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About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Mr. Smooth is on the move on the international club style ballroom scene. Originally from Inkster, Michigan he teaches international club style ballroom dancing, a very popular style of partner dancing seen at many dance functions and clubs throughout the Great Lakes states in the Midwest. It is an eclectic mix, fusion, and hybrid of dance elements borrowed from other popular dances... Cha, Cha, Argentine Tango, Salsa, etc.
He teaches his particular form of it along with Graystone, Bop, and many popular hustle line dances in the metropolitan Detroit, Michigan area. He is internationally known for the grace, fluidity and precision on the dance floor. It is a sheer pleasure to watch and experience. It is no wonder so many have dawned and labeled a name for him … “Mr. Smooth.”
Our Vision
Mr. Smooth’s Vision is to become the premier club style ballroom dance of choice in Metropolitan Detroit, the major media/metro markets in United States, and the world.
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Our Mission
Mr. Smooth's Mission is to teach students and the community the power and grace of dancing. He is committed to promoting health and wellness through high quality affordable dance instruction.
Meet The Team
Our high quality team of dedicated dancers, volunteers, staff, and associates started as students or enthusiasts learning Mr. Smooth's club style.
Mr & Mrs Smooth
Mr. Smooth is on the move on the international club style ballroom scene. Originally from Detroit, Michigan he teaches international club style ballroom dancing, a very popular style of partner dancing seen at many dance functions and clubs throughout the Great Lakes states in the Midwest. It is an eclectic mix, fusion, and hybrid of dance elements borrowed from other popular dances... Cha, Cha, Argentine Tango, Salsa, etc.
He teaches his particular form of it along with Graystone, Bop, and many popular hustle line dances in the metropolitan Detroit, Michigan area. He is internationally known for the grace, fluidity and precision on the dance floor. It is a sheer pleasure to watch and experience. It is no wonder so many have dawned and labeled a name for him … “Mr. Smooth.”
He teaches his particular form of it along with Graystone, Bop, and many popular hustle line dances in the metropolitan Detroit, Michigan area. He is internationally known for the grace, fluidity and precision on the dance floor. It is a sheer pleasure to watch and experience. It is no wonder so many have dawned and labeled a name for him … “Mr. Smooth.”
Maurice Adams
I am currently a resident of Canton Michigan, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Go Steelers) and a graduate of the University of Michigan (Go Wolverines)! After my two children went off to college, I looked around for an activity my spouse and I could do together. For years I drove by the marquee in front of the Inkster Recreation Community Center offering Mr. Smooth “Ballroom lessons”. Finally, one day during my middle age years I went inside to inquire and was greeted by Mrs. Smooth who welcomed us with open arms. She made us feel amazingly comfortable as she explained the program and we watched Mr. Smooth teaching a huge class of at least 70 people. It looked like Fun and it was obviously very popular! We decided to sign up the following week. Two years after signing up for my first Mr. Smooth class in 2003, I volunteered to be a dance assistant and two years after that I was certified as one of Mr. Smooth’s ballroom instructors in 2007. Over the next 15 years, little did I realize at that time, Detroit Style Ballroom, as taught by Mr. Smooth, would open up a world of opportunity for me with mature partner dancing, travel, and dance teaching opportunities in state and out of state; dance competitions and dance demonstrations. I began teaching Ballroom Trio dancing on seven (7) of the twelve (12) Mr. Smooth Annual 7-day cruises. Also, I began teaching line dancing as Mr. Smooth would do at the end of his ballroom classes. As time went on, Mr. Smooth gave me the opportunity to teach line dancing, at MGM Casino (2008 through 2015) while he taught beginner ballroom. At Club Yesterdays 2007 through 2019 I assisted with ballroom class and taught line dancing. For several years, I continued teaching the combination of ballroom and line dancing at special annual events at the University of Detroit. Other venues included Eastern Michigan University annual fundraising event; many several private business retreats; several fraternity and sorority events; numerous church functions for couples; family reunions; multiple weddings for the Bride & Groom and wedding receptions; and more recently weekly dance classes at the N’NAMDI Art Center 2016 through 2020; weekly classes at Beacon Park operated by the Detroit Downtown Partners during the summer of 2021; and current weekly classes at the Oak Park Community Center with a focus on Detroit Style ballroom as and line dancing.
