Staff Biographies

Shelley Fritz

Owner, Dance Instructor

Shelley Fritz, owner of The DelRay Ballroom, has taught dance and competed professionally since 1984. She opened her first studio, Brackhan Dance Directive, in 1994, and expanded seven years later when she opened The DelRay Ballroom in a renovated warehouse in the Historic Haymarket.

She has received numerous teaching and performing awards, including Top Teacher in both the Midwest and Northwest Regions, 1st Place in the Fred Astaire Midwest Regional Championships, and she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance with an emphasis in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

With her wide range of dance knowledge she has been fortunate to perform and compete nationally. She has also taught the joy and love of dance to children and teens in both her ballroom and the public schools. She is most happy, however, having a ballroom where she can encourage dance to flourish in the Lincoln community.

Dawn-Marie Lonowski

Dance Instructor

Dawn has been in love with all forms of art her entire life. She began performing in theatre productions at the age of nine, including the Yorkshire Playhouse production of “Annie.” In high school she performed with the Dukette Dance Squad, was a member of the Drama Club, One-Act play productions, and ART Club.

She began her journey into ballroom dance as an amateur at the DC Centre in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2010 Dawn turned professional when she accepted a teaching position at The DelRay Ballroom. Although she enjoys competing, it is performing showcases that really captivates her.

In her own time Dawn draws, writes, and does craft projects. Music is always playing like a soundtrack in her life and she listens to a very wide range of music. Her favorite movies are “Labyrinth” and “You’ve Got Mail,” and her favorite dances are Waltz, Cha Cha and Samba.

Dawn’s philosophy: “Dance like nobody’s watching, Love like you’ve never been hurt, Sing like nobody’s listening, and Live like there is heaven on earth.”

Nick Hernandez

Dance Instructor

Nick began his journey into partner dancing at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS at the age of 20. After acing the course and organizing outings to Kansas City and Lawrence, KS, Nick was invited to assist the instructor in teaching ‘Country and Social Dancing’.

Nick came on staff at The DelRay Ballroom in 2011 and enjoys teaching, performing, and hosting dances. He is especially fond of Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, and Salsa. 

In addition to expressing music through dance, Nick also enjoys making music. He played the bassoon from middle school through college, and added choir to his repertoire at Benedictine College. He currently likes going out to sing karaoke. 

When he is not dancing or singing, you might find Nick in northeast Lincoln where he serves as head of the Havelock Neighborhood Association and the Northeast Lincoln Partnership.

Nick’s philosophy: “Positivity matters!”