Ballroom Dance Instruction - Troy and Dayton, Ohio

RJBallroom is run by Rick and Judy Bowerman, who teach ballroom, Latin, Smooth and Rhythm styles at the Troy Rec in Troy, Ohio. The studio grew from an unexpected place: Rick was reluctant to dance until 1997, when Judy persuaded him to sign up for one session with Peg Myer in Troy. He enjoyed it enough that they both continued, eventually assisting Peg in her beginner and intermediate classes. When Peg retired, Rick and Judy took over the business and renamed it RJBallroom.

Rick and Judy take their teaching seriously. They make an annual trip to Brigham Young University, which has a prestigious dance program, where they receive about thirty hours of instruction in one week. The university brings in world-class dancers as guest instructors, and the material and techniques available are second to none. RJBallroom students benefit directly from the skills Rick and Judy bring home from this event.

Classes run in four-week cycles. Beginner classes cover styles like Rumba, Nightclub Two Step, Merengue and Slow Dance, each lasting 55 minutes. Intermediate classes in Fusion and Nightclub Two Step run at the same time as beginner sessions, so you can choose your level.

Beyond classes, RJBallroom runs public dances open to walk-ins. These are 2.5 hours of continuous music and cost $20 per couple. You must have a partner to attend. You can bring your own snacks and drinks (no alcohol). These dances are held twice monthly.

Since 2012, Rick and Judy have been involved in charity events modelled after the TV program Dancing with the Stars. Amateur and pro-am couples (using RJBallroom's advanced students as the pros) have several weeks to learn a choreographed routine, which they perform in front of hundreds of people and a panel of judges to compete for a mirror ball trophy. Participants also engage in competitive fundraising for the sponsoring charity.

A 55-minute class at your chosen level—beginner or intermediate—with Rick or Judy. Beginner and intermediate classes run back-to-back on the same evenings, so you pick what suits you. Classes focus on specific styles each session: Rumba and Nightclub Two Step, Merengue and Slow Dance, or Fusion and Nightclub Two Step.

Rick and Judy Bowerman teach all classes. Both trained under Peg Myer, who founded the business, and have studied with other area instructors and at Brigham Young University's prestigious dance program.

Yes. Rick himself was a reluctant beginner in 1997 and the studio emphasizes making learning easy and fun.