Mr. Smooth’s early dance lessons, along with his influence and encouragement opened up many wonderful opportunities for me in the world of Detroit Style ballroom and Line Dancing. I love teaching dance. I continue to be affiliated with all Mr. Smooth events and activities whenever I am needed. The dance is not over!
Mr. Smooth’s early dance lessons, along with his influence and encouragement opened up many wonderful opportunities for me in the world of Detroit Style ballroom and Line Dancing. I love teaching dance. I continue to be affiliated with all Mr. Smooth events and activities whenever I am needed. The dance is not over!
Annie Gill
My name is Annie Gill and I was born and raised in Helena, Arkansas. I graduated from HS in 1979 and went on the college and received my Bachelor’s Degree from Arkansas State University in 1983. Later I graduated from Arkansas State University with my Masters in 1984. I moved to Detroit Michigan and began teaching at the Willow Run School District. For 28 years I taught at the school.
I joined Mr. Smooth Dance Group in 2005. I have been a Certified Ballroom Dance Instructor for 17 years now. I joined this group because I love to dance and the group became my family away from home. Mr. & Mrs. Smooth brought so much joy and happiness to my life. They accepted me and introduced me to so many great experiences and people in the dance world. For that I will forever be grateful.
I joined Mr. Smooth Dance Group in 2005. I have been a Certified Ballroom Dance Instructor for 17 years now. I joined this group because I love to dance and the group became my family away from home. Mr. & Mrs. Smooth brought so much joy and happiness to my life. They accepted me and introduced me to so many great experiences and people in the dance world. For that I will forever be grateful.
Sandra Pinckney-James
My name is Sandra Pinckney-James. I was introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Smooth by my friend Melvin Knox in 2004
In 2006, I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to be a Mr. Smooth Assistant. In 2008, I moved into the following 3 roles - Mr. Smooth Cruise Land/Hotel Coordinator; Mr. Smooth Travel Planner; and Mr. Smooth Class Reunion Coordinator.
Thanks to Tonia Williams (Mr. Smooth Instructor), I met my life partner Anthony James in 2017 at one of Mr. Smooth’s Classes. We were married in 2021, making us the 57th couple that married from the Mr. Smooth Ballroom Class.
In 2006, I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to be a Mr. Smooth Assistant. In 2008, I moved into the following 3 roles - Mr. Smooth Cruise Land/Hotel Coordinator; Mr. Smooth Travel Planner; and Mr. Smooth Class Reunion Coordinator.
Thanks to Tonia Williams (Mr. Smooth Instructor), I met my life partner Anthony James in 2017 at one of Mr. Smooth’s Classes. We were married in 2021, making us the 57th couple that married from the Mr. Smooth Ballroom Class.
Fred & La Cheryl Wicker
La Cheryl and I met Mr. & Mrs. Smooth in 2004 at a Fashion Show that was orchestrated by Annie Gill at Willow Run High School. The Smooths were in attendance as special guests to demonstrate their Ballroom Style. The performance was so impressive it motivated us to learn the dance and over time we became a part of the Smooth Family as Assistants, Decorator, Coordinator, and an Administrator.
