Our Story – Fabio & Jennifer Bonini

The Forever Dancing Ballroom story is built on passion, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to the art of dance. From humble beginnings to an internationally influenced career in partner dancing, Fabio and Jennifer Bonini have dedicated their lives to creating a dance studio where students of all levels can grow, connect, and experience the joy of movement.

Over the years, their journey has taken them across countries, stages, and competitions, shaping not only their professional careers but also the vision behind Forever Dancing Ballroom in Falls Church, Virginia. Today, their story continues to inspire a welcoming dance community built on excellence, artistry, and connection.

FABIO
BONINI

Early Life & Background

Born in Brazil, Fabio Bonini is the co-owner, founder, and Executive/Artistic Director of Forever Dancing, L.L.C., as well as Dancing Trips. Through these ventures, he leads a team of professional dance instructors dedicated to sharing the excitement and passion of both American and International Ballroom Dance.


Early Passion for Dance & Performance

From an early age, Fabio demonstrated a deep passion for performance. He began dancing at just 10 years old, rehearsing and performing in Carnaval shows in Brazil. As he continued to develop, he expanded his training by incorporating gymnastics, which enhanced his strength, flexibility, and overall performance quality.


Professional Growth & Reputation

Over time, Fabio built a strong reputation not only as a performer but also as a highly sought-after instructor and coach, particularly in Ballroom, Argentine Tango and Latin Club dancing (Salsa & Bachata). In fact, he is widely recognized as one of the leading coaches in these styles, known for his technical precision and expressive artistry.


Leadership & Vision at Forever Dancing

In addition to his teaching and performing career, Fabio plays a key leadership role in shaping the vision of Forever Dancing. Through his direction, the studio emphasizes high-level technique, artistic expression, and a strong sense of community, creating an environment where students can grow both technically and personally.


Event Creation & Community Impact

Furthermore, Fabio has made a lasting impact on the dance community as an event organizer. He is the co-organizer of two prestigious annual events: the DC Dance Challenge Competition, a vibrant and welcoming dance event held in Washington, D.C., and the DC Tango Weekend, which celebrates the beauty of Argentine Tango while bringing together instructors, students, and the local tango community. Together, these events foster connection, inspiration, and growth within the dance world.


Competitive Career & Experience

Meanwhile, Fabio has remained actively involved in competitive dance. He continues to perform and compete professionally, maintaining a career that spans more than 27 years. As a result, his dedication and experience continue to elevate his work both on and off the dance floor.


Teaching Philosophy & Ongoing Influence

Above all, Fabio is passionate about sharing his knowledge and inspiring others through dance. Through his teaching, coaching, and performances, he continues to shape not only his students’ technique but also their confidence, artistry, and love for dance.


Fabio Bonini Certifications

In addition to his extensive performance and coaching experience, Fabio Bonini holds several prestigious certifications that reflect his dedication to excellence and continued professional development. These credentials not only demonstrate his technical expertise, but also reinforce his commitment to the highest standards of dance education.

USISTD-Licentiate American Rhythm
USISTD-Theatre Arts
NDCA Pro/Am Dancesport American Smooth & Rhythm
NDCA Pro/Am Dancesport International Standard & Latin

Fabio Bonini Awards and Accomplishments

Education & Early Career

To begin with, Fabio built a strong academic and professional foundation:

  • 1995 – Graduated with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering
  • 1995–Present – Professional Instructor, Performer, Dancesport Competitor & Researcher of Partner Dancing

Early Achievements & Performances

Early in his career, Fabio quickly gained recognition in Brazil:

  • 1996 – Winner, São Paulo Samba Pagode Championship
  • 1996–1998 – Choreographed and performed on numerous television shows throughout Brazil
  • Additionally, worked with leading Brazilian dance companies as both teacher and performer

International Expansion & Teaching Career

As his career expanded internationally, Fabio brought his expertise to the United States:

  • 1998–2003 – Instructor & Performer at:
    • Strictly Ballroom – Dallas, TX
    • The Ballroom of Preston Center – Dallas, TX
    • The Ballroom Dance Company – Washington, DC

Entrepreneurship & Creative Projects

At the same time, Fabio began developing his own ventures:

  • 1998–Present – Founder of Dancing Trips, offering international dance experiences
  • 2005–Present – Founder of Forever Dancing Ballroom
  • 2010–Present – Co-owner of Forever Dancing Ballroom

Event Creation & Industry Leadership

Furthermore, Fabio has played a major role in building the dance community:

