Mike & Reuel Bios
Brought together by their love of connection on the dance floor, Mike (the Girl) Legett and Reuel Reis are known as one of the most engaging teaching couples in the country. They provide clear explanations and balance in-depth technical information with levity and humor, creating a classroom that is both productive and fun. They first taught together at Lindy Focus 2007, and have since become a force to be reckoned with, taking first place in the BluesShout Strictly Ballroomin Competition, and teaching at events from Down Home Blues to Blues Muse, and many places between.
Mike combines an intuitive understanding of connection with an analytical speaking style to give her students technique, but also strives to challenge and inspire her students to push themselves further into the music. She aims to help leaders create artistic compositions that are clearly led; she wants follows to have the ability to be the completely literal follow, and the inspiration and freedom to be an imaginative and dynamic contributor. In the classroom or on the social floor, she seeks a connection that involves active communication from both partners, to make a dance together.
Reuel’s unique style of dancing holds its roots in the dirty streets of the Big Easy, where he was born and raised. The immersion in his native New Orleans culture mixed with the opportunity to dance until dawn at the most wonderful venues in New Orleans such as “Donna’s”, “Blues Club”, and “DBA” merged Reuel’s life experience to the dance that he loves. He has also taught Blues Dancing from one end of the United States to another and is known for his performance, contrast, respect for others, visual aesthetics, and competitive yet playful spirit. His dancing has been showcased with victories in the “BluesSHOUT! 2009 Ballroom Blues Strictly (with Mike “the Girl” Legett)” and the “Champions’ Jack and Jill” competitions, as well as a number of other competition wins. Students have enjoyed his classes at events such as Blues Muse, SOL Fest, Camp Blues, Enter the Blues, Denver Blues Summit, just to list a few.
