A Note from Eric and Michelle:
We approach this event, with what we consider to be somewhat of a unique perspective. Between the two of us, we have participated in Dancesport competitions in nearly every way possible. We were professional competitors, our dance school Cinema Ballroom, has participated in competitions across the country for the past 15 years. During that time, we enjoyed dancing Pro/Am with both beginners & champions. For several years Michelle was the National Sales director for Dore Designs and she is now an NDCA Championship level Judge.
We can’t wait to incorporate all of these experiences into our role of organizing, what we feel is one of the best Dancesport events this country has to offer. We have truly enjoyed dancing with you on the Heart of America dance floor over this past decade and can’t wait to host you all in the years to come!
Eric and Michelle:
We were co-workers before dancing together and getting married.
2009 United States and World American Smooth Finalists
Johnny Cash Fans and like to sing to Girl from the North Country
2008 American Smooth Rising Star Champions
Love watching The Goldbergs, Forensic Files, Game of Thrones & movies.
2007 DCT Professional Couple of the Year
Like passing books back and forth on vacation and actually fought over who got to read Unbroken on a trip to Hawaii in 2010
Proud Co-Owners of the Cinema Ballroom in St. Paul, MN
Enjoy golfing together (usually).
The Hudson Family:
Eric and Michelle are most proud of their daughters Emerson and Austen. They consider them so lucky to have grown up in the beautiful, engaging, supportive environment of the dance community. These girls have been welcomed, loved by so many across the country and for that the Hudson’s are truly grateful.
Michelle Hudson:
In addition to being an Organizer of The Heart of America Dancesport Championships Michelle Hudson is co-owner, Dance Director and Principal instructor of Cinema Ballroom, one of the largest independently run studios in the United States. She also travels all over the country to coach, compete Pro/Am with her students and to judge as a registered Championship and National Level adjudicator with the NDCA. With her husband Eric Hudson she is United States professional Rising Star American Smooth Champion as well as an Open Professional United States and World American Smooth finalist.
Fun Facts:
Michelle’s first language was German
She is so grateful for her time living in Berlin Germany with her mother
She has a degree in Biology from the University of St. Thomas
She fell in love with Salsa dancing in 2001
Her favorite food is cheese and french bread
She would be a doctor in another life
Eric Hudson:
In addition to being an organizer of The Heart of America Dancesport Championships, Eric Hudson is also a co-owner of Cinema Ballroom and a Principal Dance Instructor. He is one of the highest ranked dance instructors in the United States, renowned for developing champion dancers. He is proud to have instructed and partnered many students to United States/World Championship titles. Eric has received Top-Teacher awards at numerous competitions and circuits in North America.
Successful professional careers have afforded Eric the experience and skill to guide students with style and ease on and off the competition floor. He has achieved a high level of success as a professional in American Rhythm and American Smooth. Together with amazing wife and partner Michelle, he is a United States professional Rising Star Champion as well as a United States and World Open finalist.
Fun Facts:
Eric is a soccer player
He has a degree in Geology and Environmental Science
He is a foodie
His favorite T.V. show is New Girl
He loves philosophy, information and great conversations.
