About Us




Mike Day - Mississippi's most experienced and foremost Ballroom dance instructor,
dance coach, event organizer and dance innovator.

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Mike & Deanna 1979 Mike Day began dancing in 1978 as an amateur. After winning many Disco dance contests in dance clubs across the South, and performing dance exhibitions at fashion shows, in TV commercials and at the 1981 Miss USA pageant, he started his formal training to make dance a career.

Mike & Sandra performing at 1981 Miss USA private party

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The 1980's "Dance World" sign designed by Mike Day When the Disco era reached its peak in the late 1970s, ballroom dance studios across the country experienced an unprecedented surge in enrollment. As the trend evolved, leading studios sought out the nation's most talented dancers to become the next generation of professional instructors. Recognized for his exceptional talent and potential, Mike was recruited by Dance World Dance Studios during this highly competitive period. His dedication, technical excellence, and natural ability as both a dancer and teacher quickly distinguished him from his peers. By 1984, he had been appointed Dance Director of the prestigious Fred Astaire/Danceland Dance Studio in Mobile, Alabama—a leadership role that marked the beginning of an award-winning career spanning decades. Mike & his first pro partner Beth Ware Principal dancer from the Jackson Ballet David Hamilton Bobby Medeiros & Sheryn Hawkins Gary & Lori Pierce Eddie Simon & Michelle Officer June & Roy Mavor Throughout his career, Mike sought instruction from many of the most respected coaches and champions in the ballroom dance world. His professional development was shaped by an extraordinary roster of internationally acclaimed teachers, including United States Champions David Hamilton & Teresa Shiry, Sheryn Hawkins, Gary & Lori Pierce, Cher Rutherford, Glennis Dee, Eddie Simon, John Swick, and legendary Blackpool "British Professional Exhibition Champion" and "Battle of the Giants" World Champion, June Mavor. This exceptional mentorship, combined with decades of teaching and competitive experience, has given Mike a depth of knowledge and technical expertise that is reflected in every lesson he teaches. Mike & British champion Gay Hartman manager of Gulfport Dance World studio Mike & Sandy at 1983 Houston Invitational Winners of the pro West Coast Swing Challenge __________________________ Mike’s professional dance resume includes: * Certified "Fred Astaire Dance Studios" Gold level instructor, dance coach and choreographer specializing in American style Smooth, Rhythm, Cabaret and Theatre Arts. * Recipient of multiple Top Teacher and Top Pro-Am honors, recognized for excellence at local, regional, and national ballroom dance competitions. These accolades include awards from the Fred Astaire Cross Country National Dance Championships, the Triple Crown Southern States Dance Championships, and the Florida State DanceSport Championships, reflecting a longstanding commitment to exceptional instruction and competitive achievement. Fred Astaire 1985 "National Dance Championships" in Las Vegas Mike & Stephanie performing at a studio party Mike & Brandi's Pro/Am Theater Arts Tango exhibition at the 1987 "Florida State DanceSport Championships" in Bal Harbour, Florida * Dance Director and advanced instructor for Fred Astaire/DanceLand and co-owner of Hollywood Dance Studios in Mobile, AL where Mike was responsible for training students and instructors for Ballroom competitions and level progression, organizing showcases & team matches, professional & amateur exhibition choreography, music coordination and advertising. Mobile Fred Astaire Dance Studio Staff "Hollywood Dance Studio" logo designed by Mike Day Mike & Terry at The 1986 "Azalea City Classic" Mike & Pam performing (then judging) at a Dirty Dancing contest Mobile Press-Register ad On the “Dance Fever” TV show, winning with a Waltz! * Regional Dance Director and advanced instructor for Florida Dance Centers in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida.

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The 1990's "In Step Dance Club" neon sign designed by Mike Day * Dance Director/Manager and advanced instructor for In Step Dance Club in Jackson. (1990-2002) He organized the studio's annual Magnolia State Ballroom Classic dance competition (for 10 years) and developed a new Bronze (social level) syllabus for the studio. Mike & Holly performing at "In Step Dance Club" dance party * Mike Day served as an independent dance coach, guest instructor and examiner for studios and other dance organizations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

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1997 Mobile Gulf Coast Ballroom Challenge

* Ballroom Dance Competition Organizer
As a competition owner and organizer for 20 years,
Mike Day produced annual regional Ballroom dance competitions
in Biloxi, MS. Gulfport, MS. Mobile, AL. Branson, MO. Pensacola, FL. and Myrtle Beach, SC.