La Cheryl as a decorator, evolved into brainstorming themes and décor for Mr. Smooth Events. As an Administrator, my role evolved from preparing certificates for his 100+ student classes, to applying and securing Mr. Smooth’s business credentials for the Mr. Smooth Dance Cruises. Additionally, I booked the Mr. Smooth Cruises for a few years until it grew to a capacity that required a team that could manage the cruises on a full-time basis. As an administrator, I work behind the scenes managing data for cruises, assistants, meetings, etc. As a Cruise Coordinator, I work with vendors to obtain items for Smooth Cruises. While cruising La Cheryl is the ship’s liaison from pre-cruise to the end of the cruise assisting Mr. & Mrs. Smooth and the cruisers during his ship events. Being a part of Mr. & Mrs. Smooth’s Family has been an honor and a privilege.
La Cheryl as a decorator, evolved into brainstorming themes and décor for Mr. Smooth Events. As an Administrator, my role evolved from preparing certificates for his 100+ student classes, to applying and securing Mr. Smooth’s business credentials for the Mr. Smooth Dance Cruises. Additionally, I booked the Mr. Smooth Cruises for a few years until it grew to a capacity that required a team that could manage the cruises on a full-time basis. As an administrator, I work behind the scenes managing data for cruises, assistants, meetings, etc. As a Cruise Coordinator, I work with vendors to obtain items for Smooth Cruises. While cruising La Cheryl is the ship’s liaison from pre-cruise to the end of the cruise assisting Mr. & Mrs. Smooth and the cruisers during his ship events. Being a part of Mr. & Mrs. Smooth’s Family has been an honor and a privilege.
Leah Buggs
Leah M. Buggs is 50yrs young, born and raised in Pontiac, MI- (Yak Town Girl). She is the sibling to 2 sisters and 3 brothers in which she is the “baby girl”. She’s a proud Mother of 3 Beautiful Educated Children. Leah attended Ferris State University and Majored in Social Work. During her College experience she was inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She continued with her education at Ross Medical Education Center and Graduated as a Certified Registered Medical Assistant. Leah worked 25yrs in Medical Billing until 2017 where she now works full time in Logistics at General Motors.
In 1989, Leah became Miss Congeniality for the State of Michigan, she’s an Actress at heart and has performed in several stage plays; “Fruit from a Tainted Tree” and “Family Secrets” to name a few. Leah enjoys Playing the Piano, Traveling and Meeting new people.
In 2012 she was introduced to Ballroom Dance. Leah started dancing in 2012 and in 2015 she met Mr. Smooth. From that point she found her new love in Ballroom Dance and can’t live without it.
In 1989, Leah became Miss Congeniality for the State of Michigan, she’s an Actress at heart and has performed in several stage plays; “Fruit from a Tainted Tree” and “Family Secrets” to name a few. Leah enjoys Playing the Piano, Traveling and Meeting new people.
In 2012 she was introduced to Ballroom Dance. Leah started dancing in 2012 and in 2015 she met Mr. Smooth. From that point she found her new love in Ballroom Dance and can’t live without it.
Ventura Ingram
I was Introduced to Ballroom dancing with Mr. Smooth in 2005 by my mother, JoAnna Arnold, and her husband, Orlando Arnold. After a few years, in 2009 I became a Smooth Assistant helping with the Basic and Advanced Ballroom classes and the Hustle Class taught by Maurice. As of now, I have attended three Mr. Smooth Cruises. I love Calvin and Jackie for teaching me how to dance, introducing me to the dance community, and for the people they are outside of dance. They are FAMILY!
Marcia Crutchfield
I started basic ballroom in 2002/2003 at the inkster complex. Then I joined the Mr. Smooth team as an assistant in 2005. September 13, I was so excited to been in the (Inkster Ledger Star with Mr.Smooth. April 15, 2012 I was officially certified asa ballroom Instructor by North 2 South Dance Connection under Mr Smooth.
Tonia Williams
My name is Tonia Williams aka Baby Girl and I became a student of Mr. Smooth in 2005 at the Inkster Recreation Complex. My dancing evolved over the years and I went from student to assistant and then I became one of Mr. Smooth’s first certified female instructors. I love being able to help others come to the ballroom lifestyle LOL. I have traveled and cruised all over the world with my Smooth Family and have no plans to stop because I’m straight out of Mr. Smooth & Company.
