Dance Instructors & Staff

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 began his compulsion for partner dancing over a decade ago as a competitive lindy hopper. Shortly thereafter, he traded in his career as a scientist for that of a ballroom instructor. He has performed on stage, television and on competitive dance floors across the country. Eric has competed in Professional American Smooth and American Rhythm for the past 9 years. He and his wife, Michelle, have won nearly every rising star competition in the United States. They are currently in the top six competitors in the exciting Open American Smooth division. In addition to competing professionally, Eric competes in the Pro/Am division with many of his students and is considered one of the top Pro/Am instructors and competitors in the world. In addition to teaching Eric is part owner of the Cinema Ballroom dance studio in St. Paul, Minnesota where his mission is to create a fun-filled community of dancers with excellent instructors all wrapped in a beautiful ballroom.

American Smooth Competition Results

Alyssa Kark has been in the Twin Cities' dance scene in one way or another for over 20 years. She studied ballet and modern dance at the prestigeous Minnesota Dance Theater and School for many of those years performing at venues such as the State and Orpheum Theater. She discovered ballroom dancing through the local and national swing and salsa scenes. Before long, she was teaching and competing professionally in both the American Smooth and American Rhythm styles. Ms. Kark teaches students who have many different goals for their dancing. From the student looking to learn the art of social dancing to those motivated by competition, Alyssa finds a method of teaching that will suit your goals, personality, and learning style. Never forgetting technique, but always presenting her material in a fun and accessable way, she has produced competitive students that continually make finals in scholarship divisions. She is well-versed in all styles of dancing including specialty dances such as Argentine Tango and many styles of swing/Lindy Hop. Ms. Kark excels in choreography for Showcases, competitive fresstyles, first dances, solos and group formations of all levels. Alyssa is continually successful with her competitive endeavors in American Smooth with her dance partner, Martin Pickering.

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.

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:

• 2nd Top Teacher - Twin Cities Open 2009
• 3rd Top Teacher - Twin Cities Open 2008
• 3rd Top Teacher - Wisconsin Dancesport 2008
• 9th Top Teacher - National Dancer's Cup Circuit

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.

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 rasier for a Missouri based ballet company. In addition, he served for five years as the head of the MU Ballroom Dance Club's teaching and choreography division. Dance has become not just a profession but, a passion that Martin loves to share with other people. Currently in Minnesota, Martin competes professionally with his amazing dance partner, Alyssa Kark. Together, they combine their ever-growing knowledge in the DanceSport community to futher improve their success in the professional dance circuit and add quality to their students' experience.

Eileen started ballroom dancing with her now husband, John, over 10 years ago. After performing a wedding waltz and one dance competition, John decided to retire and Eileen decided to take up competitive ballroom dancing in order to be able to continue to dance.

Together with fellow business partner and dance instructor, Eric Hudson, Eileen is one of the top pro/am competitors in the country in American Smooth, International Latin and American Rhythm dance styles.

Grace has been with Cinema Ballroom for over a year and loves to introduce people to the world of dance. A dancer all her life, she has transitioned to the world of ballroom dance from jazz, tap and ballet. Currently she is competing in American Style Smooth and International Standard with her instructor, Shane Meuwissen.