Michael has been heavily active in the dance world since the very beginning of his life, with his Mother, Wanda, being a Dancer and Teacher at his home studio in Akron, Ohio. Starting his training at the age of 2 with the Etta Mae Smith Studio of Dance, he studied many styles including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Musical Theater, and Hip Hop. He started his competitive tenure early on, and competed throughout his student career achieving numerous overall and high score awards regionally and nationally, along with being a 3-time state title holder for Ohio Dance Masters. He then graduated from Kenmore High School, to then attend The University of Akron, and Kent State University.
Michael also has a background in vocal music and theatre, performing in productions such as, “Music Man”, “Fiddler on the Roof”, and as Ren McCormack in “Footloose: the Musical”. In 2015, he performed on the hit show, "So You Think You Can Dance", where he had the opportunity to dance for celebrities such as Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo. He now frequently judges and teaches for competitions and conventions across the midwest, for companies like Dance Force Xpress, Encore Talent Productions, and Dance Masters. For a handful of years, he performed with the New Vision Dance Company based in Columbus, Ohio, and now teaches annually for the New Albany Dance Festival.
Michael has over 30 years of dance experience, and over 15 years of teaching, alongside being booked for countless master classes, workshops, and guest choreography across many states like Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania. He’s currently on staff at several dance studios in the Northeast Ohio region. Those of which he’s choreographed multiple award wining routines for that’ve been recognized for Choreography, Entertainment, Top Style, Industry Dance Nominee, Scholarships, Top Overalls, and Highest Scoring Numbers.
He’s so excited to be starting this new journey with the AADbK family, sharing his love for dance with many new faces and providing an incredible foundation for his students to build upon!