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Special Workshop Saturday
On July 1st 11:00 AM - TANGO Teacher: Jim MARANTO LEARN A GREAT TANGO ROUTINE 90 min - $25 
Celebrating 30 Year's at the Academy of Ballroom Dance You are invited to a PARTY Friday October 27, 2017 7:00 PM in the studio New Student Special Three private lessons for $150. first time students only - call for an appointment Great Performances by all of Jim's Students At the People's Choice Competition Sandra, Jan, Vonnie, Thara, Jim, Darla, Jeannie, Carol More photos photos on next page - "Who Goes Here" 
Our Group Classes are Always FUN!
Contact us at aobdanceaz@gmail.com - Call or Text us at: Jim 602-617-6883 - Jenell 602-820-3506 Jim Maranto is currently is accepting new students (newcomer through advanced level). Come join us at the Academy of Ballroom Dance. Enjoy the thrill of competition and travel to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Orlando, and San Juan! Call or Text Jim (602-617-6883) to schedule your first lesson. Ask him about the introductory special lesson package.
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Home of
United States National Professional Ballroom Champions Jim & Jenell Maranto 
We appreciate your interest in the Academy
The Academy of Ballroom Dance opened its door's for business in 1987. We are still passionate about dancing, teaching and competing. Single men and women, couples, groups of friends, even entire wedding parties are rediscovering ballroom dancing! Our lessons, workshops and championship exhibitions draw people from all over the phoenix area. As Arizona's premier dance studio, The Academy of Ballroom Dance is also the best and friendliest place to get started in ballroom dancing or to improve your dancing skills. Two time Professional Ballroom Champions Jim and Jenell are among a select few, who have trained with the grand masters of ballroom dance. They have the knowledge, the experience and the skills to transfer important knowledge and technique to their students. Anyone of any age, shape or size can participate in Pro-Am ballroom competitions which are held every week throughout the country and some exotic locations. Many students are in their 30s to 80s! You are never too old to start learning. Are you timid? Are you reluctant to participate because you feel you have some limitations? Jim's student, Darla D. won her second National Championship title, one year and ten months after total hip replacement surgery. Another student, Jeannie B has had two hip replacements which didn't stop her from winning the senior smooth championship at the Galaxy competition in Phoenix, recently. We offer a variety of group lessons for all levels of social and competition dancers. You can learn to dance - or become a better dancer - without signing any membership or lesson contracts. 
Academy Ladies Performance Troop -
Is Available for Conventions & Special Occasions. 
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CompetitionThe Academy is known for producing some of the finest dancers in America! We specialize in competition dancing.
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS US Pro/Am Smooth Champions US Pro/Am Nine Dance Champions US Pro/Am Ten Dance Champions US Pro/Am Junior Ballroom & Rhythm Champion US Amateur Smooth Champions Pro/Am Smooth, Standard & Rhythm Finalists |
Dance Classes Our group classes are a great way to meet other social dance enthusiast and learn a few fun dance combinations as well as how to lead & follow. We always emphasize the technique to make your dancing more enjoyable.
Saturdays 11:00 American Style Ballroom - Silver Saturdays 12:00 International Ballroom - Bronze + Silver Sunday's 1:00 - Beginners - SOCIAL DANCE Learn Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, ChaCha, Swing, Salsa Thursdays 7:45 PM Always on going! Ladies Styling -all levels |
In Studio PerformancesTwice a year the students of the Academy put on a performance for their friends and family right in the studio. The showcase is always a great variety of styles and levels of dance.
Our Next SPRING Studio Showcase will be Friday April 20, 2018 7:00 PM 
Simply Smooth Boot Camp Information is on page two of this website.
