Martin, a native of Montreal, started dancing at the age of nine and competed extensively in both Ballroom and Latin. His amateur accolades include: Two time Quebec Latin Champion, two time Canadian Latin Champion, North American Latin Champion as well as several times representing Canada at various World Championships. In 1999 he turned professional and moved to Calgary. He partnered with Diana, opened a studio, and went on to develop one of the most successful youth dancesport programs in Canada. He is certified as a professional teacher, a National judge, a scrutineer, and is also an experienced competition organizer (Ballroom A, Latin A, Smooth A, Rhythm A, NCA).
Diana started dancing at the age of three in tap, jazz, and ballet. She had a brief stint with gymnastics until she was offered a scholarship to the Professional Program at the Edmonton School of Ballet when she was eleven. An injury at the age of sixteen led her into the world of Ballroom Dancing where she soon became a Canadian Professional 10 Dance Finalist. She opened her first studio when she was twenty two and has invested over 28 years into developing Ballroom dancing in Calgary. She is also a certified instructor and National Judge (Ballroom A, Latin A, Smooth A, Rhythm A, NCA). Diana also created and runs a Ballroom based fitness dance company called Burlesquercise to address the many ladies that wish to dance whether they have a partner or not.
Together Martin and Diana competed professionally for six years and in 2003 they were selected as Canada’s representatives to the World Championships. With over 45 years of combined teaching experience, Martin and Diana have taught thousands of people how to dance. Many of their students have had successful competitive careers with some moving into film, television, circus and some becoming instructors themselves. Martin and Diana currently divide their time as dancesport coaches, judges, choreographers and are also very busy as consultants for ice dancers and skaters, gymnasts, dancers, fitness models, and circus performers. They also work closely with DANCING CLASSROOM which promotes Ballroom dancing in elementary schools.
Martin and Diana are best at building confidence and performance skills and are excited to be back training and developing the Ballroom program at Prestige!