Hamby Ballroom Dance Studio

Hamby Ballroom Dance Studio, located at 25 Harvard St in Waltham, has been teaching ballroom and Latin dancing in the Boston area since 1984. The studio is owned and operated by Suzanne Hamby, who started ballroom dancing as a college student at Brown University before moving to England to study intensively with former world champions. Suzanne's competitive titles include North American Champion, United States Champion, Eastern United States Champion, United States Ten-Dance Champion and New England Champion. She has represented the United States at the World Championships four times and was twice awarded the Feather Award for Best Professional Dancer in the United States, and also won the Feather Award for Best Dance Teacher in the United States.

The studio teaches a full range of ballroom and Latin dances across all levels. Group classes cover Foxtrot, Waltz, Swing, Salsa, Tango and Rumba, running in six-week sessions at $60 per person. Classes are divided into levels: Beginner (no experience needed), Advanced Beginner (no experience needed but faster pace), Intermediate (some experience recommended), and Advanced (faster pace, more difficult figures). Beginner, Advanced Beginner and Intermediate classes are held on Sunday afternoons, Monday evenings and Thursday evenings at the Waltham studio. Silver/Gold and Gold Star/Advanced level classes are taught on Tuesday evenings in Newton. You do not need a partner to join group classes.

The teaching staff includes Suzanne Hamby, Dick Gould (who joined in 2008 and teaches group classes and private lessons for singles and couples), and instructors Maureen and Brian. Dick Gould studied with renowned trainers including Bobby Medeiros, Julius Kaiser and Beverly Donahue, and held memberships with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. Suzanne holds Licentiates with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in both the Ballroom and Latin American branches and is a registered World Class Adjudicator. She has coached the Harvard, University of Connecticut and MIT Ballroom Dance Teams.

Private lessons are available for those wanting one-on-one instruction or supplementing group classes. The studio specializes in wedding dance preparation, offering wedding dance lessons and first dance coaching for couples. The studio also hosts ballroom and Latin dance parties throughout the year, creating opportunities for social dancing. Suzanne's students include many with National and Regional titles, and she teaches all levels from beginners to professionals.

When you arrive for your first group class, expect to learn basic steps in a supportive environment. Beginner classes teach fundamental steps in popular dances like Foxtrot, Waltz, Swing and Salsa, helping you gain confidence on the dance floor. You do not need a partner or prior experience.

Suzanne Hamby, the studio owner, has been teaching since 1984 and is a multi-title champion competitor with professional accreditations from the National Dance Council of America and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. Dick Gould, who joined the staff in 2008, trained extensively with leading dancers and brings humour and an easy manner to his teaching. The team also includes instructors Maureen and Brian.

Beginner classes assume no dance experience and teach basic steps in the most popular dances; you will gain confidence and feel comfortable on the dance floor at social occasions.