MEET OUR TEAM

Meet Your Dance Instructors

Meet the Joyful Movement Dance Studio team - a group of passionate, classically trained dancers that want to help you feel confident and comfortable on the dance floor. Whether you’re looking for private lessons for a big event or simply want to get try a new hobby, we’re here to get you moving poise and composure.

Come dance with us!
  • Justin Carter | Denver Dance Teacher

    Justin Carter

    OWNER, DANCE INSTRUCTOR

    With nine years of passionate dedication to the art of ballroom dance, Justin is thrilled to share his expertise and love for this elegant and exhilarating form of expression. Specializing in American Rhythm, Smooth, West Coast Swing, Nightclub 2-Step, as well as plenty of others, Justin’s journey in ballroom dance has been marked by both personal growth and professional achievement. He’s honed his skills and refined his technique to bring you the very best in ballroom dance instruction. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out on your dance journey, Justin is here to inspire, educate, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

  • Melissa Trader | Denver Dance Instructor

    Melissa Trader

    DANCE INSTRUCTOR

    Melissa has over 20 years of experience in both teaching and performing dance. Her journey began at a young age as a gymnast, where she cultivated a profound understanding of movement. She holds a degree in Performing Arts, with a focus on Dance, from Colorado State University. Throughout her career, Melissa has relished the dual roles of performer and educator. She is dedicated to fostering a passion for dance in students across various ages and skill levels, encouraging them to discover their own joy both on the dance floor and within the community.

  • Cody Murrow | Boulder Dance Teacher

    Cody Murrow

    DANCE INSTRUCTOR

    Cody has been dancing for two years, primarily in West Coast Swing. Before dancing, he spent 10 years as a contract Contrabass musician for schools such as Valor High School and CCU. He primarily teaches newcomer and novice dancers, and creates choreography for weddings. He loves helping people feel comfortable with their bodies and how they move for dance as he recently completed that journey himself.

What people say about Joyful Movement Dance Studio

  • Justin with Joyful Movement is great! My fiancée and I found Joyful Movement on the knot and we are so glad we did! We both have 2 left feet and Justin was so great to work with to get us started! He choreographed our dance personally do go along with our song! We can to Joyful movement to plan out a first dance at our wedding and Justin knocked it out of the park for us! He is friendly, funny, and professional. You can tell he’s so passionate at what he does and he can support any skill level. His services come at a great price and we looked forward to our lessons every week as they were their own date nights! Thanks again Justin and Joyful Movement for everything!

    Andre

  • My husband and I have taken ballroom lessons from Justin for 2 years. We feel that he is very professional and knowledgeable as a dance instructor. He also makes it fun to learn ballroom dancing.

    Angi

  • Justin is a wonderful teacher with an amazing ability to lead at exactly the level you need him to. He's got a knack for explaining a dance, a move, or a concept in an easy to understand manner and for helping you apply it to your dancing. My dancing improved leaps and bounds when I began lessons with him.

    Nikki

  • Justin is WONDERFUL to work with - always fun & energetic - teaches to your individual learning style. Highly recommend.

    Tonya

  • My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Justin. He is professional and super patient. He's an amazing dancer and he knows how to share his knowledge with even the most basic beginner. He breaks things down into manageable chunks so we always feel successful. His positivity truly makes dance lessons a joy! If you take lessons from Justin, you will learn a lot and enjoy the process. I highly recommend Justin!

    Lisa

  • I have been dancing with Justin for 6 years and under his instruction I have gone from a person with 2 left feet to a senior bronze dancer. He is very patient, kind, and so personable. He makes dancing fun, no matter how frustrated you may get. He taught me things I never thought I could do. His experience and knowledge as a top tier dancer enhance the experience. He is one of the best!!!

    Penny

  • Justin is an extremely talented dance instructor. I‘ve been working with him for about a year. He has an uncanny way of sensing just what will put a student or couple at ease so they can relax and enjoy learning to dance, regardless of level or experience. Whether you have 2 left feet or have been dancing for years, I guarantee you’ll enjoy your time dancing with Justin, and will want to make dance a part of your life.

    Diana

  • Justin is absolutely amazing to work with! He choreographed our wedding dance beautifully. We started dancing with him regularly. It’s always the highlight of our week.

    KandiLea

  • Justin is incredible to work with! He went above and beyond for us with great & easy communication, flexibility in fitting us into his schedule on short notice and a thoughtful approach to adapting our dance to accommodate an injury. He choreographed a beautiful routine to a custom song for our wedding we never could have created on our own. He was invaluable to our success, and most importantly, we had fun! We’re looking forward to continuing dance lessons with him.

    Sasha

  • Justin of Joyful Movement is amazing. He is a great dance instructor who can work well with beginners and advanced dancers. Justin has extraordinary insight and compassion. My husband and I strengthened our relationship through our dance classes with Justin. He helped us to work together as dance partners and as a couple.

    Lisa