Beatrice Dalton
I grew up in Detroit, dancing all my life. I must say meeting Mr. Smooth through a mutual friend in 2010, down at Mr. Smooth‘s café, was an opening door to some fantastic memories. I was able to meet some long-lasting friends, which I enjoy tremendously. I started dancing with the class, caught on quickly, and soon became an assistant. From there we moved to Club Yesterdays and MGM. Every experience was just as thrilling. I enjoyed going on cruises every year. The camaraderie with the dance family is a beautiful experience and I have been having a ball ever since. I’m living life like it’s golden and still part of Mr & Mrs Smooth company.
Renee Perry
Currently 65 years of age. Associate degree in science. Retired Instructor in Residential Wiring. Retired Chrysler worker; Hobbies: Floral Culture, Promotion, and I’ve been dancing with Mr. and Mrs. Smooth since 2008.
Gail Bond
I have been a Mr. Smooth Assistant for 4 years. Been dancing most of my life for enjoyment and for exercise. Currently I live in Southfield, MI. I have one grown daughter and a beautiful 4-year-old granddaughter. If you’re looking for fun and keeping your health in shape, come out and dance. Mr. Smooth is the best!
Marva Cain Franklin
I first met Calvin and Jackie Sibert (aka, Mr. & Mrs. Smooth) back in 2004 when they were teaching Urban Style Ballroom Dance Classes at the Arrowwood Cooperatives Center in Ann Arbor, MI. That is where I found my love for Urban Style Ballroom Dancing. Taking classes from Calvin and Jackie was so much fun. I continued taking classes from the Smooths for the next couple of years. In 2007, I became a “Mr. Smooth” Dance Assistant and enjoyed becoming a part of this awesome group by helping others learn this wonderful dance style. On two occasions I was a part of the Mr. Smooth Dance Demo Team where we performed at different dance functions (Dance Xplosion, Indianapolis, IN and the Mr. Smooth Dance Reunion).
Orlando & Rosemary Arnold
I am Rev. Orlando G Arnold I have been a brother and Friend of Mr. Smooth since our Chadsey High School days. I am a Mr. Smooth Certified Instructor, former assistant and student since 2005.
I am the Associate Pastor of the New Bright Star M.B.C. I have My Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies and Psychology and a Master in Curriculum Instruction. I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, and a 7th Degree Master Mason of Prince Hall Lodge #24. I am married to the Beautiful Rosemary, who is also a Mr. Smooth assistant. We have 7 children, 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
I am the Associate Pastor of the New Bright Star M.B.C. I have My Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies and Psychology and a Master in Curriculum Instruction. I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, and a 7th Degree Master Mason of Prince Hall Lodge #24. I am married to the Beautiful Rosemary, who is also a Mr. Smooth assistant. We have 7 children, 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Vincente Relf
My venture started with a request from my daughter who has MS. She was planning her wedding and the question was asked; “can I Ballroom Dance with her for the "Father-Daughter Dance"? My reply was not really. She told me to take lessons so she could look & feel BEAUTIFUL with her Father. Me working on the Railroad (Conductor) 24 hours on call, and as a Beautician, I wondered when and where I would find time? Fathers have to make it happen for their babies. So with help from the Lord, and the leadership, practice, patience, and confidence from Mr.& Mrs. Smooth, I got better. I went from being an Assistant Instructor to Master Instructor!
Kyra Joy Hope
I was introduced to the Mr. Smooth family in 2005, at the Inkster Complex, by my mom (JoAnna/Assistant) and pop (Orlando/Certified Ballroom Instructor). I had recently gone through some personal trauma and medical issues, and my mom believed that the Mr. Smooth world of “dance” would help me find “new beginnings”.
