Teresa Shiry competed professionally for 18 years and has been a Professional Ballroom instructor for over 20 years. Teresa was a 1995 United States American Smooth Champion and a 1995 World Showdance finalist. She has coached University teams and dance programs, children’s dancesport summer camps, pro-am and amateur competitive couples and professional finalists in the American Smooth Division. Teresa has judged many great competitons including the Emerald Ball and USDC. Teresa is a DVIDA Regional Examiner.

Maren owns Heart & Sole Dance in Tinley Park, IL, a top Midwest Ballroom Dance studio. Her passion for teaching and her desire to share her love of dance led her to open her own studio AND start the Illinois Ballroom Teacher College, so she can help create great ballroom instructors. Maren traveled extensively across the U.S. earning a reputation as a top level dancer, teacher and judge. Maren carries with her a host of wins and titles in Country, Latin, Ballroom, Hustle and Swing, including more wins than she can count in her favorite arenas, Strictly Swing and Jack & Jill competitions. Sharing her knowledge and the joy of dance with students is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her dancing career.