1995 Biloxi Ballroom Challenge about to start

A Branson Ballroom Bash ballroom setup

Mike also served as an advisor, adjudicator, music coordinator
and co-organizer for other Ballroom and DanceSport competitions.



The first 20 years were primarily about
competition and performing

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2002 to 2019


In 2002, it was time for something... different!








The weekly Thursday night class and dance party

In 2002, Mike Day transitioned from the traditional dance studio format, and with his wife Lisa, began teaching at Dance Connection Ballroom Dance Center in Pearl, MS. Their mission was to make Ballroom dancing practical & affordable to everyone while offering a high quality level of instruction and providing the best venue for students to practice their dancing. Typical Thursday night group class lesson First New Year's Eve dance party in 2003 Mike and Lisa Day transformed Ballroom dance instruction by making it accessible, welcoming, and affordable for everyone. Rather than requiring expensive long-term contracts, they introduced flexible monthly private lesson programs, allowing students to progress at their own pace while enjoying a personalized learning experience. To complement their private instruction, they created an innovative weekly group class that featured a different dance style each month. Every class was followed by a lively social dance party, included with the lesson, where students could immediately practice what they had learned in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. What began as a simple $10 class and dance party quickly became the studio's signature event, opening the door for thousands of people to experience the joy of Ballroom dancing. To create an authentic evening of entertainment, Mike and Lisa designed the studio with a professional dance club quality sound system, exciting dance lighting, and the warm ambiance of an intimate dance club. Professional exhibitions by Mike, Lisa, and Pro/Am students regularly showcased the artistry of Ballroom dance, inspiring newcomers with what dedicated instruction could achieve. The response was extraordinary. Their Thursday evening classes became the largest regularly attended Ballroom group classes in Mississippi and ultimately introduced more people to social dancing than any other dance studio in the South. Between 2002 and 2019, nearly 40,000 people attended their Thursday evening classes and dance parties, with thousands more participating through community outreach programs and the immensely popular "Salsa Sundays" held in Madison. Mike also developed one of the most extensive and meticulously curated Ballroom dance music libraries in the country. Featuring more than 20,000 individually edited tracks, the collection includes traditional Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country Western, and social dance favorites spanning the 1940s through the 2000s. Every song was carefully edited to provide the ideal tempo and length for social dancing, creating an exceptional experience for dancers of every level. Building upon the renowned Fred Astaire Dance Studios curriculum, Mike and Lisa expanded their instructional program to include the internationally respected Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA) syllabus. By combining the strengths of both systems with decades of teaching experience, they created one of the most comprehensive and successful Ballroom dance programs in the region. __________________________ Mike & Lisa Day were the first social dance instructors in Mississippi to... * Offer a weekly group class combined with a practice party for only $10. * Teach "Salsa Sundays" when Salsa was very popular for only $5. * Offer monthly "First Tuesdays" dances at various night clubs. * Hold formal New Year's Eve dance parties starting in 2003. * Create monthly theme dances with a beautifully decorated ballroom and provide complimentary hors d'oeuvres for only $10 per person. * Teach Wedding dance lessons as a specialized service. * Offer classes, lessons and dance parties outside of the studio, and provide a full deejay service at each function. * Make "house call" lessons where Mike and Lisa would come to your home. * Teach a Ballroom dance course at a college. (Hinds Community College) Dance Connection group at Saturday Night Ballroom in Baton Rouge 2005 Dance Connection decorated for a New Year's Eve Party __________________________ Lisa Day - the Dance Doctor! Lisa Day is one of Mississippi's most accomplished Ballroom dance instructors with more than twenty years of teaching experience. Trained extensively by her husband, Mike Day, through both the Fred Astaire and DVIDA dance systems, she helped students discover the confidence, grace, and joy that come through dance. As the studio's Business Manager, Lisa oversees daily operations, coordinates special events, manages outside bookings, and directs the studio's DJ services. She also collaborated with Mike in developing the studio's signature class structure, social dance parties, and student programs, helping create the welcoming and supportive atmosphere that defined the studio. Committed to expanding the studio's dance offerings, Lisa pursued advanced training beyond the traditional ballroom curriculum, introducing Savoy-style Lindy Hop, Argentine Tango, and a more contemporary interpretation of West Coast Swing to the studio's program. Lisa also developed the studio's highly successful Wedding Dance Program, creating a lesson format that has helped countless couples feel confident, comfortable, and unforgettable on one of the most important days of their lives. Outside the studio, Dr. Lisa Day is a respected Jackson-area veterinarian with a special interest in animal dentistry. Successfully balancing two demanding professions, she has built a reputation for excellence, dedication, and personalized care—both in her veterinary practice and on the dance floor. Dr. Lisa Day and friends Demonstrating West Coast Swing at a Thursday class Rehearsal for MS Opera event Mike & Lisa were the first instructors in the Mississippi to teach couples for a "Dancing With The Stars" inspired fundraiser when they trained the participating couples (who were all amateurs) for a "United Way" fundraiser in 2007. In 2010, they gave their support to a Mississippi Opera's DWTS event with Lisa dancing (and winning) with her celebrity partner and also performing with Mike. Later, they acted as judges at the Opera's fundraisers in 2013 & 2015. ... Lisa and Dr. C.J. Chen perform and win with a Tango! Mike & Lisa's Foxtrot exhibition __________________________ 2013 officials David Keary, Jeff Goode, Cherri Barnett & Mike Day 2015 Judges Mike, Lisa and WLBT's Howard Ballou

