Beginners Dance Class  
Tuesday Nights 7:00 PM
One hour class $10 per person per class
Elements of Dance 101 Starting January 8th - ongoing 
Singles or couples welcome!
Basics covered every week with a fun take-home combination to practice
Learn to:  Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese-waltz,
Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing & Salsa,

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Jim Maranto - Pro/Am Teacher
Competing regularly throughout the U.S
with his students
in Latin, Standard, Smooth & Rhythm

Sandra, Jan, Vonnie, Thara, Jim, Darla, Jeannie, Carol

New Student Special Three private lessons for $150
First time students only - call for an appointment
This is a one time trial offer to give first time students a chance to see what it's like to have private lessons with Jim or Jenell Maranto - one on one..  

Ladies Ballroom Styling & Performance Team
Classes -Thursdays 7:45 pm  
Teacher: Jenell Maranto
Styling class is for ladies only.  We do routines and dance exercises to improve overall performance, coordination and technique in various ballroom & latin dances.
Cha-Cha, Samba, Swing, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot
​Some experience needed.  
Class is one hour long
$25 each if you pay for one at a time
$20 each when you pay for five at a time = $100

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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 country.  
     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.    

Three Big Days - Simply Smooth Weekend
Ladies Ballroom Boot Camps.  
Details on the next page of this website
Below a preview of Ladies Boot Camp 
and Gentlemens Ballroom Boot Camp

Competition

The 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

Group 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.


South Ridge High School Charleston & Swing Class

In Studio Performance 
​next showcase
April, 2019

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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.