  • 2000–2002 – Organizer of the first International Ballroom Dance Competitions in Brazil
  • 2006–Present – Co-organizer of DC Tango Weekend
  • 2007–Present – Co-organizer of DC Dance Challenge Competition & Showcase

Professional Dance & Performances

Meanwhile, Fabio continued performing at a high level:

  • 2003–2015 – Principal Dancer with the National Touring Company of Quintango
  • 2005–2009 – Member of American Montage Dance Company (US & Canada tours)
  • 2006 – Principal Dancer, Mayor’s Arts Awards (Washington, DC)
  • 2008 – Principal Dancer, Hispanic Celebration for Homeland Security
  • 2011 – Principal Dancer, Lincoln Theater (Marion, VA) with Quintango Orchestra
  • 2012 – Principal Dancer, Roanoke Valley Star Ball
  • 2013–2014 – Performer & Instructor, DC Travel & Adventure Show

Top Teacher Awards & Competitive Recognition

In more recent years, Fabio has consistently been recognized as a top instructor:

  • 2013 – Roanoke Valley Star Ball – Top Teacher
  • 2014 – Virginia Beach Dance Challenge – Top Teacher
  • 2015 – Atlantic Dancesport Challenge – Top Teacher
  • 2015 – River City Ballroom Dance Competition – Top Teacher
  • 2019 – Nashville Ballroom Challenge – Top Teacher
  • 2019 – Atlantic Dancesport Challenge – Top Teacher
  • 2020 – Roanoke Valley Star Ball – Top Teacher

Recent Achievements (2021–Present)

Most notably, Fabio continues to earn top honors across major competitions:

  • 2021 – DC Dance Challenge – Top Teacher
  • 2021 – Augusta Dance Challenge – 2nd Place Top Teacher
  • 2021 – Baltimore Dance Challenge – Top Teacher
  • 2021 – Oklahoma Dance Challenge – 4th Place Top Teacher
  • 2021 – Destin Open Competition – 3rd Place Top Teacher
  • 2022 – Oklahoma Dance Challenge – 3rd Place Top Teacher
  • 2022 – Fort Lauderdale Classic – 3rd Place Top Teacher
  • 2022 – Augusta Dance Challenge – 3rd Place Top Teacher
  • 2022 – DC Dance Challenge – Top Teacher
  • 2024 – DC Dance Challenge – Top Teacher
  • 2025 – DC Dance Challenge & Showcase – Top Teacher
  • 2026 – Sarasota Dance Challenge – 2nd Place Top Teacher

Fabio has become a dance master based on his over 25 years of experience teaching thousands of people to dance different dances. Therefore, he is often invited to coach, judge, scrutineer, MC, DJ, & perform.  He is know by his ability to teach, his vast knowledge in partner dancing, and his ability to create exciting events for dancers.

JENNIFER
BONINI

Early Life & Background

Born in Santiago, Chile, Jennifer is the co-owner of Forever Dancing, LLC. At the age of 17, she moved to Miami Beach, Florida; subsequently, she lived in Gainesville, FL, and Atlanta, GA, before settling in Washington, DC, where she has resided for the past 24 years.


Leadership & Role at Forever Dancing

As a result of her diverse background and leadership experience, Jennifer now serves as co-owner, founder, and Executive Operations Manager of Forever Dancing. In this role, she is deeply committed to delivering the highest level of customer service. In addition, she oversees the organization of events, dance lessons, workshops, competitions, and dance trips, while also managing the day-to-day operations of the company.


Corporate Career & Achievements

Moreover, Jennifer brings extensive professional experience from her 10+ years with Nordstrom. Initially, she worked as a Buyer for Evening Gowns and Women’s Designer Sportswear; later, she advanced to the role of East Coast Regional Merchandiser Manager. Throughout this time, she coached and trained numerous managers who have since become key leaders within the company. Consequently, her passion for business and results-driven mindset earned her the prestigious Nordstrom 2007 Regional Merchandiser Manager of the Year Award.

During her decade-long career, she achieved success in Product Merchandising, Department Management, Buying, Team Building, Event Planning, Product Development, and Advertising.


Transition Into Dance Career

However, in 2008, Jennifer made a pivotal decision to follow her true passion—dance. Therefore, she transitioned into a new career as co-owner and Executive Operations Manager for Forever Dancing Ballroom, expanding into dance trips, the DC Dance Challenge Competition & Showcase, and DC Tango Weekend.