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Promoting and supporting dancing



Social dancing at an outside function

Over the years, Mike has appeared in numerous TV commercials and interviews to promote various dance organizations and the many benefits of Ballroom dancing. For several months in 2004, Mike and Lisa appeared on WLBT's Midday Mississippi teaching news anchor Dawn Russell, a new dance every week.

Demonstrating and teaching the most popular Ballroom dances on "Midday Mississippi."

On "Mississippi Morning" promoting the new "Magnolia Ballroom Dance Association." Many of Mike and Lisa's students have joined the amateur dance association throughout the years.

One of Mike's appearances on the "Hour of the 50's" promoting learning to dance.

Discussing the health benefits of Ballroom dancing on Mississippi Morning.

Started in 1992 by Stuart Irby and Dudley Hughes, The Metropolitan Supper Club was formed to promote dancing to live music in a 1940's supper club setting. The club has featured some of the city's best dance bands including the Jules Barlow Band, The Classics, The Top Hats, The Capital City Stage Band, Mississippi Swing, The Sessions & The Jackson AllStars. Mike created the club's logo seen above.

Along with Mike & Lisa, several of their private students became members of the Metropolitan Supper Club to help support the club.

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High schools, colleges and more...

Students preparing for cotillion

Two of over 100 students in a Saint Joseph High School Swing Class

Hinds Community College "Phi Theta Kappa" Salsa class lesson




Dance lecture at Hinds Community College followed by a class lesson

Ballroom dancing is more popular than ever. For that trend to continue, it must remain appealing to the younger crowd. With that in mind, Mike & Lisa have taught classes at Jackson Academy, Jackson Prep, Madison Ridgeland Academy, St. Joseph High School, Forest High School, Clinton High School, Richland High School, Terry High School, JSU and Mississippi College. For two semesters, they offered a Ballroom dance course at Hinds Community College and presented a comprehensive lecture on the history of social dance in America at the college's "Mississippi and the Arts Week".

Typical Millsaps College Enrichment class Mike provided a Ballroom and Swing continuing education course at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, LA. and, with Lisa, were the instructors for the Millsaps Enrichment Series "Introduction to Ballroom Dancing" and "Swing Dancing" programs for 15 years. The Days have also taught classes and held dances at numerous churches, retirement homes and other groups & organizations!

Richland High School Show Choir

Hinds Community College Ballroom class lesson Ballet Mississippi's Father/Daughter Dance lesson Madison Ridgeland Academy Charleston class lesson Tri-County High School "Grease" class lesson Forest High School Texas Two Step class lesson St. Joseph High School "Night Fever" lesson

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Community Service




Dance class at the Stewpot Community Center

Annual Stewpot Food Donations

Art class for "SON Valley" Community residents

Christmas Stewpot Food Drive

2010 JDRF "Rock For A Cure"

Annual Toys for Tots

Giving back has always been an important part of Mike & Lisa's mission.
For many years, they have proudly supported organizations such as Stewpot Community Services,
Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), Toys for Tots, SON Valley Community Center,
and Gateway Rescue Mission through charitable events, fundraising, and community outreach.
Since 2004, they have helped collect hundreds of toys for children and thousands of canned and boxed food items
for local families in need through annual drives benefiting Toys for Tots and Stewpot Community Services.
Mike has also been an active supporter of Breakthrough T1D, designing the "Sisters For a Cure" team T-shirts
for several years while participating in the annual walk. His original design for the 2010 event earned First Place
in the organization's T-shirt design competition, a recognition that reflected both his creativity and commitment to the cause.
Whether through dance, volunteerism, or community service, Mike & Lisa remain dedicated to making
a positive difference in the lives of others—both on and off the dance floor.

