Michael Douglas rehearsing at Houston Metropolitan Dance Center

Michael Douglas had wanted to be a dancer ever since he joined his high school marching band. He began taking classes and became good enough to put himself through college and graduate school by dancing professionally in commercial and industrial videos. After earning a master’s degree from the University of North Texas in speech-language pathology, Mr. Douglas returned to Houston and began teaching deaf children with cochlear ear implants how to interpret sound and to speak.

Six months after his arrival in Houston, Mr. Douglas felt something was missing from his life and decided he had enough time to pursue dance, his first love. He went to the Houston Metropolitan Dance Center and discovered that his former instructor, Michelle Smith, had started the company. She was glad to see him and encouraged him to take classes.

Soon he was back in shape. Mr. Douglas says, "This has become a place for dancers like myself to come and perform who think they can’t dance anymore. I’ve found out that I can. I’ve also learned that aspiring dancers don’t have to go to New York or Chicago to find a good professional dance company. They can find one right here in Houston."

During the day, Mr. Douglas continues to work with developmentally delayed and hearing-impaired children. At night, he and the other members of the dance center prepare for their next season at Wortham Theater, one of Houston’s premier performing arts venues. In addition to his private practice with children, Mr. Douglas now dances professionally and recently was made manager of Houston Metropolitan Dance Center, which he considers to be "one of the best contemporary dance companies in the Southwest." Mr. Douglas is pleased to say, "Houston Metropolitan Dance Center has helped me realize my dreams and potential as a dancer while living both of my passions."

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