Becker Ballroom, Knoxville

Mark and Rhonda, Champion Ballroom Center's dance instructor duo, cultivated their love of dance initially as a hobby, and then pursued it aggressively as a career. Though they both had day jobs, they regularly entered themselves into dance competitions, along with hanging out at dance halls for practice. Eventually they quit their jobs and became instructors. Today, the couple teaches regularly, shimmies frequently, and judges amateur competitions several times a year.

Mark's lessons hone in on the Latin dances of cha-cha and rumba with a smattering of east coast swing, and Rhonda enlightens students on traditional steps such as the foxtrot, waltz, or tango. Partners aren't needed for any of their classes as, more often than not, there will also be another individual grooving to the beat of their internal sound system.