For the past 15 years Michele has traveled and taught throughout the United States, Canada, England, France, Australia, Japan, and Korea. Some of her dances you may recognize are American Pop, Go Greased Lightning, Divisadero Cha, Zenyatta’s Waltz, Covered in Kisses (w/Michael Barr), Rumba Breeze (w/ Michele Perron), etc.
2010 saw the return of Jo Thompson Szymanski to the dance scene, and with that Michele has a new found enthusiasm. “Everyone has a role model and mentor, and Jo is that person for me. Having the opportunity to work with her at Dancing For The Dream seminars, as well as collaborating on new choreography was an excellent learning experience.” As Jo recovers from her recent bone marrow transplant, Michele feels the strong responsibility to continue the professionalism and energy that Jo brings to the dance floor.
Michele grew up in California, where, at the young age of 4 was forced by her mom, Lorraine Kurtela (Hello Dolly) to take tap dance lessons. She practiced behind closed doors, never allowing her parents to watch her! Feeling more comfortable with a softball, field hockey stick, or volleyball in her hands, Michele gravitated to competitive sports in high school and college, pursuing a career as a physical education teacher. Now retired, Michele couldn’t think of anything better to do than share the joy of dancing and teaching.
Michele lives in Corning with her partner, Michael Barr and their dancing kitty, Twinkle Toes.
Michele Burton has choreographed 134 dances, of which 74 have been co-choreographed. Their first published stepsheet on CopperKnob is Let's Do Lunch from October 2007, with their most recent stepsheet of Right On Time in Feburary 2023.
Additionally, Michele Burton had a CopperKnob no.1 dance in Feburary 2021 with Country in 3 (CBA 2021).
Choreographer Stepsheets
48 Count 4 Wall Improver Music: Beat Me Daddy (Eight to the Bar) - Asleep at the Wheel
32 Count 2 Wall Beginner Hustle / Swing Music: Put a Little Love In Your Heart - Scooter Lee : (CD: Home To Louisiana)
32 Count 2 Wall Beginner Music: Put a Little Love In Your Heart - Scooter Lee : (CD: Home To Louisiana)
32 Count 4 Wall Intermediate/Advanced Music: Just Like A Rodeo - Roger Brown & Swing City
64 Count 2 Wall Intermediate Music: Act Right - Blue Harlem : (CD: Jump Jack Jump)
64 Count 1 Wall Intermediate / Advanced Music: Shake Your Groove Thing - Peaches & Herb
32 Count 2 Wall Beginner Music: Mame - Bobby Darin : (CD: Bobby Darin Pure Gold - iTunes)
64 Count 2 Wall Intermediate Music: Mama Mia (Radio Edit) - Mayra Veronica
32 Count 4 Wall Upper Beginner Music: East Bound and Down - Jerry Reed
32 Count 4 Wall Beginner Music: High-Tech Redneck - George Jones
48 Count 4 Wall Low Intermediate Music: Big Bang Boogie - Scooter Lee : (CD: Big Bang Boogie)
32 Count 2 Wall Intermediate Music: Big, Blonde and Beautiful - Queen Latifah : (CD: Hairspray Soundtrack to the Motion Picture 07)
32 Count 4 Wall Beginner Music: Beach Cowboy - Brian Kelley
64 Count 4 Wall Intermediate Music: Cowboys Like a Little Rock and Roll - Chris LeDoux
48 Count 2 Wall Intermediate Music: If You Don't Love Me - E.C. Scott : (CD: Masterpiece)
32 Count 4 Wall High Beginner Music: Brazilian Soul (feat. Sofi Tukker) - The Knocks : (CD: New York Narcotic)
64 Count 4 Wall Intermediate Music: Cabana Boy - Sara Evans : (CD: Stronger)
64 Count 1 Wall Intermediate Music: Operator - Manhattan Transfer
64 Count 2 Wall Intermediate Tango Style Music: Fools - Diane Birch : (CD: Bible Belt)
64 Count 2 Wall Intermediate Music: Fools - Diane Birch : (CD: Bible Belt)
