Current Instructors
Michael Barr
Internationally known
choreographer Michael Barr brings his own kind of energy to the dance floor – an energy that connects, inspires, and engages all who are present. His teaching techniques display a deep love for people which makes him perfect for the job.
Being on the road for Micheal these past 27 years (23 of those with his partner Michele Burton) has been a blessing: We love the connections we have with people around the world and consider us to be one very lucky couple.
Michael comes from a show biz family. His father was a pianist and his mother was a dancer and singer. They met during the heyday of Broadway. Something rubbed off from his parents and we are glad he found the venue of line dance to spread his fun.
Once I found line dancing at age 42 I knew I had crossed paths with my new career. After some hard times for about 6 years of searching for a more fulfilling purpose I had reached my goal. And “That’s All She Wrote”! “That’s My Story And I’m Sticking To It”.
In June of 2022 Michael and Michele moved to The Villages, FL. Leaving California after their Miss Dolly passed (Michele’s mom Lorraine; Hello Dolly) and Michael’s brother, it was time to take Lorraine’s advice; Go out and smell the Roses!!! So that is what they are doing.
Years: 2006, 2007, 2011, 2024
Michaelbarr575@gmail.com
Dustin Betts
Dustin Betts has been dancing since he was about 6 years old. He has always had an interest in dance for as long as he can remember. He was introduced into line dancing at a young age with the
help of his parents, who were the instructor and DJ at the “local” bar. The first line dance he ever learned was “Easy Come, Easy Go”, which he won first place for performing at his school talent show. A few years later, Dustin grew more interested in line dance and began going to the line dance bar with his parents whenever he could get the chance. Dustin went to his first dance event in 2010, The Line Dance Marathon. There, he was able to see new styles of dance, meet instructors, and expand his horizons of dance.
Fast forward to 2016, as Dustin continues to dance alongside his family and friends. He takes an interest in an amateur choreography competition called the USLDCC. In his first competition, he took 2nd place with his first ever choreography, “Faded Daydream”. As the competition went on, he choreographed many other dances such as, “Chase That Dollar”, “Tic Tac Toe”, and “Pieces”. By 2017, Dustin had become a line dance instructor due to the popularity of his dance “Pieces”. While also competing in line dancing, Dustin began learning and competing in West Coast Swing alongside his pro instructor, Lara Deni.
Since then, Dustin has taught at many events around the United States and even instructed internationally in Indonesia, Ireland, and Taiwan. He has had other popular dances over the years, such as “All Shook Up”, “Stressed” and “90 Days”. He has also co-choreographed others such as “ Everybody Get Up”, “The Snake 2.0”, “Bow Chicka Wow It” and Crystal Boot winner for Intermediate Dance of the Year, “Portland Cha”. Dustin continues to instruct and choreograph as of today and hopes to travel the world sharing his passion for line dancing.
Years: 2024