Gemini Ballroom is locally owned and operated by Vanessa and Mario Ornelas.  

Vanessa has been a professional dancer since 1996, was trained and certified in Southern California.  Vanessa is a very successful teacher, winning many top teacher at various competitions.  Vanessa moved very quickly from teaching to managing a dance studio in Southern California.  As a manager she was awarded several top executive honors .

Mario began dancing when he was 12 years old and turned professional in 1995.  After turning professional, Mario started competition in both the American Smooth and Rhythm professional divisions, where he enjoy many successes.  Mario not only competed as a Professional, but also had very successful students that competed in the American Smooth and Rhythm Pro-Am Scholarship Division. He received all of his training in Southern California and is certified through the gold level and is also a certified professional examiner and adjudicator for ballroom dance.  Mario was the dance director for 3 studios in Southern California before moving to Reno in 2002.  
 
When the space at 2920 Mill Street (the home of Gemini Ballroom) became available in June 2009, it was an opportunity for Vanessa and Mario to realize a longtime dream to own a dance studio. Vanessa and Mario are the youngest dance studio owners in the Reno area and it shows with their fresh perspective and fun-loving attitude toward dancing.