Dance Quest LLC

Dance Quest is a ballroom dance studio in Nashville run by Debbie Sullivan, who opened it 14 years ago with her husband Jim. Debbie started dancing at age 18 and has spent her career teaching, competing, performing and judging across the US. The studio was founded on a simple principle: to offer the community a safe and comfortable environment to learn how to dance.

You can start with group classes or private instruction—it doesn't matter which path you choose. Beginner group classes cost $15 per person and are kept deliberately small and intimate so you get real attention. You'll learn basic steps, variations, style and etiquette. Intermediate and specialty classes are also $15 per person and assume you've taken the corresponding beginner course. Individual instruction is available at call-for-pricing rates and lets you work one-to-one with an instructor to discuss your goals and build a course tailored to you.

The studio teaches all the popular ballroom, Latin and Swing dances, plus Country Western and Adult Tap and Jazz. The range is broad: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep (smooth dances); Cha Cha, Rumba, Mambo, Samba, Merengue, Bolero, Paso Doble (Latin); Swing, Jive, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Polka, Two Step, Night Club Two Step.

You don't need a partner to start—your instructor will partner with you, and you'll quickly meet other dancers in group classes and at the weekly Friday practice parties designed for newer students. The studio is open Monday–Thursday 10 am to 10 pm, Friday 10 am to 7 pm (with group class and party 7–10 pm), and Saturday–Sunday by appointment. There are no contracts. All classes are pay-as-you-go, and you can take as many lessons as you like or stop whenever you want. The average person learns the basic patterns to a dance in as few as 6 lessons, and you'll be dancing after your very first lesson.

Bi-annual showcases and regular competitions are offered for those interested, but participation is entirely optional. The studio's instructors—including Debbie, Dana Heitman (whose passion is Swing dancing) and Jeff Cobble (who specializes in smooth dances, especially Waltz, and has been teaching ballroom since 2007)—are described as talented, skilled, experienced, enthusiastic and caring.

Group classes are small and intimate. You'll learn basic steps and variations in a beginner class, with attention to style and etiquette. You'll be dancing after your first lesson, regardless of age or prior experience. No partner is required—your instructor will partner with you.

Debbie Sullivan founded the studio 14 years ago and has trained across the US in teaching, competing, performing and judging. Dana Heitman moved to Tennessee in 1999 and made dance his profession; Swing dancing is his passion. Jeff Cobble has been dancing for over a decade and teaching ballroom since 2007; he specializes in smooth dances, especially Waltz, and focuses on versatility and lead-and-follow technique.

The studio believes everyone can learn to dance and you'll be dancing after your first lesson, regardless of age or prior experience.