Over the years with Mr. Smooth and Company, I committed myself several times a week to learn how to dance and I quickly elevated to Ballroom Assistant, Ballroom Instructor, and then to Certified Ballroom Instructor.
Now part of the Mr. Smooth family, I found “new beginnings” and new meaning to life. The Mr. Smooth family was so contagious that at one point a dozen family members found themselves addicted to the Mr. Smooth world of dance.
Mr. Smooth encouraged me and his students, to take lessons in other styles with other instructors to make us well rounded in the dance community. I began to travel with Mr. Smooth and Company, while taking classes, and performing with the Mr. Smooth group, and I took a liking to styling points, spinning, hand flow, footwork, and dance charisma, which birthed “ladies shining”. I quickly became known for “ladies shining” in stilettos, throughout the states among our Mr. Smooth family.
Almost a decade ago, I tragically lost my mom. Mr. Smooth and Company, my dance family, embraced my entire family. Mr. Smooth and Company, stepped in the gap, and I never lost a beat. I have been supported in my personal and professional life by Mr. Smooth and to this day they are still sharing with a “mother’s love” in all of my personal accomplishments and victories.
I now teach private lessons with my pop (Orlando). Our lessons include food and fun, and focuses on couples while creating a date night experience.
Over the years with Mr. Smooth and Company, I committed myself several times a week to learn how to dance and I quickly elevated to Ballroom Assistant, Ballroom Instructor, and then to Certified Ballroom Instructor.
Now part of the Mr. Smooth family, I found “new beginnings” and new meaning to life. The Mr. Smooth family was so contagious that at one point a dozen family members found themselves addicted to the Mr. Smooth world of dance.
Mr. Smooth encouraged me and his students, to take lessons in other styles with other instructors to make us well rounded in the dance community. I began to travel with Mr. Smooth and Company, while taking classes, and performing with the Mr. Smooth group, and I took a liking to styling points, spinning, hand flow, footwork, and dance charisma, which birthed “ladies shining”. I quickly became known for “ladies shining” in stilettos, throughout the states among our Mr. Smooth family.
Almost a decade ago, I tragically lost my mom. Mr. Smooth and Company, my dance family, embraced my entire family. Mr. Smooth and Company, stepped in the gap, and I never lost a beat. I have been supported in my personal and professional life by Mr. Smooth and to this day they are still sharing with a “mother’s love” in all of my personal accomplishments and victories.
I now teach private lessons with my pop (Orlando). Our lessons include food and fun, and focuses on couples while creating a date night experience.
Steve Feehily & Madeline Kitt
Steve Feehily attended the first Mr. Smooth class at Club Yesterday around 2008 and was there when they closed in 2020. It has been a wonderful journey. After learning the Mr. Smooth style of dancing, I was asked to be an Assistant Instructor and eventually became a full time instructor. June 1, 2012, I was presented with a Spirit of Detroit Award and also the North 2 South Dance Connection Certificate. With so many memories of events we participated in behind us, we can only look forward to what will be in store for us in the future.
Rhonda Willis
I took the classes at Inkster Recreational Center and won the trip selling the First Fitness products and I became an assistant teaching the Mr. Smooth Style Ballroom classes.
My husband and I moved to Atlanta, Georgia and became Mr. Smooth instructors teaching the Mr. Smooth Style Ballroom Dance. The Atlanta Journal wrote an article about us in the paper. We have performed and instructed the Mr. Smooth ballroom dance all over Atlanta for dignitaries, marriage ministries, churches and many more. We also attend the Mr. Smooth Cruises and assist the Smooth’s during the cruise with the classes.
Calvin and Jackie Sibert are headliners for the Heritage Ball a big stepper event every February in Atlanta and we assist with that function. Calvin and Jackie have hosted the Hustle & Flow Friday’s every 3rd Friday in Atlanta at several different venues, and we assisted with that function.
