Actor, dancer Robert Hoffman brings moves to Dance Trance

Film actor and professional dancer Robert Hoffman of Los Angeles returned home to instruct students, some star-struck, at Dance Trance.

Dance Trance students relish the challenge of guest instructors in master classes. “When Robert presented the opportunity to have a professional dancer, who could turn that down?” director AshLeigh Meyer said. “Robert embodies Dance Trance’s goal of always challenging yourself.”

Charlotte Baldwin, Hoffman’s mother, is a long-term customer at Dance Trance and asked her son to instruct a class. “Everyone’s favorite part of the master class was Robert and Charlotte performing a dance together. It was a heartwarming moment,” Meyer said.

“It was so sweet to see him beaming as he danced with his mother,” she said. “They were so proud of each other.”

Dancers were ecstatic in anticipation of Hoffman’s arrival. “By the time he got here, we all wanted him to stay. I’m sure ‘Step Up 2′ got extra watches from our ladies,” Meyer said.

In addition to that film, Hoffman has appeared in “Step Up 2: The Streets,” “The Attic,” “She’s the Man,” “From Justin to Kelly,” “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,” “Coach Carter” and “You Got Served.” His television credits include “Ellen,” “Drop Dead Diva,” “Vanished,” “CSI: Miami” and “Greek.”

At Dance Trance, Hoffman instructed a mix of hip-hop and character. “Robert is very versatile and brings it all when he choreographs,” Meyer said. He constantly complimented the dancers on quickly learning moves. “We may have had hiccups, but the dancers were getting it — and having fun.”

However, Hoffman’s steps sometimes pushed the dancers. “I love learning new styles and teaching my body to change,” Meyer said. “That’s how you lose weight and gain confidence in dance.”

Dance Trance dancers found Hoffman as charismatic, friendly, funny, patient and accommodating. He even watched dance videos of students’ children and offered pointers.

Robert attended Bob Jones High School and Alabama School of Fine Arts. His parents are Robert Hoffman II and Charlotte Baldwin. Hoffman plans to return to Dance Trance in 2013.

With Dance Trance’s licensed, dance fitness program, students “have a blast with various music genres,” Meyer said. “Lose yourself in the dance, meet new friends and not even realize you just had an awesome workout.”

AshLeigh Meyer and Wyndie Meyer are studio co-owners.

Dance Trance’s address is 7449-C U.S. 72 in Madison. For more information, call 256-325-2244 or visit dancetranceHM.com and Facebook/Dance Trance Huntsville-Madison.