Conversations with Eileen Arcilla

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eileen Arcilla.

Hi Eileen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cinema Ballroom began in 2004 when professional ballroom dancer and teacher Eric Hudson and IT professional Eileen Arcilla decided to open a dance studio in the Twin Cities. At the time, Eric was teaching independently and Eileen was one of his students. Together, they dreamed of building a welcoming community of professionals and students who shared their love of dance.

In 2005, they discovered a historic building from 1924 that had originally been a movie theater. Over the decades, it had also served as indoor racquetball courts and later a fitness center. That summer, the space was transformed into a ballroom and Latin dance studio, and in July 2005, Cinema Ballroom officially opened with seven instructors.

Fast forward to today—2025—Cinema Ballroom has grown to a team of more than a dozen staff, with plans to welcome even more. Eric and Michelle Hudson are now U.S. National Professional Champions in American Style Ballroom, and our students have achieved numerous U.S. National titles in the Pro/Am category of competition. We’re especially proud that 16 of our students have gone on to become professional ballroom dancers and instructors, while others have gone on to perform in movies and on Broadway.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When Cinema Ballroom opened its doors in 2005, it was more than just a dance studio — it was a dream brought to life by people who loved dance and wanted to share it with the Twin Cities. Turning a 1924 movie theater (later a racquetball club and fitness center) into a ballroom studio was no small feat. The renovation itself was a challenge, and starting out with only seven instructors meant every day required creativity, resilience, and a leap of faith.

Over the years, we’ve faced our share of struggles. Like many small businesses, we’ve weathered economic ups and downs, the challenges of running an independent business, and the constant balancing act of keeping dance accessible while supporting a team of professionals. The pandemic brought perhaps the toughest test yet — closing our doors, shifting online, and then rebuilding the in-person community that is at the heart of what we do.

We’ve also felt the growing pains of success. Attracting and keeping top instructors in a niche field hasn’t always been easy. And as our students achieved national recognition, we worked hard to maintain the same welcoming, family-like atmosphere for brand-new dancers walking through our doors for the very first time.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Eric and Michelle Hudson, owners of Cinema Ballroom, are not only U.S. National Professional Champions in American-Style Ballroom but also leaders and innovators in the dance industry. Michelle is a championship-level licensed adjudicator and an accomplished choreographer, known for creating award-winning routines and shaping dancers at every level. Eric has earned Pro/Am National Championship titles in four dance styles and is also a multiple “Best of the Best” Champion. Together, they extend their impact beyond the studio as championship-level competition organizers, helping to elevate the standard of ballroom events nationwide. Their combined expertise, passion, and leadership have made Cinema Ballroom a nationally respected studio while still remaining a welcoming home for anyone who loves to dance.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Before opening Cinema Ballroom, we made a point to seek advice not only from other ballroom studio owners but also from business owners outside the dance industry. Over the years, we’ve continued that practice while becoming more intentional about connecting with like-minded professionals whose experiences and perspectives aligned with our goals.

One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned—and something we wish we had been told sooner—is the importance of investing early in professional support. Hiring qualified legal, human resource and accounting professionals at the start may feel like a big expense, but it ultimately saves time, money, and stress. Trying to navigate those areas alone can lead to costly mistakes; having experts on your side sets a much stronger foundation for growth.

Pricing:

• Private Lessons (45 min) – $109
• Group Classes (60 min) – $15
• Events and Dance Parties – Varies
• Earn CB Bucks with lesson packages—spend them on lessons, classes, or merchandise!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cinemaballroom.com/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/cinemaballroom
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/cinemaballroom
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cinemaballroom/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/cinemaballroom
• Youtube: http://youtube.com/cinemaballroom
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cinema-ballroom-saint-paul-3