Dance4Life Kids Ballroom Dance Studio

Dance4Life Kids Ballroom Dance Studio is Richmond's leading program for competitive DanceSport training. The studio was founded in 2013 by Mariya Vysotskaya, a native of Kaliningrad, Russia, who began dancing at age 6 and moved to the United States in 2007. Vysotskaya brings over 20 years of formal training and extensive competitive experience in International Standard (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep), International Latin (Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive), American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot), and Social Latin dances (Salsa, Bachata, Merengue). She holds numerous certifications and accomplishments from competitions in Russia, Germany, England, Poland, Lithuania, Belorussia, Ukraine and the United States.

The studio teaches children ages 4 and up across multiple levels. First Steps classes for ages 5–6 and 9+ meet twice weekly (Tuesday and Thursday 5:30–6:15 PM for younger children; Saturday 10:45–11:45 AM for older beginners) and focus on balance, posture, body position, eye contact and poise alongside learning partner dancing fundamentals at a manageable pace. Beginner Ballroom classes for ages 6–8 run Mondays and Fridays 5:00–5:45 PM, teaching Latin and Standard Ballroom dances including Cha Cha, Rumba, Waltz and Quickstep. The Intermediate/Advanced DanceSport class for ages 9+ meets Mondays and Fridays 5:45–6:30 PM and prepares students for competition with technical training and strength and endurance work; students may also learn Foxtrot, Jive, Samba, Tango, and Viennese Waltz. Private instruction is available by appointment in afternoons, evenings and weekends for single students or couples.

Dance4Life's competitive record is substantial. In October 2021 at the National Championship Event and Carolina Fall Classic DanceSport Championship in Charlotte, NC, the studio placed first in US National DanceSport in Junior 1 Latin, Junior 1 Standard, Pre-Teen 2 Latin, Pre-Teen 2 Standard, and Junior 1 Solo Proficiency Latin. Students compete in year-round events across Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Washington DC and beyond, with instructor accompaniment and coaching at each competition. Ballroom dancing here cultivates self-confidence, social skills, work ethic and discipline while offering a creative outlet for artistic expression—competition is optional, and many families participate socially.

Beyond classes, the studio hosts seasonal parties and fundraising events. In December 2020, Dance4Life's Virtual Dance Marathon collected £7,500 for Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. The studio also organises Easter parties with games, music, costume contests and egg decoration contests, Valentine's Day parties, Halloween parties and other family celebrations.

All new students are invited to attend a beginner class for free. You'll work with instructors on fundamentals like balance, posture and eye contact while learning partner dancing basics in a fun and encouraging environment, then enrol in the appropriate class if you wish to continue.

Mariya Vysotskaya is the founder and lead instructor, an international ballroom champion with over 20 years of formal training and proficiency in International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth and Social Latin dances.

First Steps classes teach basics in a fun and encouraging environment with emphasis on balance, posture and steady-paced learning, and all new students can try a beginner class free of charge.