Mark Smith grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He had no dance training or experience as a child, but he did excel in both football and basketball. In addition, he performed as Curly in the musical Oklahoma. After receiving his Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the University of South Florida, he married Kira, and they started learning ballroom dance at Arthur Murray Dance Center in Alexandria, VA and later in Houston, TX. They participated in many events and shows and won multiple awards as both an amateur couple and in pro-am events with professional partners. Mark loves teaching and sharing his passion for the American Smooth and Rhythm styles of dancing.