Live from Curtsy Ballroom’s New Studio Opening w/ Owner, Morgan Mizell

Welcome to an enchanting episode of The Wedding Reporter podcast, featuring the brilliant Morgan Mizell of Curtsy Ballroom! Morgan’s journey from a young girl’s scoliosis treatment to a two-time world champion in Country Western Ballroom is as inspiring as her approach to a couple’s first dance—which she considers just as meaningful as their vows.

Tune in as Morgan shares how she blends the precision of science with the passion of dance to create unforgettable “wow moments” for her couples, and how the memory of her biggest cheerleader fueled her dream to open an inclusive, beautifully-designed studio.

Morgan’s first steps into the world of dance were driven by an unexpected medical recommendation: to manage a minor case of scoliosis, her parents put her in tap class. Though she hated it at first, a performance with a waving ribbon at age five revealed a lifelong addiction to the stage.

Her passion for partner dancing began during her training at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York, where a spontaneous salsa class at Broadway Dance Center ignited a new fascination. This led to her joining the ballroom team at UPenn while attending Drexel, where she instantly shone. After only three weeks of training, Morgan competed and won fifth place in Latin, cementing her commitment to competitive ballroom.

What sets Morgan apart is her unique background. She holds degrees in cellular molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics, plus a master’s in immunology. Instead of separating her two worlds, she masterfully integrates them into her teaching, explaining complex dance dynamics using principles of momentum, torque, and kinetic energy.

She uses powerful, technical metaphors to help couples understand their roles, such as the famous analogy for the lead-follow dynamic: the man as a runaway train and the woman as an immovable object. This technical approach allows her clients to grasp the physical mechanics of difficult moves, including challenging lifts.

The catalyst for launching Curtsy Ballroom was a beautiful, personal moment. After a major competition win, a little girl and her mother approached Morgan. The mother asked if Morgan had ever considered teaching—an idea Morgan had previously dismissed as she considered herself a scientist first.

However, after the passing of her beloved aunt, who was her biggest supporter, Morgan realized she had to follow her passion. She decided to create an inclusive space where everyone could experience the elegance, discipline, and confidence that ballroom dancing provides.

Inspired by the opulent and effortlessly elegant aesthetic of Bridgerton (think wisterias, pastels, and feminine grace), Morgan transformed a co-working space into a stunning bridal haven. Her goal was to make it feel like a “dry run” for the wedding, complete with beautiful drapes, chandeliers, and flowers.

Curtsy Ballroom offers a range of structured packages to suit any timeline and vision, with Morgan emphasizing the importance of booking early—ideally two to four months out.

Morgan doesn’t just teach steps; she helps couples demonstrate their commitment—seeing the first dance as the physical, public expression of the vows they exchange.