Voted #1 Dance Studio in Alabama

Owner, Director, Instructor

"Mr. Michael" is certified to teach dance through examination by Dance Educators of America. He began his dance education and training at the age of five in Huntsville, Alabama. At the age of 12, he began competing in regional dance competitions, and by the age of 17, he began choreographing and teaching. In high school, he was selected and honored as one of North Alabama’s Emerging Choreographers where he received praise for his choreography by world renowned teachers and choreographers, Nick Gonzalez and the late André Fuentes. By the age of 18, he began training at the collegiate level in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Michael trained at local studios throughout the Huntsville community, participated in many dance conventions and master classes throughout the southeast, and auditioned and was selected as a scholarship finalist and recipient. He considers these factors to be essential to his dance journey and the inspiration behind his passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation through dance and youth education.

Previously, Michael was a contract specialist for 8 years in the space and missile defense industry. He is a proud board member of Grandparents As Parents, a Nonprofit Organization. 

In 2025, Michael founded Kathy's Grand Heart Foundation, a scholarship program providing children raised by grandparents, guardians, or in kinship care the opportunity to dance at The Dance Factor. Additionally, in 2025, Michael was nominated for Small Business Champion of the Year by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

The Dance Factor also earned notable recognition in 2025, including a nomination for Emerging Business of the Year by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, being voted the #1 Dance Studio in Alabama (Best of Alabama Awards), and a nomination for the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama's Annual Torch Award for Ethics.

In 2016, Michael graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Marketing. He was a member of the pre-professional dance company, Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre (ARDT), and choreographed as well as performed in the student showcase, Dance Alabama. He was named as an Outstanding Marketing Department Award Honoree. Michael was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and served as Vice President of Programs. He was actively involved in many campus organizations such as the Honors College, honor societies, philanthropic events, community service events, and served as a mentor to college students. 

Michael is extremely honored to have opened The Dance Factor and to share his love for community service, dance, entrepreneurship, and leadership with his students and families. He is strongly committed to providing exemplary dance education and instruction to all students in an inclusive, fun, positive, and safe learning environment. Lastly, he is dedicated to helping students discover their passions, reach their goals, and exceed their greatest potential beyond the studio and into the community as future leaders.