and instructional methods. The dedication of Chip and his staff to the craft has earned Enchantment Dancing the title of ‘Top Studio in the U.S.’ in the People’s Choice Dancesport Championship.

For Chip, teaching dance is a way to positively contribute to the community. It is a way to build relationships and to watch people grow and develop their gifts and passions. For the instructors at Enchantment Dancing it is incredibly rewarding to take part in developing students’ talents and to see them take pride in their skills.

The philosophy of Enchantment Dancing is this: do what you love with integrity and passion, and success will follow.

For Lovelace Women’s Hospital’s Day of Dance, Chip is paired with both Dawn Davide and KOB anchor Heather Mills.

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