Joel grew up in rural Minnesota, where his love for dance was sparked by a friend’s suggestion to try the University of Minnesota Ballroom Dance Club. That spark quickly grew into a passion, eventually leading him to put his studies in Biological Anthropology on hold to pursue his dance dreams in California.

A Champion West Coast Swing dancer, Joel tours the world with his wife, Chantelle Pianetta, teaching, performing, and emceeing. Joel has achieved top 10 finishes in the Classic Division of the US Open Swing Dance Championships in both of his routines with Larisa Tingle. In 2024, he was honored as a Rising Star inductee into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame and also found time to make his reality TV debut,  winning season 11 of Alt for Norge, a beloved Norwegian show.

​

Outside of competition, Joel is the founder of Feather Three, a dancewear brand, and serves as Director of Marketing at Golden State Ballet. Known for his gregarious laugh, exuberant teaching style, and impeccably coiffed hair (his wife confirms he just wakes up that way), Joel brings energy, charisma, and a deep love for dance to every endeavor.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/joeltorgeson

YT J Improv with Other Partners: https://tinyurl.com/3taj55v8

YT J Routines with Other Partners: https://tinyurl.com/2s3du7am

Dancewear Brand: https://featherthree.com/