Early Artistic Development

Meanwhile, Jennifer’s love for the arts began early. She developed an interest in theatre during middle school, where she earned several leading roles. Later, she began her formal dance training in her late teens (1982), studying Contemporary Jazz, and continued performing throughout high school and into her early professional years.


Competitive Ballroom Career

After discovering partner dancing in 2002, Jennifer began taking social dance classes in Salsa and Argentine Tango. Shortly thereafter, in 2004, she expanded into ballroom dancing and quickly became a dedicated competitor. As a result, she placed at the top of her division in American Smooth and Rhythm, as well as International Standard and Latin, at prestigious competitions such as the Capital Dancesport Championship and the Greenbrier Competition in North Carolina (2004–2007).


Ongoing Training & Professional Development

Currently, Jennifer continues to refine her skills in International Ballroom, training with renowned Standard coaches Rita Gekhman-Algarra, Anna Mikhed, Dimitar Petrov, and Dan Calloway, as well as Latin instructors Yana Mazhnikova and Genya Bartashevich.


Passion for Argentine Tango

Above all, she has found her deepest passion in Argentine Tango, drawn to its spontaneous and expressive connection between partners. Over the years, she has studied with many of the most respected masters in the field, including Fabio Bonini and numerous internationally recognized tango artists.


International Training & Performances

Furthermore, she travels annually to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to train at some of the most prestigious studios, continually updating her knowledge and technique. As a result, she has been performing professionally for many years alongside her husband, Fabio Bonini, at corporate events, competitions, and special celebrations.


Teaching & Community Impact

In addition to performing, Jennifer teaches weekly group classes, including Argentine Tango on Tuesdays, American Smooth and Rhythm on Wednesdays, and Salsa/Bachata on Thursdays, thereby sharing her passion and expertise with her students and the broader dance community.

Jennifer Bonini Awards and Accomplishments

Community Events & Social Dance Leadership

Over the years, Jennifer has played a key role in building vibrant dance communities:

  • 2004–2019 – “La Divina” Milonga Party (Virginia & Maryland)
  • 2009 – “Super Fiesta Latina” Latin Party (Virginia & Maryland)

Entrepreneurship & Leadership Roles

At the same time, Jennifer has been instrumental in growing multiple dance ventures:

  • 2005–Present – Co-owner of Forever Dancing, L.L.C.
  • 2010–Present – Co-owner & Manager of Forever Dancing Ballroom
  • 2005–Present – Dancing Trips Travel Planner & Organizer

Event Organization & Industry Contribution

In addition, she has contributed significantly to major dance events:

  • 2006–Present – Co-organizer, Annual DC Tango Weekend Festival
  • 2007–Present – Co-organizer, DC Dance Challenge Competition & Showcase
  • 2007–Present – Scrutineer, USSDC Competition & Showcase

Professional Performances

Meanwhile, Jennifer has maintained an active performance career:

  • 2008 – Principal Dancer, Hispanic Celebration for Homeland Security
  • 2010 – Principal Dancer, Kauffman Auditorium (Lee Center) with Quintango
  • 2011 – Principal Dancer, Lincoln Theater (Marion, VA) with Quintango Orchestra
  • 2012 – Principal Dancer, Roanoke Valley Star Ball Dance Challenge
  • 2013–2020 – Performer & Instructor, DC Travel & Adventure Show

Studio Awards & Recognition

As her leadership expanded, her studio and team received multiple honors:

  • 2013 – Virginia Beach Dance Challenge – Top Studio
  • 2014 – Augusta Dance Challenge – Top Guest Studio
  • 2015 – River City Dance Competition – Top Studio
  • 2021 – Baltimore Dance Challenge – Top Studio
  • 2022 – Oklahoma Dance Challenge – Top Guest Studio
  • 2026 – Sarasota Dance Challenge – Top Medium Studio

Competitive Achievements

Notably, Jennifer has also achieved strong results in Pro-Am competition:

  • 2015 – Pro-Am International Ballroom Closed Silver – Grand National Champion
  • 2015 – Pro-Am International Ballroom Open Gold (W/T) – Champion
  • 2015 – Pro-Am Open Gold International – Grand National Runner-Up
  • 2016 – City Lights World Pro-Am Ballroom – Finalist
  • 2016 – City Lights Open Ballroom Scholarship – Finalist
  • 2017 – Ohio Star Ball Silver Standard – Semi-Finalist

Recent Recognition

Most recently, Jennifer continues to be recognized for excellence:

  • 2026 – Sarasota Dance Challenge – Top Medium Studio