Mike provided the music & taught several line dance lessons for a Multiple Sclerosis event.

JDRF "The Greatest Walk on Earth"

Toys For Tots (for Hurricane Katrina children)

Another Holiday Stewpot Food Drive

Annual "Red Nose Day" campaign to end child poverty

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"Salsa Sundays"

In 2003, Mike & Lisa became the state's first instructors to offer weekly Salsa group classes. Their popular program, "Salsa Sundays," debuted at Repeat Performance Dance Studio in Madison and quickly became one of the area's most exciting social dance events. For just $5 per person, dancers of all experience levels were introduced to the energy, rhythm, and excitement of Salsa. What began as a single beginner class soon grew into a thriving community of returning students, leading Mike & Lisa to add an intermediate class to meet the increasing demand. During this time, they also created the "Salsa Linea," an original Salsa line dance designed to help students develop individual styling, timing, body movement, and the essential techniques that make Salsa such a dynamic and expressive dance. The class became a favorite among students and remains another example of Mike & Lisa's innovative approach to dance instruction.

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"First Tuesdays"

"The Forum" (formally "Rodeo's") (2003)

"Headliners" (2004)

One of Mike & Lisa's most successful community dance events was "First Tuesdays," a monthly Ballroom dance social
held at several of the Jackson area's most popular nightclubs. Created to give students the opportunity
to enjoy dancing in a real social setting beyond the studio, each evening began with a complimentary beginner-friendly
lesson designed to welcome newcomers, followed by three hours of dancing to a wide variety of music with Mike serving as the evening's DJ.
Held on the first Tuesday of every month, First Tuesdays quickly became a favorite tradition among dancers of every experience level.
The events were so well attended that management at each venue encouraged Mike & Lisa to make them a weekly event.
Believing that part of their appeal was their once-a-month exclusivity, they chose to preserve the original format.
Although the venues with dedicated dance floors have since closed, First Tuesdays remain a memorable chapter
in the studio's history—bringing together hundreds of dancers, introducing countless people to Ballroom dancing,
and creating a welcoming social community that many still remember today.

"Banana Joe's" (2004)

"The Hunt Club" (2006)

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2020 and beyond!





We are now focusing on Dancing for Couples!

Dancing at the original Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi

"A couple that sways together, stays together!" For many of our students, dance lessons became much more than a weekly activity—they became a cherished date night. Over the years, countless friendships have been formed, many romances have blossomed, and several couples who first met in our studio eventually married. One memorable couple even chose to celebrate their wedding right here on our dance floor. Ballroom dancing is one of the few activities that allows couples to grow together while sharing a common goal. Whether you're celebrating a new relationship, strengthening a lifelong marriage, or simply looking for a meaningful way to reconnect, learning to dance creates lasting memories, builds confidence, and deepens your connection. Perhaps that's why couples instruction has always been at the heart of what Mike & Lisa do. After all, they know firsthand the power of dance to bring people together—they are a couple whose own journey began on the dance floor. Today, private lessons and couples group classes remain the studio's specialty. We invite you to discover why so many couples have made dancing one of the most rewarding experiences they share together. Call 601-927-4461 to schedule your first lesson or learn more.

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church couples dance class

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Mike & Lisa were also the first dance instructors in Mississippi to feature wedding dance lessons
as a specialized service. See more about their wedding dance lessons here!

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Performing at "The 2022 Butterfly Ball"
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Swing Class in Natchez for Big Band event

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Mike and Lisa currently specialize in private & group lessons for couples. If you want to experience the fun that social dancing can add to your life, give them a call at 601.927.4461. Mike Day is also available for coaching, student evaluations, group class instruction, event organization, adjudicating, music editing, staff dance sessions, dance choreography for couples and group formations, dance exhibitions and program design for any dance event.

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"Gato Barbieri"

Mike Day is also an artist. Check out some of his work at Beyond the Ballroom.



The Mississippi Dance Doctors - Michael K Day Photography 2026