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 he 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.
Elizabeth Warlick
Instructor
Elizabeth began teaching at Dance Louisville way back in 2006. After moving away from dance to start a family, she's returned to Dance Louisville to continue to share her passion for dance by teaching others.
Jacob Thornton
Instructor
Jacob is a 3rd generation dancer. His grandparents were professional dancers and big promoters of social and competitive dancer. His parents are dancers (his dad owns a studio in Wichita KS) so you could day dancing is literally in his blood.
Jacob moved to Louisville to begin his professional competitive and teaching dance career in 2019.
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!
Caroline
Customer Service
Caroline started as a student at Dance Louisville back in 2016. She was competitive dancer for several years with us. In 2022 she joined the team as a customer service agent.
Caroline will likely be the first smiling face when you join our group classes or dances. We're excited to have a passionate dancer like her on our team!
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