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Student Testimonials
From Larry Burns
I attended Jim's "Gentlemen's Style & Technique" class. As with all of the classes and instruction that I've gotten from Academy of Ballroom Dance, the program was phenomenal. Jim's teaching style, his patience and his humor make for an excellent learning experience. Both he and Jenell are clear and articulate in their instruction, combined , they provide a diverse view of dance that helps me learn to actually dance, not just follow a set routine. For me, learning the dance steps in only the beginning of dancing. Until I can communicate what I'm doing, lead my partner, I can't begin to dance. Dragging a partner around the floor isn;t the answer, Jim's "Gentlemen's Styling & Technique class is. Jim's instruction breaks down what it takes to lead, proper frame, timing, and how to communicate it to your partner. I was glad to see a number of females in the class, as the instruction is just as important to them, so they understand what a lead is and how they can help their partner. That's the thing about dance, two people have to work together! All I can say is "keep the classes coming!"
Cheers,
Larry Burns
From John Yu
More than just teaching patterns and body position, Jim has the ability (clearly through his depth of skill and experience) to explain the "methods" a student can achieve and the nuances of motion and positioning that characterizes the dance. This makes all the difference between dancing with style and just going through the motions.
Sincerely,
John Yu
From Mark Crigler
Classes cover so many techniques that are important to the leader and follower in ballroom dancing. I especially enjoyed the exercises we can use on a daiy basis, (without a partner), that help emphasizes the turning, movement, and styling movements that are important. Jim and Jenell make it clearly evident the difference between just moving through patterns, and dancing gracefully!
Jim's explanations for "body mechanics" in dance are also helpful, as well as the lengthy question and answer sessions that he provides.
Thanks again
Mark Crigler
Student on Google Review
This is my review after our first class today which was waltz style in the ballroom dancing class! The teachers were really good and prompt. I would say we had a relatively smaller group then what I was expecting. About 25 people. The teachers paid extra individual attention to people in class and made a lot of us feel extra comfortable. Especially I did! They were there to answer all our questions and correct the glitches. The studio holds about 30 - 35 people, has a change room & restroom. I am going back for salsa and swing. I am just appreciating my new found waltz dance steps.
I attended Jim's "Gentlemen's Style & Technique" class. As with all of the classes and instruction that I've gotten from Academy of Ballroom Dance, the program was phenomenal. Jim's teaching style, his patience and his humor make for an excellent learning experience. Both he and Jenell are clear and articulate in their instruction, combined , they provide a diverse view of dance that helps me learn to actually dance, not just follow a set routine. For me, learning the dance steps in only the beginning of dancing. Until I can communicate what I'm doing, lead my partner, I can't begin to dance. Dragging a partner around the floor isn;t the answer, Jim's "Gentlemen's Styling & Technique class is. Jim's instruction breaks down what it takes to lead, proper frame, timing, and how to communicate it to your partner. I was glad to see a number of females in the class, as the instruction is just as important to them, so they understand what a lead is and how they can help their partner. That's the thing about dance, two people have to work together! All I can say is "keep the classes coming!"
Cheers,
Larry Burns
From John Yu
More than just teaching patterns and body position, Jim has the ability (clearly through his depth of skill and experience) to explain the "methods" a student can achieve and the nuances of motion and positioning that characterizes the dance. This makes all the difference between dancing with style and just going through the motions.
Sincerely,
John Yu
From Mark Crigler
Classes cover so many techniques that are important to the leader and follower in ballroom dancing. I especially enjoyed the exercises we can use on a daiy basis, (without a partner), that help emphasizes the turning, movement, and styling movements that are important. Jim and Jenell make it clearly evident the difference between just moving through patterns, and dancing gracefully!
Jim's explanations for "body mechanics" in dance are also helpful, as well as the lengthy question and answer sessions that he provides.
Thanks again
Mark Crigler
Student on Google Review
This is my review after our first class today which was waltz style in the ballroom dancing class! The teachers were really good and prompt. I would say we had a relatively smaller group then what I was expecting. About 25 people. The teachers paid extra individual attention to people in class and made a lot of us feel extra comfortable. Especially I did! They were there to answer all our questions and correct the glitches. The studio holds about 30 - 35 people, has a change room & restroom. I am going back for salsa and swing. I am just appreciating my new found waltz dance steps.
