MetroArts Detroit
Featuring a diverse group of artists from the metro Detroit Area
Cheryl Angelelli
Wheelchair ballroom dancer, Co-Founder of Dance Mobility. Cheryl, a 4-time Paralympic medalist and World Record holder in swimming, began ballroom dancing in 2014. Cheryl and her professional dance partner, Tamerlan Gadirov are the top ranked Para Dancers in the U.S. Cheryl and Tamerlan compete nationally and internally and have won multiple awards for their show stopping performances. The pair also travel to dance studios to establish Dance Mobility programs across the country. Cheryl believes “whether you walk into a dance studio on two feet or roll through the door on two wheels, everyone has the ability to dance.”
Tamerlan Gadirov
National Dance Director, Dance Mobility
Tamerlan Gadirov started dancing in his native country of Azerbaijan at the age of 11. He moved to the United States in 2016 and is a professional ballroom dancer at the Fred Astaire
Dance Studio in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Tamerlan is also the National Dance Instructor for the Dance Mobility program. Tamerlan has represented both Azerbaijan and the United States in international Para Dance Sport competitions and has won many awards throughout his career for dancing and teaching. Tamerlan and his current partner, Cheryl Angelelli are the top Para Dance couple in the U.S. Tamerlan and Cheryl, travel across the country teaching wheelchair ballroom dancing to persons with disabilities and instructing dance professionals in the art of teaching wheelchair ballroom dancing.
Dennis Loren
Dennis Loren is a born and raised Detroiter as well as an accomplished graphic designer in music-related marketing and publication design. After being drafted, Loren returned to Detroit during the summer of 1970, where he continued his graphic design and music career.
Many of Loren’s posters have been featured in rock ‘n’ roll books including “The Art of Modern Rock” by Paul Grushkin and Dennis King as well as “Classic Rock Posters'' by Mick Farren and Dennis Loren. Throughout the years Loren has worked with Brian Wilson, members of The Beatles, the Flamin’ Groovies, Frank Zappa, Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, Big Brother & The Holding Company, and so many more. Currently, Loren continues to do graphic design for SteadyBoy Records as well as freelance.
Pat Smillie
Pat Smillie is a Motor City vocalist and singer songwriter. Smillie was nominated for a Detroit Music Award in 2019 for outstanding blues vocalist. Pat Smillie is originally from Detroit but became a live performer in Chicago at the legendary Checkerboard Lounge and other venues known for soul and blues music. He returned to Detroit in 2015. Smillie's style of music is soulful and rock and roll. His recently released a new song, Lonesome for A Long Time, inspired by veteran musicians deeply rooted in the Detroit rhythm and blues. Lonesome for A Long Time marks Smillie’s first recording in almost ten years.
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