Tommy Buckholtz has been surrounded by ballroom dancing for as long as he can remember. With both his father and two grandfathers having been professional ballroom dancers, dance has always been a part of his life. For multiple years, Tommy has pursued dance professionally as a dancer, performer, competitor, and instructor.

Tommy spent much of his professional career training and teaching at a studio in East Tennessee, where he developed experience in a wide range of partner dances, with a particular focus on American Smooth and American Rhythm. He has competed and performed at events across multiple states, placing in the top four at numerous NDCA competitions. His passion for dance has also taken him beyond the studio, traveling internationally to study the traditions, history, and culture behind different styles, including Argentine Tango in Argentina and Flamenco in Spain.

While Tommy loves many forms of partner dancing, Theater Arts holds a special place in his heart. This exciting category combines traditional partner-dance movements with lifts, tricks, and dramatic choreography, allowing dancers to bring together athleticism, musicality, connection, and storytelling.

What Tommy enjoys most about teaching is helping people discover what they are capable of. Whether a student wants to improve their fitness, balance, and strength; compete for trophies and medals; become more confident on the dance floor; build social connections; or simply have a great time, Tommy loves helping them use dance to reach their goals.

Before becoming a professional dance instructor, Tommy spent 10 years working in nonprofit mental health, an experience that shaped his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He brings that experience into his teaching through patience, humor, empathy, and an ability to adapt to different learning styles. Most importantly, he strives to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable, challenged, and excited to learn.

Tommy believes that a good dance lesson should challenge both the mind and body while being so much fun that you want more. His goal is for students to walk away from every lesson feeling like they worked hard, had fun, and made meaningful progress toward their goals.

When he's not dancing or teaching, Tommy enjoys spending time outdoors and with his two dogs.