Our Instructors
David
Born into a family of award-winning dancers, David shared his family’s love of dance early on. At age 11, he began competing in national ballroom dance competitions, and by 13 he began assisting in teaching Latin dance classes for other children. It was here that he discovered his passion for teaching dance.
With this dual passion for teaching and dancing, he quickly became a professional instructor and a pro competitor—a decision requiring hours of training with national and world champions. David and his professional dance partner were finalists in national competition in the American Smooth division and championship Rising Star events.
With nearly two decades of experience and skill in teaching, partnering and competing, David has helped his ballroom dance students win national championships and scholarship awards. Many have been recognized by the National Dance Council of America and the prestigious Dancers Cup Tour. In addition to his students’s success, David has earned numerous local, regional and national “Top Teacher” awards.
Along with competing, David performs and partners with local pro and amateur dancers in expositions and charity events such as Dancing with the St. Louis Stars, Dancing in the Loop, Forget-Me-Not Ball, and performances with the Glen Miller Orchestra.
Kristen
Driven by a deep, eternal love of sensuality and connection, Kristen devotes her days to embodying and teaching the beauty of ballroom dance. Tinkering with elements found within both the martial arts and yogic practices, and combing them with the imagery and fundamentals of music, Kristen continues unearthing new ways for her students to achieve their personal dancing goals with fun and ease.
Having studied under state, national, and world title holders in ballroom dance over the past years, Kristen has devoted her days to dancing and instructing out of multiple ballroom dance studios across the greater St. Louis, MO metro area, as well as the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, MN. Combining her focused training in ballroom dance with more than a decade’s experience in Music and Special Education, Kristen is well versed in connecting with individuals across all ages, abilities, and skill levels Bringing her wisdom to the dance floor, Kristen fluidly adapts to the needs of her cliental in the moment- creating the perfect atmosphere to relax, enjoy, and gain a deeper appreciation for oneself and one’s partner through the experience of dance.
Passion driven to live life as fully as each day allows, Kristen is motivated to gracefully dance with life and its energies. Off the dance floor, Kristen enjoys being playful, silly, and adventurous. By curiously exploring and being in nature, taking time to enjoy the companionship of animals, sharing stories and creating magic with other souls, expressing creatively through music and art, and savoring some sacred alone-time, Kristen discovers deeper levels of joy and wonder for life.
Summer
Summer first started dancing at the age of 2 at a local studio here in Duluth where she was a competitive dancer for 10 years. Throughout her years competing, Summer earned numerous high score awards and scholarships. She was also a part of the Hermantown dance team for 4 years where she was chosen for all-conference twice. After high school, Summer attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, where she studied dance, musical theatre, and acting. While in New York, she got to train with top instructors in the industry and also performed in two showcases. After moving back to Duluth, Summer wanted to share her passion of dance and decided to help coach the Hermantown/Proctor dance team, were she has been the assistant coach for 6 years now. The team has won numerous competitions and has made an appearance at the state tournament 3 times since she has been with the team.
Some of her dance accomplishments throughout the years include, dancing in the Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade twice, dancing at the halftime show of the Orange Bowl with Jake Owen, performing at Super Bowl Live! where she could be seen on ESPN and the NFL network, performing with the Enkindle dance theatre company, and dancing in Grand Carnivale at Valleyfair. Summer is also an award winning choreographer where her pieces have been displayed on stage and at conventions. Summer is technically trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, and theatre dance. While exploring her new found passion for ballroom dance, she has been able to train with some top coaches in the world, has taken students to competitions, and has competed professionally herself.
