Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth and Rhythm in Columbia with an International Champion…
A ballroom dance studio offering instruction in American and International style dances including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing.
Photo: Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue via Google
Before your first class
Group classes are designed for beginners with no previous experience or partner required; the studio encourages everyone to jump in.
Wear something comfortable and shoes with a smooth bottom.
About this studio
Elite Ballroom Dance Academy opened in 2016 with a mission to share the love and joy that dance brings to the Columbia community. The studio is led by Stefano Placidi, Head Instructor and an International Ballroom Dance Champion. Born in Rome, Italy, Stefano is the third generation of passionate dancers, having begun at age 6 in his parents' dance school. He won his first Italian Championship at 16 and went on to compete internationally in Standard, Latin, and 10 Dance events, earning multiple Italian Championships and recognition in the IDSF World ranking's "Top 12" pairs. He now brings his considerable talents to teaching, coaching, and choreography.
Jamie Barrett, Owner and Operator, began dancing in 2009 and has become a decorated competitor herself. Under Stefano's guidance, Jamie holds the 2021 WDO World Ballroom Championship, the 2021 WDO World 10 Dance Championship, the 2022 NDCA World 10 Dance Championship, the 2021 and 2022 National 10 Dance Championship, and the 2021 Rising Star Latin Championship, along with numerous world and national finalist titles.
The studio teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, and Rhythm styles through both group and private lessons. Group classes are designed for beginners and cover dances such as rumba, salsa, foxtrot, and waltz, with classes changing monthly. You don't need previous experience or a partner to join. Private lessons offer personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to your goals, whether you want to learn a wedding dance, compete, or become a social dance star. REVIVAL, led by Katie Page, offers a drop-in, budget-friendly experience on Monday evenings at 7:15pm, teaching a variety of styles with guest teachers and no partner required. Katie is the first graduate of the University of South Carolina's Dance Education Program and has taught in public schools, musical theatre, and studio settings since 2005.
The studio is located at 103 Legion Plaza in Columbia and operates Monday to Thursday from 1pm to 8pm, with Friday to Sunday by appointment only. Beyond lessons, Elite Ballroom offers wedding dance instruction, competition training, and operates as a premier event venue. Gift certificates are available. The studio's vision is to make Columbia known for exceptional ballroom dance instruction and to enable everyone—from absolute beginners to aspiring champions—to gain the skills and confidence to exceed their expectations.
What to expect
Your first visit
You can walk in to group class with no sign-up needed, or call to book a private lesson. Group classes are designed for beginners with rotating partners so you can practice leading or following different dancers. Wear something comfortable with smooth-soled shoes; sneakers stick to the floor. You don't need experience or a partner.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Stefano Placidi, Head Instructor, is an International Ballroom Dance Champion from Rome with multiple Italian Championships and significant international competition success. Jamie Barrett, Owner and Operator, holds the 2021 WDO World Ballroom Championship, 2021 WDO World 10 Dance Championship, and the 2022 NDCA World 10 Dance Championship. Katie Page, who teaches REVIVAL, is the first graduate of the University of South Carolina's Dance Education Program and has taught since 2005.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Group classes are designed for beginners with no previous experience or partner required; the studio encourages everyone to jump in.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Wear something comfortable and shoes with a smooth bottom. Sneakers tend to stick to the dance floor. Girls do not need to wear heels.
Studio history
Elite Ballroom Dance Academy opened in 2016 out of a dream to share with the Columbia community the love and joy that dance brings. The studio's vision is to make Columbia known for exceptional ballroom dance instruction and to enable everyone, from absolute beginners to aspiring champions, to gain the skills and confidence to exceed their expectations.
Styles offered
10 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venuehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue teach?
Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Rumba, Salsa and 4 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue located?
Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue is located in Columbia, SC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue offer private lessons?
Contact Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue teach kids and adults?
Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue?
The fastest path is to visit Elite Ballroom Dance Academy and Event Venue via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.