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Michael Scott: From Yoga to Line Dancing, Finding Rhythm in Sarasota

The story I want to share today is about transformation, Montana vibes, and the art of line dancing. I met Michael Scott four years ago when he was running YOOGA, a boutique yoga studio in Siesta Village. Recently, I stumbled upon his online profile while he was promoting line dancing. As someone from Europe, where line dancing feels almost exotic, I was curious. Naturally, I invited him for an interview to learn more about his story.


Michael grew up in Billings, Montana, surrounded by rugged mountains and the outdoor lifestyle you’d expect: hiking, fishing, and camping. “Montana has this unshakeable vibe,” he said, reflecting on the freedom it gave him. But harsh winters nudged him south. After stints in Denver and Missouri, Michael joined the Air Force and spent 11 years in communications and networking.


Later, yoga became a surprising yet transformative part of his life. During a particularly challenging period, Michael trained daily with a master instructor, immersing himself in yoga’s physical and mental discipline. This newfound passion led him to open YOOGA, a serene studio in Siesta Village that attracted locals and visitors alike. “I wanted to create a space where people could connect, breathe, and move,” he shared. The studio was a labor of love, blending yoga with a sense of community.


A few years later, his life took another unexpected turn. While dating Emily, the couple decided to try a dance class, and for someone with no formal dance experience, Michael found himself hooked. What started as a fun night out became a passion for line dancing.

For those unfamiliar, line dancing isn’t just about country music and cowboy boots. It’s a dynamic dance style that originated in the American country-western scene of the 1970s. The name reflects the structure: dancers line up in rows and move in synchronized steps. Line dancing is as much about community as it is about rhythm, with modern variations incorporating pop hits alongside traditional country classics.



“I realized I loved its energy,” Michael said. “The music, the movement—it all felt natural to me.” As his skills grew, so did his creativity. He began choreographing his dances, some of which gained national recognition. “I’d hear a song and think, ‘This song needs a dance.”

Today, Michael is part of the team at Cadillac Jacks Honky Tonk Saloon, a newly opened hotspot in Sarasota. At his invitation, I decided to experience it for myself. Stepping inside Cadillac Jack’s felt like I’d been transported to Montana or Texas—raw, lively, and unapologetically fun. Yet, it’s just a ten-minute drive from downtown Sarasota. Click to see the video.


I didn’t dance (let’s be honest, I wouldn’t know where to start), but watching the synchronized steps, hearing the twang of country music, and soaking in the authenticity of the place was unforgettable. It wasn’t about pretending to have fun or putting on a show; it was honest, energetic, and refreshingly soulful. This, to me, is what makes an experience unique.


Michael’s passion for line dancing is undeniable. “There’s nothing like seeing people dance to something you created,” he says, describing the joy it brings him. Watching Michael’s energy and how he’s built a community around something so vibrant reminds us how essential it is to find joy in life. Outside of dance, Michael also runs Sarasota Smart Homes (sarasotasmarthomes.com), a company specializing in modern home technology. It’s a balance of creativity and business—two completely different worlds, yet both fueled by his ability to adapt and explore new passions.


Sarasota may be a relatively small city but it contains unexpected stories and hidden gems. For me, it’s about finding those soulful people and places that resonate on a deeper level, inspiring us to live fully, laugh freely, and dance like no one’s watching.


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