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Principal Dance Instructors | Senior Dance Instructors | Staff Dance Instructors | Associate Staff Dance Instructors | Associate Dance Instructors
Principal Dance Instructors
The Cinema Ballroom principal instructor have received high honors as professional dancers and teachers in the industry at a National level in ballroom and/or Latin dance.
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Eric & Michelle Hudson Eric: Principal Dance Instructor/CEO Michelle: Principal Dance Instructor/Dance Director
Michelle was destined to become a dancer from an early age. She devoted 10 years of her life to the rigorous study of ballet at some of the top schools in the state, but it wasn't until she was studying to receive a biology degree at the University of St. Thomas that she discovered ballroom dancing. Recognizing an immediate passion for teaching, Michelle developed not only a career in professional competitive ballroom dancing but also in both social and competitive dance instruction. Michelle competes with and coaches students in both American and International styles of ballroom and Latin dance. Professionally she and her husband Eric Hudson compete in the American smooth division. Traveling all over the country, they compete monthly and are the current US American Smooth Rising Star Champions. Eric Hudson (co-owner of Cinema Ballroom and Principal Instructor) is one of the highest ranked dance instructors in the United States, renowned for developing champion dancers. His personally tailored teaching style brings out the champion dancer in each individual. He is proud to have instructed and partnered many students to United States and World Championship titles. Eric has received Top-Teacher awards at numerous events and Circuits in North America. A successful professional career has afforded Eric the experience and skill to guide students with style and ease on and off the competition floor. He has achieved a high level of success as a professional in American Rhythm and American Smooth. Together with amazing wife and partner Michelle, he is a United States professional Rising Star Champion as well as a United States and World Open finalist. Continued education and a passionate pursuit of excellence are hallmarks for Eric and Michelle and all Cinema Ballroom staff. If you believe dance is not just wonderful, but could be wonderful for you, mind, body and spirit, then Eric can help you discover your dance goals and make them a reality! American Smooth Competition Results 2006 Indiana Challenge Champions |
Senior Dance Instructors
The staff instructor has all the qualifications of an associate staff instructor plus the following:
- Have passed nationally recognized teacher's certifications in four styles and two levels.
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Shane Meuwissen Dance Instructor Video Profile E-Mail Shane began his love for dancing nearly a decade ago. It all began with a few simple Salsa steps and quickly evolved into a desire to learn every dance from Waltz to Paso Doble. After a few short years of teaching dance, Shane immersed himself in the world of competitive Ballroom & Latin dancing. He broadened his competitive dancing to include all styles of dance including International Latin, International Standard, American Smooth, & American Rhythm. In the past few years, Shane has spent most of his time working with his students to perfect the technical and stylistic side of dancing. Working with top level coaches from around the world, he has worked with his students to help them become top-level dancers. At the local Twin Cities Open competition in 2009, one of his students went on to win the Top Overall Student award. Shane's personal accomplishments are as follows:
Today, Shane continues to travel the country competing Pro-Am and works with students of all levels to help them quickly become top-level dancers. His philosophy is that there's a simple path to becoming a great dancer, and with a little hard work, anyone can become great. |
Staff Dance Instructors
The staff instructor has all the qualifications of an associate staff instructor plus the following:
- Have passed nationally recognized teacher's certifications in at least two styles and levels.
- They have completed the Cinema Ballroom instructor training program.
