Academy Ballroom Atlanta
Ballroom and Latin dance in Buckhead. World champion instructors, 3 floors, n…
A ballroom dance studio offering instruction in American and International style dances including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing.
Photo: Academy Ballroom Atlanta via Google
Before your first class
Group classes range from introductory and beginner level to advanced, and private lessons require no experience or partner.
4 intro lessons (2 × 30 min private, 1 × 45 min group, 1 social party) for $75 individuals or couples ($260 value).
About this studio
Academy Ballroom Atlanta opened in spring 2006 and is known as the Dance Training Center of the South. The studio occupies over 10,000 square feet across three separate ballroom dance floors in the prestigious Miami Circle location in Buckhead. It is owned by Eddie Ares and Chasity Smith, both world champions in ballroom and Latin dance.
The teaching team brings over 40 years of combined experience. Eddie Ares is a world champion, choreographer, and coach who founded the Global Spectrum Circuit of ballroom competitions and co-founded the SSS Pro/Am Club and Spotlight Dance Videos. He also organizes Hotlanta The Classic, the largest Pro/Am competition in the Southeast. Chasity Smith, co-founder and manager, is a Latin dance competitor who in less than one year rose to be a finalist in the World Pro/Am Dance Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 2013 she won the U.S. Pro/Am Rising Star Open Rhythm and the U.S. South American Showdance Championships, and was bronze medalist in the U.S. Rising Star Open International Latin Championship. The studio also employs instructors Josie Brown and Leda Youngblood, managed by Christjohn Batters.
The studio teaches 20 styles across ballroom and Latin: Bachata, Bolero, Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Hustle, Jive, Merengue, Mambo, Paso Doble, Quick Step, Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Swing, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Waltz, and West Coast Swing. Instruction is available in private lessons, group classes, wedding lessons, and kids training. The studio also runs spotlight performances, social dance parties, practice dance parties, corporate events, world-class coaching sessions, dance competitions, and dance vacations. An in-house Dance Image Boutique stocks practice and competition attire.
On a first visit, you receive a studio tour of all three ballrooms and facilities including the attire shop. The instructor asks about your experience and goals to recommend the right program. You learn basic elements and explore group classes and social events. The studio offers no contracts and operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. Hours are Monday to Thursday 11am–9pm and Friday to Saturday 11am–4pm; closed Sunday.
What to expect
Your first visit
Your instructor will show you the three dance floors and facilities, get to know your background and goals, teach you basic elements suited to your level, and explain the range of group classes, private lessons, social parties, and competitions available. No experience or partner is required to start.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Owner and world champion Eddie Ares teaches privately and in groups. Co-founder and manager Chasity Smith is a world-class Latin competitor with finalist status at the World Pro/Am Dance Championships in Buenos Aires and wins in U.S. Pro/Am Rising Star Open Rhythm and U.S. South American Showdance Championships. Studio manager Christjohn Batters, instructor Josie Brown, and instructor Leda Youngblood complete the teaching team.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Group classes range from introductory and beginner level to advanced, and private lessons require no experience or partner.
Studio history
Academy Ballroom Atlanta opened in spring 2006 and quickly became known as the Dance Training Center of the South. Founded by world champions Eddie Ares and Chasity Smith, the studio has grown to include multiple top social and competitive professionals and is the proud owner of Hotlanta The Classic, the largest Pro/Am competition in the Southeast.
Styles offered
22 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Academy Ballroom Atlantahasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Academy Ballroom Atlanta, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Academy Ballroom Atlanta
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Academy Ballroom Atlanta teach?
Academy Ballroom Atlanta teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Bachata, Bolero and 16 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Academy Ballroom Atlanta located?
Academy Ballroom Atlanta is located in Atlanta, GA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Academy Ballroom Atlanta offer private lessons?
Contact Academy Ballroom Atlanta directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Academy Ballroom Atlanta teach kids and adults?
Academy Ballroom Atlanta welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Academy Ballroom Atlanta?
The fastest path is to visit Academy Ballroom Atlanta via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.