Elegant Dance Ballroom

Elegant Dance Ballroom is a boutique studio in Meridian offering group classes, private lessons, and specialised wedding dance preparation. The studio serves the wider Treasure Valley region including Eagle, Star, Middleton, Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, and Emmett.

Heather Lenahan, the owner, has been teaching dance for over 30 years. She is a high-honors graduate of the Ballroom Dance Teachers College and a Dance Vision Certified instructor, holding a variety of Associate and Master degrees in American and International style dances. Heather discovered partner dancing in 2004 and later moved to California to pursue professional ballroom training. She has competed in NDCA ballroom dance competitions including Autumn Dance Classic, City Lights Open, San Francisco Open, and the International Grand Ball. Before establishing this studio, she spent several years teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area and served as a staff instructor at the Ballroom Dance Teachers College, preparing students for certification exams. She has also edited and contributed to four Dance Vision manuals—a nationally-recognised syllabus for ballroom dance. Leo G. is the assistant instructor. He has been dancing since high school and trained in 17 American-style Smooth, Rhythm and Nightclub dances as both leader and follower at the Ballroom Dance Teachers College. He has taught youth classes at a charter school in Sonoma County and adult classes at local community centers, as well as Cotillion classes.

Adult group classes are 60 minutes plus 30 minutes of practice. Classes are progressive, with each week building on prior material. Advanced registration is required to ensure balance between leaders and followers. Drop-in attendance after week one is not recommended unless you have prior ballroom experience. The studio specialises in working with beginners as well as more advanced dancers. Teaching social dance and working with beginners is Heather's specialty, and she emphasises a nurturing and patient approach.

Wedding dance lessons are customised to your goals, learning style, and budget. Lessons are 55 minutes and held in a private space. The studio teaches romantic slow dance, Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, and custom choreography tailored to your chosen song and personal style. Five-lesson packages are available with choreography included and save $75 compared to a-la-carte pricing. The studio recommends one lesson every other week starting 2–4 months before the wedding, or beginning with a month or two of group classes as the most affordable introduction to partner dance. Video recaps are provided at the end of each lesson.

You'll work in a supportive environment designed to build confidence. Group classes run 60 minutes plus 30 minutes of practice time. Advanced registration is required to balance leaders and followers, and classes are progressive, so it's best to start from week one.

Heather Lenahan, owner and head instructor, has taught for over 30 years and holds Dance Vision Certification and multiple Associate and Master degrees in American and International style dances. Leo G., assistant instructor, trained in 17 American-style Smooth, Rhythm and Nightclub dances and brings warmth and enthusiasm to teaching all ages.

The studio specialises in working with beginners and emphasises joy, confidence, and a nurturing approach regardless of skill level.