Dance Louisville’s Highly Skilled & Super Fun Dance Instructors
With over 100 years of dance experience between us (that's a true stat & we're still pretty young) we promise your dancing is in good hands with us! This is why you'll love learning to dance at Dance Louisville.
Brian Barakauskas
Owner, Master Instructor
Years ago, Brian took his first dance steps right here in Louisville. He has now been dancing professionally for over 25 years. Through competitive ballroom, country & swing dancing, he has danced in over 23 countries around the world as a competitor, performer, judge and teacher. He's a 5 time world champion and 2017 inductee to UCWDC Hall of Fame for his contribution to the dance world.
His journey has come full circle. In 2005 his dream of a fantastic studio in Louisville came true. “I am completely committed to making Dance Louisville the best studio in the city for you – the new dancer.” Read Brian’s story in the Voice Tribune
Emily Larsen
Master Instructor, Manager
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Emily was introduced to Ballet at age three and continued adding on various dance genres over the years such as Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, and Musical Theatre. Emily received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Texas at Austin.
In 2011 she began her ballroom & country dance career and in 2014, Emily joined the Dance Louisville staff. She can not only be found on the dance floor but she is a big part of the behind the scenes of Dance Louisville. Emily has a special gift, as she always makes students feel welcome; she is a big part of what makes this studio such a happy, warm environment. We’re lucky to have her!
Megan Anderson
Master Instructor
Growing up with a mother who was a professional dancer, Megan was destined to be a dancer. She started ballroom dancing in 2004 and has been with Dance Louisville since we opened. With a background in competitive ice skating and ballet, Megan has had an impressive amateur competitive dance career traveling all over the United States competing with great success in all four styles of Ballroom & Latin as well as Country, Bachata, Line Dance and West Coast Swing. Megan began her professional career with a bang by winning the 2015 UCWDC ProPro Female World Championship! And finishing 2nd place at the UCWDC world championships in 2017 as one of the best country dancers in the world.
'Minty'
Intructor
Minh-Tuan Nguyen joined Dance Louisville after retiring from the Louisville Ballet stage after six years with the Company.
"Having started ballet at 18, I'm in awe and grateful for all the opportunities I've received. There have been so many magical moments working with and dancers from all over the world. I'm so excited to share my love as a movement educator."
Mike Gasson
Instructor
Mike and his wife Kerry began dancing with us years ago. Mike moved through the ranks as a competitive dancer and decided he wanted to teach part time to share his love of dance. Mike loves sharing his love of dance with his students. He joined our team of instructors in 2023 and has quickly become a favorite.
Jo Ann Lewis
Customer Service, Administration
JoAnn is most famous in the studio for being Brian’s mom, and the voice of Dance Louisville. She started working at Dance Louisville in 2012 and has continued to be a great asset to the studio. JoAnn is in charge student scheduling, studio rental and other important functions that allow the the dancers to dance and the studio to run smoothly!
There is a good chance that JoAnn, also known as JoMama, is the first person you will talk to on the phone when you call. She works hard at being very helpful in getting new students started. JoAnn is one our ‘secret weapons’ in making people feel comfortable when they first begin dancing!
Red Anderson
Instructor
Dakota 'Red' Anderson has a backgroud in gymnastics and began teaching dance 6 years ago. He loves encouraging students and getting them excited to learn new styles of dance. His passion is social dancing and perforoming.
Red moved to Louisville from Titusville FL in August of 2024 to share his passion of dance with the students of Dance Louisville
Where should you start?
FREE 30-minute Private Lesson
We offer group & private lesson but a free lesson is the the best way I could think to help get you started! You’ll have a chance to learn some moves, meet one of our instructors and learn more about how dancing can be amazing for your life.
This is the BEST way to get started!
Please give us a call with any questions and to schedule. We can’t wait to meet you!
502-377-4859
