Conversations with Ryan Schultz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Schultz.

Hi Ryan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I started dancing in 2010 at a studio in Sandusky, OH. named Dance N Style. I originally started taking lessons to impress a girl I was dating, and instantly got hooked. The relationship didn’t last long, but my passion for dance did!

Within a year the owner of the Sandusky studio asked if I ever had any interest in learning how to instruct, and I of course said yes! I came to work as a ballroom professional at Fred Astaire Studio in Chagrin Falls in early 2012, after realizing that if I wanted to do more with dancing I would have to move to a bigger city. Although, I still taught on the weekends in Sandusky until December 2015 when sadly the owner of Dance N Style, Michael Walker, sadly passed away. This affected me deeply because he was more than just my employer. He was a friend and mentor who drew me in to the wonderful world of ballroom.

In 2014 I was awarded the Ohio Fred Astaire “Teacher of the Year” award. While at Fred Astaire I participated in multiple showcases (choreographed dance routines with students), and took students to various Regional and National Ballroom Competitions. Also, throughout the years I have partook in several CASA “Dancing with the Stars” charity fundraising events, and University Hospital’s “Dancing with the Docs” charity fundraiser, choreographing for and dancing with participants.

After Fred Astaire my career took me to Starz Ballroom in 2022 where I met , and on to opening Elegance Ballroom in November 2024 as Co-owner and Head Instructor.

Currently, my students and I, can always be found gracing the stage at showcases and competitions such as Cleveland Northcoast Dancesport Classic, Columbus Dancesport Classic and Chicago Harvest Moon Ball.

I enjoy teaching all styles and levels of students.

I’m proficient in both American and International style ballroom dance, and offers private lessons, wedding dance choreography, and competitive dance.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest struggle was taking a four and a half year hiatus after leaving Fred Astaire in August of 2017. I didn’t find my way back to a dance floor until February of 2022 with Starz Ballroom in North Olmsted. During that hiatus I only found myself on a social dancefloor a handful of times. I started to really miss the joy that is found in sharing dance with others. Once I got to Starz in 2022 I had to shake the rust off and find my dance legs once again.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
There are a lot of ways to answer what do I do…the easy answer is that I teach dance, but it is a lot more than that. Beyond the technical aspect of teaching someone “how” to dance are the “why’s”. Sometimes I’m helping couples discover and enjoy something they can do together that may be the spark to bring some excitement back into their relationship. Sometimes it’s helping someone feel confident in something that is people orientated, so they can get out, meet people and be more social. Sometimes it’s helping the ones that are driven and passionate about dance, and want to take it to the level of performing and/or competition, and getting them to that level. And, other times I can be the exercise coach helping them work up a sweat, because dance is more fun than going to the gym.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is finding out why someone wants to take up ballroom dancing, and making sure that I’m delivering on that every single lesson with each individual. People take up dance for different lessons and you can’t approach every lesson the same way. Every student has their own goals, desires, and reasons for coming each week.

Pricing:

• We do have an intro lesson special that offers two 45 minute sessions for $75 for new students

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eleganceballroomandlatinstudios.com
• Facebook: Elegance Ballroom and Latin