Academy of BallroomDance
832 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85014
602-617-6883 Jim Maranto
602-820-3506 Jenell Maranto
602-617-6883 Jim Maranto
602-820-3506 Jenell Maranto
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At the Academy we teach
Competition Ballroom Dancing Competition Latin Dancing and Social Dancing Private lessons Scheduled by appointment New Student Special 3 Private lessons for $150* *New students only. 1 time offer Advanced Weekend Classes
American Smooth - Silver WALTZ Saturdays 11:00 AM - one full hour 6 weeks paid in advance - $120 or $25 to drop in Using Silver figures we will put together a fun and leadable Waltz combination and discus the techniques that make it beautiful DATES: Sept 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 International Standard Level I & II - QUICKSTEP Saturdays 12:00 - one full hour 6 weeks paid in advance - $120 - or $25 to drop in Learn to navigate the room with the basic ISTD patterns and learn the way lead and follow really works DATES: Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 
Contact us at
aobdanceaz@gmail.com Call us at: Jim 602-617-6883 Jenell 602-820-3506 or leave a message at 601-285-1569 Our Specialty is . . . Competition Dancing Social Dancing Wedding Dance Ladies Show Dance & Styling Every Thursday night 7:45 PM - One hour class 6 weeks paid in advance - $120 or $25 to drop in Instruction by: Jenell Maranto In the Ladies class you will learn performance routines. Focus will also be places on improving coordination of spins, turns, arm styling and movement in Latin, Rhythm & Ballroom. Opportunities to perform 
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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 going strong, dancing, teaching and competing. Single men and women, couples, groups of friends, even entire wedding parties are rediscovering ballroom dancing! Our lessons, workshops monthly dance parties 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. Group classes and private lessons are available. We have one of the finest ballroom dance floors in the state, and at our studio you can learn to dance - or become a better dancer - without signing any membership or lesson contracts. Many people come by themselves, or you are welcome to bring a friend. For over 25 years the Academy of Ballroom Dance has been dedicated to the art of partnership dancing. Whether it be social dancing or competition style the Academy of Ballroom Dance is here to accommodate and motivate dancers from all walks of life. Our goal is to make Ballroom Dancing fun and easy for everyone. Dance as a social outlet, is good for the body and soul and is a great form of exercise and mental relaxation. Offering the full range of Latin and Smooth dances in both American and International Style: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Rumba ChaCha, Swing, Mambo, Samba, Country and Night Club. |
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 WALTZ American Style Ballroom - Silver Saturdays 12:00 QUICKSTEP International Ballroom - Bronze + Silver Thursdays 7:45 PM Always on going! Ladies Styling -all levels |
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.
NEXT SPRING Studio Showcase 2017 Friday April 14th at 7:00 PM |
Students 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.
