Mykl was born on July 31st, 1945, in Southeast Michigan. He led a life marked by deep connection, creativity, and an unwavering dedication to the art of dance. He was especially fond of being by the Leelanau lakeshore. As an instructor of the Mykl Werth Method (MWM) at Northwestern Michigan College, he shared his profound love for social partner dance by helping countless students discover the joy of rhythm, connection, and physical expression. His passion extended well beyond the classroom; Mykl was a lifelong advocate of co-creative partner dancing around Michigan and beyond. He shared his love for dance wherever and whenever he could, and especially enjoyed teaching at music festivals — Earthwork Harvest Gathering in Lake City being a favorite. Outside of movement, he had a spiritual soul and a positive outlook on life. He was an avid reader of philosophical, nonviolent literature and an aficionado of film. Mykl was a model for many of us. He spent peaceful moments exploring and sharing the wild beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and embraced a plantbased diet and lifestyle — always seeking balance and harmony with nature. Mykl’s legacy lives on through a vast network of dancers whom he taught and mentored over the decades. His family tree of dance enthusiasts and instructors continue to expand and root deeper into the modern culture of partner dance. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ester; his father, Walter; and his sister, Marylyn.

A Celebration of Life Dance will be held in Mykl’s honor at the Traverse City Opera House on Sunday, February 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This event will embody the joy and beauty that Mykl brought to all who knew him — dance, laughter, and love. In lieu of flowers, his community asks that donations be made in his name to either the Leelanau Conservancy or Northwestern Michigan College’s Foundation: Mykl Werth Movement Scholarship, reflecting Mykl’s love for the natural world and creative education.

We will keep your dance method alive, Mykl. You will be missed, but your spirit will continue to waltz in our hearts forever.