Bruno Collins

Overview

For thirty-one years, Bruno Collins has touched every aspect of the dance business with his vision and innovation. He has been a driving force in the adaptation of dance curriculums, teaching methods, and business plans that have allowed this industry to stay current amidst the demands of a rapidly changing market. The incredible artistry of his choreography has shaped the careers of numerous world-class Amateurs and Professionals. He has choreographed show numbers and showcases for top Professionals across the country. Bruno's unique talents as a trainer, motivator, coach, and choreographer have made him one of the most sought after individuals in the dance business to date.

The Beginning

A training class prompted Bruno Collins to begin dancing. He was 20 years old, living in the Midwest and everything was centered on factory jobs. He saw an ad for a training class and was drawn to the fact that he could start working later in the day. He answered the ad for the training class and thought that it would be fun to do, as you could dress up and stay out late. Then of course, Bruno started having a passion for the teaching and for the dancing.

Inspiration

Life on the Dance Floor

When Bruno met his wife and partner LuAnn Pulliam, he knew that it was the pivotal moment in his dancing career. He was from a training class and she was from the Joffrey Ballet of New York. They have been married for over 25 years and have three children.

Together, Bruno Collins and LuAnn are 13-time U.S. Theatrical Champions, 5-time World Theatrical Champions, 3-time Blackpool Exhibition Champions, U.S. American Rhythm Finalists and 5-time Fred Astaire American Rhythm Champions.

Bruno has performed around the world in top competitions and shows, as both a guest star performer and champion. In addition, he has been featured on PBS's Championship Ballroom Dancing, which took place at the Ohio Star Ball. The show was then changed to America's Ballroom Challenge.

Bruno says that his favorite dance is the Mambo.

International Championships 2000

At the International Championships of 2000, an event known as the Duel of the Giants was held. Harry Zwahlen and Romy Biedermann of Switzerland went up against Bruno Collins and LuAnn Pulliam of the U.S.A.

Harry and Romy danced first and presented a very sexy man-encounters-woman number in a style of a night club or an Argentinian Tango bar.

Then, Bruno and LuAnn came onto the floor and presented an American style exhibition work with lots of lifts and air work. It was very easy flowing and balletic.

For their second number, Harry and Romy came onto the floor both dressed as men and were dancing tango with plastic dummies dressed as their ladies. The "girls" turned out to be extremely flexible dancers performing amazing bends, flips, stretches and other unbelievable moves.

Bruno and LuAnn then took the floor again and danced a blues number, again with some very difficult lifts. During the dance, LuAnn's dress amazingly changed three times into different styles. It will remain a mystery how they did it. Bruno did not stay behind and also took his trousers off presenting his boxer shorts made of an American flag, which made the audience ecstatic.

Both teams received big ovations, but at the end, the American flag shorts had an edge and Bruno and LuAnn were declared winners of the match.

Life After Dance

Bruno was the longest running dance director at the Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios. For 13 years, he directed all of the studios in the United States. He is also the Co-Owner of one of the top Fred Astaire Studios in the country.

Bruno has been on the Board of Directors of the American Ballroom Company for over 15 years. He has also been the vice-president since 2005. The American Ballroom Company (ABC) organizes the annual United States Dance Championships (USDC).

Favorite Part of the Job

Accomplishments

• 13-time U.S. Theatrical Champion
• 5-time World Theatrical Champion
• 3-time Blackpool Exhibition Champion
• Duel of the Giants Champion at the International Championships (2000)
• 5-time U.S. American Rhythm Runner-Up
• 5-time Fred Astaire American Rhythm Champion
• 15 years on the Board of Directors of the American Ballroom Company
• Vice-President of the American Ballroom Company since 2005
• Featured on PBS's Championship Ballroom Dancing at the Ohio Star Ball
• Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios Director for over 13 years at all of the Studios in the U.S.A.

Dance Partners

• LuAnn Pulliam

Entrepreneurship

• Fred Astaire Dance Studio Director, Instructor, Co-Owner
• Choreographer
• American Ballroom Company, Vice President, Board of Directors Member