Dance Plus

Dance Plus Ballroom has been teaching partner dancing to Greater Columbus and Central Ohio for over 40 years. Founded in 1982, the studio became locally owned by Emily Mertens in 2021, who has since deepened its community focus. Based in Hilliard, Dance Plus now serves adults and couples across Hilliard, Dublin, Upper Arlington, and Greater Columbus.

The studio teaches ballroom in all its forms: American smooth and standard, international standard and smooth, rhythm, latin, nightclub, country, and Caribbean styles. You can learn Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Quickstep, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, Zouk, Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, Country Two-Step, Country Waltz, Country Line Dances, Polka, Jitterbug, Hustle, Nightclub Two-Step, Balboa, Charleston, and Peabody. All instructors are certified by DVIDA, the national standard for ballroom dancing.

Three main paths into dance: private lessons (one-on-one, 45 minutes minimum, scheduled at your convenience), group classes (drop-in or series-based, for beginners through advanced), or semi-private classes (custom lessons with friends or family, ranging from 10 to 200 people, available on or off site). Beginning group classes focus on the social six—Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing. Intermediate and advanced classes follow the DVIDA and ISTD syllabi and progress through Bronze and Silver steps. All group classes follow the DVIDA syllabus, and intermediate/advanced classes are series-only; new students must start with beginning classes or private instruction. Students have volunteer "dance angels" to partner with if needed.

Wedding preparation is a core service. Couples can take private wedding lessons (choreographed to their song, filmed for home practice, typically mastered within two lessons) or group wedding classes (one hour, covering dance basics and popular reception music including line dances like the Wobble or Cupid Shuffle). The studio also teaches workshops on the health and confidence benefits of dance, including programmes for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Down's Syndrome, nursing facilities, and school districts including Wellington, Columbus School for Girls, St. Andrews, St. Brennan, City of Dublin, Upper Arlington, and Our Lady of Peace.

Social dance parties are offered monthly for beginners and quarterly themed parties with a wider variety of music and dances. Semi-private custom classes can include group classes, wedding banquet instruction, DJing, reception parties, demonstrations, performances, fundraisers, business functions, rehearsal dinners, school dances, local meet-ups, mother-son and father-daughter dances, and line dancing. The studio has a strict no-pressure sales policy: all purchases are customised to what you actually want, with no obligation to buy high-price packages. Gift certificates are available.

Your first group class (or private lesson) is designed to be welcoming and low-pressure. Beginners learn social and people skills alongside leading and following; you'll meet new people and gain confidence navigating the dance floor. If you're solo, you'll be partnered with a volunteer "dance angel" at no extra cost. Wear anything comfortable with hard-soled shoes or dance shoes. Register beforehand by calling the studio.

All instructors are certified by DVIDA (the national standard for ballroom dancing). Owner Emily Mertens, a graduate of Ohio State University, is actively involved in community outreach and has taught dance to youth and families in multiple school districts; she also leads health-benefit programmes including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Down's Syndrome workshops. Beyond named leadership, the site does not list individual instructor names.

Beginning group classes are designed to be social, easy, and engaging, perfect for absolute beginners; the studio matches you with a volunteer "dance angel" if you don't have a partner.