Grandover Resort & Spa
Peter & Cassandra
24 Year Organizers of the Prestigious Grand National Championships in Miami, President of Pan American Teachers of Dance, Executive Secretary of the NDCA, NDCA Chairmen, Registrar, Scrutineers, Professional Examiners....If you have a question, Peter & Cassandra have your answer! Trained and Professional Company Member in classical ballet and various forms of jazz, modern, and ballroom dance, Cassandra grew up in San Diego, CA. Peter Schneider grew up in South Germany and trained in International Latin and Ballroom dance. The two became professional dance partners and went on to win multiple awards placing as finalists in multiple competitions around the world.
They started their company, Dance America Inc., in 1999 as the sole American importer and wholesaler of Dance Naturals shoes from Italy. Soon after, they began importing Dancefeel shoes from Portugal. Today, along with Dancefeel, they are distributors of Ray Rose, Aida, and Supadance Dancesport shoes. In 2005 they began manufacturing their own line of practice wear labeled as Dance America. In 2019 they launched their own dance shoe line - Dance America Shoes and the rest is history!
The Founders of the Heritage Championships
As former competitors and champions, Colin and Joy represented their native country, Australia, in the 1970 World Professional Latin Championships in London, England.
After spending the next ten years in the capacity of Cruise Director/Social Hostess and Dance Team on some of the worlds leading cruise ships traveling to over 60 countries, they settled in South Florida where they were co-owners of a successful ballroom for twelve years. As Cruise Directors, their experience in dealing with large audiences, entertainment celebrities and staff, makes them extraordinarily aware. The years of decision making required to enhance the enjoyment and welfare of thousands of passengers has forged an ability to anticipate the needs and desires of their guests.
Colin holds teaching and judging qualifications recognized world wide, and apart from judging most of the major championships in the United States, is invited to adjudicate internationally.
Joy has to her credit a remarkable record of accomplishments. During the 80s, for six years she held the position of Director of Promotions for The Media People Public Relations in Boca Raton, Florida. Her interest in utilizing the latest advancements in computer technologies keeps her in the forefront of dance championship planning. Joy continues to apply her experience to co-organize and administrate the Heritage Classic and is often seen on the competition circuit in the capacity of Registrar.
They are responsible for producing the first dancesport television series in the United States which aired on PBS stations in 1996. Their second 13-episode series entitled "DanceSport Challenge" has also aired on many PBS stations across America and many other networks throughout the world.
Sadly the dance world lost Colin Hillary in January of 2025, Joy Hillary remains on as Organizer Emeritus of The Heritage Championships.
