Tess and Souhad

This dynamic duo brings more than 47 years of experience. Known for their attention to detail and caring personalities, Tess and Souhad make learning to dance easy and fun. They have 3 sons and are immersed in their community as volunteers and mentors to many.

“As the owners and main instructors of Sarabay, we have a long-standing reputation in the Bradenton area for quality and personalized instruction. We pride ourselves on having a caring, friendly atmosphere with a relaxed and fun feel.”
Memberships and Accomplishments:

 

  • Longtime Community Volunteers as "Business Partners in Education” teaching the art of ballroom dancing to over 5000 students in five area public schools over the last 25 years
  • Florida State Ballroom Championships Top Female Teacher Awards
  • United States Pro/Am Ballroom Championships Top Teacher Awards
  • Awarded District Wide Partner of the Year 2001, 2008, 2018
  • Instructors of the Manatee County Cotillion Club
  • Members of the National Dance Council of America
  • Instructors for the MHS Ballroom Club
  • Proud owners of Sarabay Dance Club for the last 36 years
  • Named Manatee County Volunteer of the Year 2016
  • 2022 Manatee Arts Education Council Dance Education Award

 

Tess and Souhad

Xander

Xander Chawi, a 32-year-old Bradenton native, has been dancing for over 20 years with a passion for Ballroom—especially Latin styles. A proud graduate of the University of Central Florida, Xander is also a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant and the co-owner of One Place Physical Therapy in University Park. At Sarabay, he plays a key role in the studio’s celebrated Youth Program and is known for bringing fresh choreography and up-to-date club-style dance knowledge. With his fun, approachable personality, Xander is a valued member of the Sarabay team and a favorite among students of all ages.

A man and a woman are dancing on a wooden floor.
A bride and groom are dancing together at their wedding reception.
A man and a woman are posing for a picture in a ballroom.
A man is holding a woman in his arms while dancing in front of a building.
A man and a woman are dancing on a dance floor
A group of people are dancing on a dance floor

Chris

Chris Chawi is a dynamic Hip Hop specialist, choreographer, and music editor currently based in North Carolina. A proud 2012 graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing and Management, Chris has been dancing on and off throughout his life. His impact on Hip Hop instruction in Manatee County is deeply valued, and his time at Sarabay left a lasting impression—our former students continue to hold a special place in our hearts.


Chris received his dance education in Los Angeles, training at world-renowned studios such as Monsters of Hip Hop, Movement Lifestyle, Millennium Dance Complex, Debbie Reynolds Studio, and Broadway Dance Center. He had the honor of dancing in music videos for Chris Brown and choreographing for the band Great Good Fine OK. These experiences helped him develop a distinctive style of movement inspired by the best in the industry.


Though he now focuses on his successful career as a music editor—collaborating with top dance teams across the U.S.—Chris's unforgettable choreography and powerful teaching style remain an important part of Sarabay’s legacy. Check out Chris's online dance portfolio at www.youtube.com/user/Chawi1 and enjoy some of the highlights of his dance career.

Chris
A group of people posing for a picture in a room
Chris Chawi