Dance Director & Owner, Travis Kokkeler, has been dancing and teaching for over 14 years. He was originally taught and trained through the Fred Astaire System. In addition to studying his Bronze, Silver, and Gold dancing in both smooth and international, he has also studied and achieved his Associates Dance Directors with High Honors. Travis has performed and competed both with students and professionally

in the 13 years he has been dancing. He has taken numerous professional coachings and training classes with various top-level ballroom dance coaches, both in and out of the United States. Currently his passions in the Studio are competition level training of students, choreography, group classes, and sharing his love of dance with others.

After working in the dance business (with Fred Astaire Dance Studios) for many years, and a move to Central Oregon, Deschutes County Ballroom Owners Travis & Erica decided it was time to open their own Studio. Deschutes County Ballroom first "opened their doors" on July 7, 2001 at the Pleasant Ridge Community Center, and then on to a beautiful studio located in Redmond. In December of 2004, the goal of eventually moving the Studio to Bend, Oregon was realized. Located at 175 NE. Greenwood, the studio is in a very central location with air-conditioning, a 1300 sq. ft. dance floor, and a fun inviting atmosphere!

Ballroom Dancing is a great form of exercise, a challenging and fun hobby, an exciting sport, and a great way to spend time with your partner or friends, and to meet new friends as well. Ballroom Dancing is not "just a Waltz or Foxtrot"! Ballroom Dance is Partner Dancing which encompasses both Smooth & Rhythm dances, such as; the Rumba, Bolero, Quickstep, Peabody, Jive, East and West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Argentine Tango, Mambo, Samba, and many more, as well as of course- Waltz and Foxtrot! DCBDC also teaches Latin, Swing, Country Western, Argentine Tango, and some International dances and Specialty Styles, such as Vintage, as well.

Deschutes County Ballroom offers Private Lessons, Semi-Private Lessons, Group Classes, Wedding- Dance Choreography, Dance Functions, and Weekly Dances to adults ages 18 and over. Also offered are special Junior Classes for those under 18 during the summer break from regular school classes. Students have the opportunity to perform in the Showcases held annually each year, as well as occasional "off studio" events around town, and National Ballroom Dance Competitions, held in various places around the United States. Students can go far beyond a casual lesson or two to achieve all of their dancing goals!