Jeremy Norris 

Rhythm, Smooth, Latin and Standard, Theater Arts

Jeremy Norris first took an interest in dancing when he was a break dancer in Atlanta. He has been a drummer in jazz, rock and marching bands and believes his feel for beats and rhythms is one of his strongest assets in dancing. He took a break from his artistic endeavors and served five years in the US Navy and became a veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm before settling in Virginia Beach to begin his training in ballroom dancing.

Jeremy has had the privilege of being coached by many of the top professionals in the ballroom world including Bob Powers and Julia Gorchikova, Lois Van Amstel, Jean Marc Genereaux, Eddie Ares, Ana Llorente, Olga Kormanovskaya, and John King. He put in his time competing Pro/Am as the Amateur partner before turning professional at his studio’s request.

Now an established teacher and competitor, Jeremy has sixteen years experience behind him. He currently competes successfully with his students in Rhythm, Latin, Smooth, Standard, and Theater Arts in local, regional,, and national competitions. He also trains and competes with his professional partner Emily Loyless and with several titles won in various styles, they are well on their way to becoming a dynamic and memorable team.

While much of his time is spent training competitors, Jeremy also enjoys teaching social dancers of all levels. With both technical and artistic backgrounds and an unusually strong understanding of lead/follow he brings a unique perspective to his students’ dancing. Many of them comment on his useful though sometimes strange and humorous metaphors that commonly pop up during lessons. “When it comes down to it, everyone really dances for one reason: to have fun. If you aren’t enjoying it, why do it? But believe me, I make sure my students not only learn a lot but have a great time!”

Emily Loyless

American Rhythm and Smooth, International Latin and Standard, Theater Arts 

Emily’s passion for music and dance began as a small child and has continued to fuel her professional career. Her ability to utilize the inner beats and melodies in music is one of her strongest assets in creating a feeling and a story in her dancing. Before pursuing her ballroom career she has had experience as a member of various symphonies for over ten years as well as background in musical theater.

Emily has been trained by some of the top professionals including Eddie Ares, Olga Kormonavskaya, and John King. She put in her time competing in the top ranks of Pro/Am in multiple styles before turning professional. She currently competes professionally with Jeremy Norris in American Rhythm and Theater Arts and in 2010 they will also include American Smooth in their repertoire.

Emily competes with students at national events throughout the year in which they have taken top awards. As well as coaching competitors to dance their best she loves to teach social dancers. “Dancing is supposed to be fun. I love being able to help people forget their bad day or horrible week for a few hours. When my students end their lesson with smiles, I know I have done a good job!”