Our Team

Dustin started his dance career while pursuing his degree at the University of North Dakota. He started with jazz/tap/ballet/modern but was later invited by a friend to try the ballroom class that was offered. It didn’t take him long to become addicted to partner dancing. He eventually went on to teach that same class until he graduated in 2007 with a BFA in Theatre Arts. After graduating Dustin moved to St. Paul and started his career at Cinema Ballroom. Since then, Dustin has really evolved into a fun, high energy teacher that can teach anybody no matter their ability level or goals. He teaches everything from social beginners to national champions. He has quickly moved up both in the Pro and Pro/Am ranks finding himself in numerous Top Teacher and finalist lineups. Dustin has also been successful in his professional dancing in both American Rhythm and Smooth, making many rising star and open finals. Some professional accomplishments include: Twin Cities Open Rising Star Rhythm Champions Snowball Theatre Arts andRising Star Rhythm Champions 2012 World Theatre Arts Finalists Indiana Challenge Rising Star Rhythm Champions Heart of America Rising Star Rhythm and Smooth Champions 2014 United States Dance Sport Championships 9-Dance Finalist Dustin is certified in Adult First Aid/CPR/AED by the American Red Cross.

Grace began dancing at an early age, starting ballet at age four. She continued her studio training for fourteen years in her hometown of Aberdeen, SD, studying ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, character and celtic. Grace came to St. Paul, MN to study music at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Music Performance in piano and a minor in Spanish. For several years, she taught private piano lessons, developing her technique and love for teaching students of all ages. When Grace began taking ballroom lessons as a pastime, she quickly rediscovered her love for dance in its musicality, artistry and athleticism. She became immersed in studying both American Smooth/Rhythm and International Standard/Latin, competing successfully in Pro/Am American Smooth and Am/Am in all styles throughout the Midwest and East Coast. At the same time, she began working at a small dancewear store on Grand Avenue, where she received expert training for fitting dance shoes and apparel and became the Ballroom and Marketing Manager. Grace is an instructor for all styles of ballroom and partner dancing and is also the Cinema Ballroom Salsa Director. With her experience in both social and competitive ballroom dance and her extensive dance training, she is well-equipped to work with students at any level. Grace has a passion for sharing her love of dance and music and empowering others in both developing and achieving their dance goals. She is dedicated both to her students and to her own continued training, studying regularly with nationally-acclaimed coaches and competing professionally in American Smooth with her professional dance partner. Grace is certified in Adult First Aid/CPR/AED by the American Red Cross.

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: Consistent Rising Star and Open Finalists during 2009 competition year. Notable Highlights Include: 2nd Place Rising Star and 3rd Place Open Finalists Twin Cities Open 1st Place Rising Star Champions First Coast Classic 2nd Place Rising Star 3rd Place Open Finalists Chicago Crystal Ball 2009 Dancers Cup Tour Top Professional Couple of the year 2010 2nd Place Rising Star Finalists Nashville Starz 2011 2nd Place Rising star and 4th Place Open Finalists Chicago Crystal Ball 2011 2nd Place Rising Star and 5th Place Open Finalists Twin Cities Open 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! Martin is certified in Adult First Aid/CPR/AED by the American Red Cross.