I met my husband, my sole mate Calvin Willis in the Mr. Smooth ballroom class. I was the assistant that partnered with Calvin Willis in the class and the rest was history. We were the first Mr. Smooth students to get married from his class in September 2006. The funny story is Calvin and Jackie Sibert have a running battle on who introduced me to my husband first.
My husband and I have met so many new friends and have had a lot of great opportunities teaching the classes in Georgia.
My husband and I moved to Atlanta, Georgia and became Mr. Smooth instructors teaching the Mr. Smooth Style Ballroom Dance. The Atlanta Journal wrote an article about us in the paper. We have performed and instructed the Mr. Smooth ballroom dance all over Atlanta for dignitaries, marriage ministries, churches and many more. We also attend the Mr. Smooth Cruises and assist the Smooth’s during the cruise with the classes.
Calvin and Jackie Sibert are headliners for the Heritage Ball a big stepper event every February in Atlanta and we assist with that function. Calvin and Jackie have hosted the Hustle & Flow Friday’s every 3rd Friday in Atlanta at several different venues, and we assisted with that function.
I met my husband, my sole mate Calvin Willis in the Mr. Smooth ballroom class. I was the assistant that partnered with Calvin Willis in the class and the rest was history. We were the first Mr. Smooth students to get married from his class in September 2006. The funny story is Calvin and Jackie Sibert have a running battle on who introduced me to my husband first.
My husband and I have met so many new friends and have had a lot of great opportunities teaching the classes in Georgia.
Louise Edje, Ed.D., Ed.S., M.A., B.A.
I became interested in dancing to meet people. One day in 2003 I saw the marque at the Dozier Recreational Complex in Inkster, Michigan inviting people to learn how to do contemporary ballroom dancing. This intrigued me. To my surprise , I enjoyed myself and met many people who became my friends. We met weekly and after a year Mr. Smooth talked about how interested individuals could become assistants. My confidence grew so I decided to attempt this next step as an assistant. I enjoyed it and graduated to the level of being an assistant.
Over the years I have assisted in helping new students learn the basic steps, traveled with Mr. Smooth and other assistants to various location. I am also pleased to say that I was able to be on the Mexican Riviera Cruise in 2011 as an assistant.
Presently, my time is limited as a caregiver for my mother who is 98 years young. As a result, I am not able to participate often but feel welcomed to assist as time permits.
Over the years I have assisted in helping new students learn the basic steps, traveled with Mr. Smooth and other assistants to various location. I am also pleased to say that I was able to be on the Mexican Riviera Cruise in 2011 as an assistant.
Presently, my time is limited as a caregiver for my mother who is 98 years young. As a result, I am not able to participate often but feel welcomed to assist as time permits.
Akouwa Taliaferro aka "Cool"
Akouwa Taliaferro was a member of Yesterday's Paradise Club where dancing was a weekly event for her. She meet a wonderful man who couldn't dance but wanted to learn. Club Yesterday's Paradise had relocated, becoming Club Yesterdays. Mr. Smooth had started teaching ballroom dancing at Club Yesterdays. Akouwa took the ballroom classes with her male friend because she was hoping he would become her regular dance partner back in 2008.
A few years later, Akouwa joined the Mr. Smooth Family and became a part of the team as an assistant. From that day forward, she has been an assistant with Mr. Smooth, teaching basic and advanced ballroom dancing for over a decade.
Cool feels blessed to have met several new friends over the years with the same interest in dancing. She also feels blessed going on cruise trips and enjoying the never-ending enlightenment of new skills for dancing.
A few years later, Akouwa joined the Mr. Smooth Family and became a part of the team as an assistant. From that day forward, she has been an assistant with Mr. Smooth, teaching basic and advanced ballroom dancing for over a decade.
Cool feels blessed to have met several new friends over the years with the same interest in dancing. She also feels blessed going on cruise trips and enjoying the never-ending enlightenment of new skills for dancing.
Contact Us
734-751-9797
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