Alexandria dance instructor Ray Michiels and his student, Ruth Hailey, recently represented Central Louisiana at the Waltz Across Texas dance competition in Houston.

Hailey earned first-place honors in the Platinum Newcomer division while competing with Michiels and also captured first place in the Line Dance competition.

Michiels is the owner and instructor at Lucky Stars Dance Studio in Alexandria, where he teaches adult students in country-western and ballroom dancing.

Waltz Across Texas is one of the largest events on the American Country Dance Association circuit, bringing amateur and professional dancers together for several days of competition and workshops in Houston.

Michiels and Hailey’s strong showing is a proud accomplishment for Lucky Stars Dance Studio and the Central Louisiana dance community.