Jeff Sandler — Co-Founder & Co-Owner
The Voice Behind the Room
Long before Goldcoast Ballroom existed, Jeff Sandler was already shaping how South Florida danced.
Years before Goldcoast opened its doors, Jeff had built a name for himself across Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami — organizing and running some of the region's most popular dances, and earning a reputation as an outstanding DJ with a loyal following that would go on to support Goldcoast from day one.
Today, as artistic director and Master of Ceremonies, Jeff is the presence behind Goldcoast's biggest nights — presiding over our nationally recognized shows, special events, and performances by World Class Pros and celebrities, while overseeing event planning and preparation across the ballroom.
From the Hustle Clubs to the Ballroom Floor
Jeff's dance career began in the 1970s, in the hustle clubs of New York City. From there, he found his way into ballroom — teaching hustle, American Smooth, and Rhythm at Fred Astaire's Fifth Avenue studio, sharpening his craft as a performer, competitor, and teacher.
He went on to compete at the U.S. Ballroom Championships at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel (and later in Miami), and became a member of both the Dance Educators of America and the National Dance Council of America. Dancing with World Class pro Olga Bogdanov, Jeff has won multiple Pro-Am competition titles and delivered standout performances throughout his competitive career.
An Artist First
Before Goldcoast, before the ballroom floor, Jeff was an artist.
He earned degrees in Fine Arts and Illustration and was hired by Hallmark Greeting Card Company. As a freelance artist in New York City, he created detailed anatomical illustrations for medical journals and designed advertising layouts and logos for major corporations — work spanning oils, acrylic, airbrush, and watercolor.
That artistic instinct found a second home backstage — first as assistant manager at New York's Club 54, and later at Florida's Sunrise Musical Theater, where he assisted performers and directed stage settings.
It's that combination — art, performance, and show business — that shaped the identity Goldcoast carries today.
On the World Stage
Jeff's reputation has traveled beyond South Florida. He was invited to preside as Host and Master of Ceremonies at the first-ever Annual Euro Salsa Congress in Munich, Germany — a role he shared on that international stage with Co-Founder Vinny Munno, who served as DJ for the event.
Built to Last
Jeff Sandler's experience across art, dance, and show business — paired with Vinny Munno's business sense, dance expertise, and musical background — became the foundation Goldcoast Ballroom was built on.
Experience Goldcoast
Discover the classes, events and community that have made Goldcoast Ballroom a destination for dancers for nearly three decades.
Jeff Sandler with Olga Bogdanov – Winning Performances in American Smooth at The Emerald Star Ball National Dance Competition »
Other Videos: Following are other beautiful and moving performances by Jeff Sandler with Pro Olga Bogdanov »