Nathan Simler Owner/Staff Director
Dancing is a powerful form of freedom from outside pressures as well as inner tensions. It is a privilege and joy to teach this wonderful art form to anyone willing to learn. I believe that dance is possible for everyone who has patience and a willingness to practice. I seek to bring technical excellence to both the student as well as my own dancing with every lesson. A truly rewarding experience is when I can help a student understand some aspect of dance in a new light.
I was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1979, the youngest of three kids and the only boy (lucky me!). I watched my oldest sister in gymnastics and my slightly older sister in jazz, tap, and ballet. It never occurred to me to try it myself as I was more interested in attempting sports or being with the boys. Dance, to me, was for girls. In early 2002, after 6 years training in classical music at Western Washington University, my slightly older sister informed me of her plans to start a dance studio in Bellingham and invited me to be an instructor. At this point I had minimal dance experience and so had natural hesitancies toward the profession but with some persuasive skills on my sister’s part I was convinced to try.
Today I have completed my Grandmaster (Gold) Level in American Rhythm and Smooth dancing (with High Honors) and am now studying for my International Standard and Latin Certifications. I also compete professionally at competitions across the country with my dance partner, Lecie McNees, have taught internationally, and am available for coaching and shows. I train 15+ hours per week with my partner and we receive regular coaching. We are constantly improving our teaching and techniques: our students definitely benefit!
Among my greatest dance achievements are teaching with Ms. Diane Jarmolow, one of Americas top teacher trainers, and having my slightly older sister, Mary Evans, say she is proud to have me for a brother. Additionally, I’ve studied with Ron Montez, Valentina Weise, FJ and Catherine Abaya, Bob Powers, Stephen Cullop, David Kloss, Olga Foraponova, Dima and Olga Sukochov,Victor Kanevsky, and Natasha Thayer to name a few.
My other interests include traveling with my beautiful wife, Azita; playing with my two beagles, Foxtrot and Sweet Pea; music (of course); reading next to a quiet fire; sudoku; spending time with friends and family; and learning about carpentry since I don’t have enough tools.
Dances/Teach
- Waltz
- Tango
- Foxtrot
- Viennese Waltz
- Mambo
- Cha Cha
- Bolero
- Rumba
- Samba
- East Coast Swing
- West Coast Swing
- Merengue
- Salsa
- Lindy Hop & Charleston
- Swango
- Jitterbug
- Nightclub Two Step
- Musical Timing & Phrasing
Dance Certification & Experience:
- 2010 Eastern United States Rising Star Smooth Champion
- 2010 Wisconsin State Rising Star Smooth Champion
- 2010 Southern States Rising Star Smooth Champion
- 2009 Rising Star Finalist at Capital Dancesport in Rhythm and Smooth
- 2009 Rising Star Finalist at Nevada Star Ball for Smooth
- 2009 Seattle Star Ball Open Professional Smooth Champion
- 2009 Open and Rising Star Finalist at Colorado Star Ball in Rhythm and Smooth
- Featured Entertainment for the 25th Annual Northwest Dance Extravaganza Seattle, WA
- Featured Entertainment for the 18th Annual City of Roses Competition Portland, OR
- 2008 Autumn Dance Classic Professional Rising Star Smooth Champion
- 2008 United States National Professional 9 Dance Finalists
- 2008 Seattle Star Ball Open Professional Smooth Champion
- 2008 Seattle Star Ball Open Professional Show Dance Champion
- 2008 Seattle Star Ball Professional Rising Star Rhythm Champion
- Certified through Bronze with Honors in International Standard through DVIDA in 2008
- 2007 DVIDA National Professional One Dance Champions for Rumba, Cha Cha, Waltz and Foxtrot
- 2007 Seattle Star Ball Rising Star Smooth Champion
- Grand Master of Dance Certification through DVIDA American Smooth High Honors 2007
- Grand Master of Dance Certification through DVIDA American Rhythm High Honors 2007
- Masters of Dance Certification through DVIDA American Rhythm High Honors 2006
- Masters of Dance Certification through DVIDA American Smooth High Honors 2005
- Associates of Dance Certification through DVIDA American Smooth High Honors 2004
- Associates of Dance Certification through DVIDA American Rhythm Honors 2003
- Taught with Ballroom Dance teacher trainer Diane Jarmolow in Trinidad at various workshops
- Now studying for Grandmaster in Argentine Tango, and International style Standard and Latin dances
- Competed and performed with students at various dance competitions in the Greater Seattle area
- Teaching since 2002
- Do you do dance showcase performances with Students? Yes
- Do you compete with Students? Yes