Dustin Donelan | Nadine Messenger | Martin Pickering
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Dustin Donelan Dance Instructor Dustin has been teaching for 4 years and has competed Pro/Am with his students at dance competitions all over the country. He also dances and competes in the American Rhythm style of dance with his professional dance partner, Kirsten and together are Rising Star finalists. Dustin is an upbeat energetic teacher who loves dancing and teaching. |
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Nadine Messenger Dance Instructor Growing up in the ballroom, Nadine always knew that ballroom dancing would be her life. Being the daughter of the U.S. Smooth finalists and Rising Star Smooth Champions, Dan and Rebecca Messenger, Nadine started her dancing at an early stage. She has fond memories of watching her parents helping others and expressing themselves on the dance floor. "I remember wanting to be just like them." "I live for the ballroom floor. It is my passion and my heart." Nadine began as an independent student at the age of 4 and had taken the Open Latin and Open Standard Title at Nationals. Nadine is a fun charismatic person who lives to smile and meet new people. |
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Martin Pickering Dance Instructor Martin has been dancing since he was 18 and teaching since 2002. Originally from Missouri, where he was well known in the community as a top-notch instructor and dancer, he is certified by the United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance in both American Ballroom and American Rhythm. He is also qualified in International Ballroom and International Latin styles. Mr. Pickering helped to found the now annual event Dancing with the Mid-Missouri Stars, a fund raiser for a Missouri based ballet company. In addition he was the head of the University of Missouri Ballroom Dance Club teaching and competition program. With a insatiable passion for teaching, performance, and competition Martin loves to help students to achieve any and all of their dance goals. Since moving to the Twin Cities, Mr. Pickering has continued to hone his skills in teaching and competition, and more recently has found a love for creating choreography for solo and group exhibitions. In addition to his success with students he has been fortunate to enjoy a successful pro-dancesport career with past and current partners. His Achievements Include:
Today Martin continues to travel and compete in both Pro and Pro/Am events around the country. Always ready to share his knowledge and passion with others he takes on all levels of students. Martin's greatest strength is his enthusiasm and belief that anyone can become a great dancer and have blast while they're doing it! |
Associate Staff Dance Instructors
The staff instructor has all the qualifications of an associate instructor plus the following:
- They have completed the Cinema Ballroom instructor training program.
- Has passed certifications in two styles and/or levels.
Kirsten McCloskey | Dipendra Thakur
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Kirsten McCloskey Dance Instructor At the age of three, after telling her parents “I was born to dance,” Kirsten enrolled in a ballet and tap combo class and she hasn’t stopped dancing since. After performing in dozens of recitals and exploring every kind of dance from pointe to jazz to contemporary, Kirsten headed off to Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a major in Dance and Choreography. Upon discovering that modern and ballet no longer appealed to her Kirsten began exploring the idea of ballroom dancing. After returning home to Minnesota Kirsten joined the Cinema Ballroom community in June 2009. She began dancing with her partner, Dustin Donelan, in October 2009 and the two have competed in competitions around the country in the American Rhythm division. In June 2010 Kirsten started the Kids Ballroom and Latin program at Cinema Ballroom and enjoys sharing dancing with all ages. Kirsten loves teaching and wants to help every student reach his or her dance goals. Whether it’s dancing at a wedding, learning the basics of social dancing, performing in the studio showcases, competing in events around the country, or all of the above, Kirsten is committed to your enjoyment and success in whatever dance endeavors you chose. |
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Dipendra Thakur Dance Instructor
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Associate Dance Instructors
The associate instructor is a professional dance teacher who has completed phase one and two of the Cinema Ballroom instructor training program. They are qualified to teach all core social dances at a beginning to intermediate level.
Jon Chen | Kristina Lee | Douglas Wallock
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Jon Chen Dance Instructor Jonathan, a California native, began dancing 4 years ago after moving to the Twin Cities to attend Macalester College. Before college, he had done "practically everything else in the performing arts" and was a competitive classical pianist for 13 years. He started as a hip-hop dancer, but soon found himself wanting to learn other styles. He eventually walked to Cinema Ballroom and started studying the International Latin and American Rhythm styles. Jonathan started teaching at Cinema Ballroom soon after graduating college. He loves teaching and finding ways to fuse different dance styles while promoting dance as a fantastic fitness tool. Jonathan is a bundle of energy who cannot wait to help you achieve your dance and fitness goals. |
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Kristina Lee Dance Instructor
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Douglas Wallock Dance Instructor Doug developed an early fascination with ballroom dance, watching old movies and shows. He spent a lot of time dreaming of someday becoming a dancer of both strength and grace. In 2009, he left his former career to pursue a lifelong dream and become a ballroom dancer. Since then, he has worked non-stop to become a certifed instructor and confident dancer. Doug believes that anybody can learn to dance and finds it easy to relate to new dancers. |
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