Meet Our Star Assistant Recreational director dance instructor - Chester Watson

Chester Watson is a lifelong dancer. His passion for dance started at the age of five with Tap, Ballet, and Jazz. From the age of 12, he was in multiple plays and musical theater productions. In high school, he began to cheerlead. As part of their competition team, he was introduced to tumbling and elite-level stunts/acrobatics. 

After high school, he continued to cheer at Saginaw Valley State University. After an unfortunate injury, he switched his focus to dancing again. He started learning East Coast and West Coast Swing. After just 12 weeks of classes, he began performing on a West Coast Swing team, where he started competing. From there, he learned other dances, expanding his repertoire to include Country, Latin, rhythm, and smooth. 

In 2007, that passion turned from just dancing and competing to sharing the gift of dance with others. In 2009, he started dancing with his partner in routine divisions, where he regularly placed in the top 3. 

In 2016, Chester began teaching full-time at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, where he continues to compete and instruct classes in Ballroom, Latin, and rhythm styles for Groups, couples, and individuals. He left Author Murray to work in youth development and teach dance independently. 

In 2019, he joined the staff of Michigan Dance Company with technical expertise and creativity, but also with a commitment to inclusion, innovation, and student growth. During this time, he coached competitive dance teams with a focus on strength and conditioning, leading to consistent placements and victories at regional and national competitions, as well as multiple invitations to world championship events. His choreography was recognized with several awards. He collaborated on a wide range of routines, including solos, duets, trios, and both small and large group performances. He also played a key role in mentoring new instructors, training them in classroom management and effective teaching techniques. He moved to Lansing in 2024 when he got married to the love of is life. Chester enjoys being able to share his passion for dance with all of our dancers!