Ryan & Danelle Lockhart

Ryan and Danelle are a couple born and raised in the United States. They compete in the Open Professional American Rhythm Division and have been dancing together since July 2014.

Ryan was born and raised in San Diego and grew up social dancing and doing theatre arts in High School. At the age of 18 he started ballroom dancing. He has been a top teacher and professional for both Arthur Murray and the Fred Astaire Franchisees.

Danelle was born and raised in a small town in Iowa. She grew up riding and showing horses. As a child she loved to dance. At the age of 15 she found her love for ballroom dancing. She competed in American Rhythm and International Latin for about 3 years before turning professional and achieved many Pro-Am titles in both styles.

After competing with previous partners, Danelle and Ryan both were in search for a new dance partner. May 2014 Danelle flew out to California to attend Emerald Ball Dancesport Championships. They were introduced to each other through mutual friends and had a 15 minute tryout in the practice room. After that they made the decision to become dance partners. Three months later Danelle moved out to California with her English Bulldog, Luna.

 They quickly became top Rising Star couples, winning their very first competition in Orange County only three months later. They travel all over the United States and the world representing American Style Rhythm.

 They are currently one of Fred Astaire’s Top-ranking couples and top 12 in the United States. Some of the most prestigious titles and accomplishments include:

• 2016 Fred Astaire World Rising Star American Rhythm Champions
• 2017 World Rising Star American Rhythm Vice Champions and current Open to the World Open Professional American Rhythm Finalists
• 2017 Blackpool Open Professional American Rhythm Semi Finalists-8th place.
• 2018 Adriatic Pearl Open to the World American Rhythm Champions.
• 2 x Emerald Ball Rising Star American Rhythm Finalists- Top 3 and current Open Professional American Rhythm Semi-Finalists
• 2 x United States Professional Rising Star American Rhythm Finalists- Top 3 and current United States Open Professional American Rhythm Semi-Finalists
• 2 x Ohio Star Ball Rising Star American Rhythm Finalists and current Open Professional American Rhythm Semi-Finalists
• 4 x and current Fred Astaire CCDC Professional American Rhythm Finalists
• 4 x and current Fred Astaire National Professional American Rhythm Finalists
• 4 x and current Fred Astaire World Professional American Rhythm Finalists
• 4 x and current Fred Astaire WCDC Open Professional American Rhythm Champions

November of 2019 they decided to open up their own Fred Astaire Dance Studio in the San Diego Area. They are very excited to continue their competing and to grow their new business. In May of 2020 following Emerald Ball, they will be getting married in Sunny California.