I recently had the opportunity to visit American Ballroon NC while on a business trip to th Raleigh area. I worked with Dawn in the New England area when she owned a studio with one of the large dance franchises, and although I missed the instruction and the dancing terribly, I didn't miss the cost of working through a large corporation. When I first walked into American Ballroom, I was impressed with the facility - both a large and small ballroom for group and individual instructions. It was wonderful to reconnect with Dawn, one of the best instructors I knew while dancing in my home area. I participated in a group class that evening, as well as a private lesson, with Jim. I knew Jim from my previous competition experiences but had never worked with him - what a patient, knowledgeable and talented dancer! He did a wonderful job working the rust out of my steps and was extremely patient while I attempted to regain my "dance legs!" Given that Dawn and Jim are outright owners of this studio, the fee structure is much more palatable and to be able to work with such a talented pair of dancers at such a reasonable rate is wonderful! I highly recommend this studio to anyone interested in learning to ballroom dance or looking to take their skills to the next level. I just can't wait for my next business trip to Raleigh, so I can take another lesson...! read more

I first came to American Ballroom NC after having danced at two major franchises in the area. I never felt that I was getting the kind of instruction I wanted or needed. That all changed when I met Dawn and Jim. In one month my dancing had improved drastically and in one year I won a regional Pro/Am 3-dance championship at The Carolina Classic. One year later I won the Pro/Am 5-dance championship at the same competition. Now, I know that not everyone wants to compete. What I'm telling you is that you will not find any instructor in the area who cares as much about you and your success as Dawn and Jim do. You read that correctly, they care about you and your success, not your wallet. The lessons at American Ballroom NC are in depth, precise, tailored to you, and quite affordable. You will never be pressured to continue or buy anything. They have many different packages available to make sure that anyone who wants to learn to dance can do so. I urge you to give them a try and see first hand what I'm talking about. You've got nothing to lose. read more

My husband and I started taking classes with Dawn & Jim about 7 months before our wedding just to learn a dance for 'our song'. We're 30 and were pretty skeptical - but we both really enjoyed it! We've been married 5 months and keep going to classes whenever we can... plus with their prices and schedule we can still afford to go without having to budget for something special. They make learning so easy and you don't feel awkward or uncomfortable like I thought I would. Whether you want to practice to compete or start from no experience like we did, it's great. We used a few private lessons,and we were fantastic and not even nervous for the first dance - and then we were able to enjoy the rest of the night and several weddings we've gone to since our own. We would never be interested in competing, but we have fun dancing together and having that face time together once or twice a week when we can. I highly recommend American Ballroom NC, Dawn, and Jim. read more

My (now) husband and I took some much needed lessons from Jim and Dawn before our wedding (to prevent public humiliation). After about a month and a half of group and private lessons in Rumba (our first dance) as well as a little Foxtrot and club swing, we felt much more confident that we wouldn't embarrass ourselves in front of our wedding guests! Jim and Dawn are two of the nicest people you'll meet, incredibly patient and very talented. They could recognize where the problems were and how to fix them with some simple exercises/tricks. They let us practice in their back studio room whenever we wanted. It paid off - everyone at our wedding said our first dance was "pure class". We'll probably continue taking group lessons and attending their parties/social outings as we had so much fun! Also, their prices are far more reasonable than other "larger" studios/franchises in the area. Absolutely no complaints! read more

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced dancer, you can be sure of a warm welcome from Dawn & Jim. I started dancing several years ago and had experience in competition and show routines, but the large dance corporations are financially draining. American Ballroom allows me to be able to dance and progress (Jim is a great teacher & Dawn has helped me with many aspects of dance also) without financially crippling myself for the love of my addictive hobby. I was very nervous at the thought of a new partner (was with my last partner/teacher for over 2 years) but I needn't have worried. Jim makes it very easy for me to "follow" and I cannot wait for my next lesson!!!! read more

We just cannot rave enough about Dawn and Jim and their terrific dance instruction and patience with us since we are totally new to ballroom dancing. They are flexible with us on our schedules and make it so much fun to just show up and start moving our bodies to cool dances like the Tango, rumba, foxtrot and club swing.. We are having such a grand time! We had fun at the winter ball and had only had 2 lessons to that point but we got up on the dance floor and put to good use what we had learned to that point. Looking forward to the New Years Eve dance and seeing the friends we made at the winter ball. I am glad we picked American Ballroom NC to be our instructors!!! read more

Jim and Dawn are AWESOME! We took lessons in preparation for our wedding. I personally have no rhythm and couldn't find a beat to save my life, but with their help I now know how to do a number of different dances from the Waltz to the Club Swing and many in between! They never got frustrated with us, and were always offering to let us come practice at the studio! Our family loved our 'first dance' at our wedding, and we could not be happier with American Ballroom NC! We plan to continue with Jim and Dawn, even though the wedding is over! read more

My wife and I got tired of "sitting on the sidelines" when other couples we were with would be on the floor dancing and enjoying themselves. We decided to make the move and signed up for lessons with Jim and Dawn (American Ballroom). Although we've only been at it a couple of months, we are now confident enough to at least get on the floor an do the swing. Both Jim and Dawn are excellent teachers, and most of all, they make you feel very comfortable. If you want to learn to dance and learn quickly, take your lessons here! read more

My wife and I have been taking lessons here for almost two years. We love it! We do a group and private lesson each week and it's like a "date night" for us. I'm a slow learner, but Jim and Dawn are so patient with us. They seem to be able to work with whatever pace the student wants. I'm slow and rarely practice outside of my lessons and they're ok with that. Other students seem to be much more serious and progress a lot faster! I highly recommend American Ballroom NC to anyone wanting to improve their dancing. read more

My fiance and I started taking lessons with Jim for our upcoming wedding. We had a song in mine, but had no idea what to do with it. Jim came up with a custom dance (a lovely waltz) to our wedding song and worked diligently with us to perfect it. He was very patient and quite helpful with all the details. I would highly recommend to anyone, even if you have never danced before and are nervous. They will make you feel right at home. read more

My husband and I started lessons as a Valentine's Day gift. We have really enjoyed it. We were a little hesitant to try lessons because we were concerned it would be stiff and overly formal. Instead, Dawn and Jim manage to balance fun with great instruction. The atmosphere is relaxed but not sloppy. They seem to be able to integrate any experience level into their classes. read more