SIMONE ASSBOECK originally from Germany, came to the United States with a long dance history and broad dance background. She began Ballroom dancing when she was 7 years old, and has competed successfully for over 10 years in the International Latin and Standard divisions. Within that time, her achievements and titles ranged from German State Champion, to being a finalist in the European dance community, to the most prestigious of all competitions in the world, the 'Blackpool' competition in England. Simone is the new NORTH AMERICAN FEMALE VICE-CHAMPION, NEW YORK STATE VICE-CHAMPION, and NORTH AMERICAN FEMALE SHOWDANCE CHAMPION having won all 1st places at the 2008 5-Boro Dance Challenge. Her love for, dedication to, and knowledge of, dancing drove her dance career and she became a professional judge and dance coach. She devoted herself full-time to the competitive Ballroom dance community, teaching both adults and children. A Masters degree in Physical Education with the focus on Modern Dance and Rehabilitation rounded out her expertise in movement and dance. Simone has 17 years' experience teaching dance, and has been teaching at Stepping Out Studios, one of New York's most renowned Ballroom dance studios, since 2001. There, she added Hustle, Salsa, Swing and American Style Ballroom to her repertoire. Her passion for dance paved the way for her to perform at such events as the New York City Festival of Dance, Midsummer Night's Swing at Lincoln Center, the Brooklyn Museum of Art; and to compete victoriously at Hustle competitions such as the International Hustle & Salsa event in Miami and Hustle USA. Simone has also appeared on television shows including ABC News, NBC's Today Show, ABC Channel 7, and a Japanese Real Estate Commercial. Simone also teaches and showcases partner dancing on ExpertVillage.com and Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong.com.