Michael started teaching dance when he was only 17 years old. His first professional teaching job was for “The Journey”, a young adult night club where he taught large groups of students to dance the Hustle and basic Cha Cha. It was not very long before Michael began teaching full time at a popular dance studio in San Diego. Within two years Michael was offered a teaching position with another more reputable studio in La Jolla, CA. Fulfilling a dream to own his own studio, in 1982 Michael opened the Starlight Dance Studio in San Diego. Since its inception, Starlight Dance Studio has grown to six times its original size with over 30 very talented instructors and over 300 students!
In 2017, Michael sold the Starlight Dance Studio and relocated to Charlotte, NC. He is actively involved in helping build the Charlotte West Coast Swing community, as well as offering a range of services. Michael regularly competes, performs, coaches, judges, and hosts dance events throughout the year on top of his very busy teaching schedule.
Notable Accomplishments:
- US Open Swing Dance Champion
- Member of the National Swing Dance Hall of Fame
- “Rising Stars” International Latin Champion
- Several “Pro-Am” Ballroom & Latin Championship titles
- Grand Master and founder of the Global PDIA Instructor Certification Program
- Founder of the Global PDIA Judges Certification Program
- Founder of “Starlight Video Dance Productions, now simply called MichaelKiehm.com, where you’ll find the most intuitive dance instruction available on DVD and through internet download!