Dance with Vanessa

Vanessa has taught ballroom and wedding dance in San Diego for more than 20 years. She began her dance journey over 35 years ago in New Zealand, where she competed in Amateur Ballroom while completing her MS in Psychology. After moving to the United States in 1998, she launched her teaching career at a Pennsylvania studio and expanded her training into the American styles of Smooth and Rhythm. Her teaching style is patient, structured, and tailored to each student's goals, whether they're learning for social enjoyment, preparing for a showcase, or training for competition.

As a wedding dance specialist, Vanessa has helped over 150 San Diego couples create memorable first dances. She is especially passionate about helping beginners — including many reluctant grooms — discover confidence on the dance floor. Professional development is central to her work. Since 2006, she has trained with world-renowned coach Toni Redpath and incorporates the Global Smooth System into all of her teaching. She served as Technical Writer and Editor for the recently rewritten Dance Vision Smooth syllabus and is certified for Global Smooth Certification, where she serves as Head Trainer and Examiner.

Vanessa holds professional certifications in both Smooth (American Style) and Ballroom (International Style), maintains membership in the Dance Vision Professional Teacher Organization, and is a member of the NDCA. In addition to private teaching, she serves as the primary instructor and Dance Program Director for Let's Dance Kids!, a nonprofit providing free ballroom dance training to children who might not otherwise have access to the arts.

Classes meet at Dance Headquarters, 5035 Shawline St. The Beginner Smooth Ballroom group class runs Mondays from 6:30–7:25 pm and covers the fundamentals of Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz using the Dance Vision syllabus (currently learning Bronze 1). Drop-in is $18 per class, or $60 for the month. The Smooth Silver Medal Class also meets Mondays, from 7:30–8:25 pm, and is for dancers who have progressed beyond beginner level; drop-in is $15 per class, or $50 for the month. A Performance Cha-Cha class runs Mondays from 6:30–7:25 pm for intermediate dancers at the same location; students learn a showcase routine to perform in the Summer Showcase on June 14th. Vanessa also teaches a couples' social dance class in Coronado through the Spreckels Center.

First-time visitors should check the current schedule or contact the studio before attending. Ask whether the class requires advance registration, whether a partner is needed, and what shoes or clothing are recommended.

Vanessa is a certified Smooth (American Style) and Ballroom (International Style) instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience in San Diego and professional certifications including Global Smooth Certification. She trained with world-renowned coach Toni Redpath since 2006.

Yes; Vanessa is especially passionate about helping beginners discover confidence, and offers a dedicated Beginner Smooth Ballroom class.