Introducing Diane, the Queen Bee of Hustle, the most recent recipient of the Arte Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award, and a legendary figure whose career in dance spans over five decades. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Diane began her Hustle journey in the early 70s, during the formative years of the dance, and was even involved in the iconic film Saturday Night Fever, which helped propel Hustle into mainstream culture. Diane’s expertise extends to both leading and following roles, and she has trained numerous professional Hustle dancers, including John “Boots” Merisier, Jaime Serna, Alessandra Marconi, Yvon “Crazy Smooth” Soglo, Taylor Yeung, Julien Cloutier, Samuelle Auclair, Victor “Savage” Tran, and Wendy Dalal.

As the event director for the World Hustle Dance Championships from 2000 to 2011, Diane created a platform that brought the global Hustle community together. She has taught at prestigious studios such as Dale Dance Studios in Brooklyn and Staten Island and Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Ridgewood and Verona. Diane was the lead female dancer of the second generation of Dale Dance Studio’s Hustle Kings with partner John “Boots” Merisier, performing and competing at clubs such as Zachary’s with Dominick Lotiere, 231 Club in Long Island, and 2001 Odyssey where Saturday Night Fever was filmed. Despite her numerous accomplishments, she has always remained connected to her roots, offering lessons in her local community. Diane dedicates her dance journey to her son, Christopher, sharing her passion with fellow dancers. With an unmatched depth of knowledge and a passion for sharing her craft, she’s honored to be a guest judge at Hustle N Tussle. Expect insightful feedback, a wealth of knowledge, and the kind of detailed feedback that elevates every dancer’s performance and confidence.