John Hamman School Of Dance

The John Hamman School of Ballroom Dance has been teaching since 2007. John Hamman holds 20 years of competitive dance experience specialising in Latin American dance, and is professionally qualified in Ballroom and Latin American. He is registered with the SADTA (South African Dance Teachers Association) and South African Dance Foundation (SADF), and holds a valid SADTA, SADF and international WDC (World Dance Council) adjudicators licence. He is also head coach at the UCT Ballroom and Latin Dance Society, teaching all levels from beginner to advanced.

John's competitive achievements include WP Amateur Latin American Champions (2012), 3rd in South African Amateur Latin American Championships (2012), and 3rd in South African Professional Latin American Championships (2014). He also holds a business science degree from UCT and has worked in the advertising and marketing industries.

The school offers group and private tuition in Ballroom, Latin and Social dancing from venues in Rondebosch and Newlands. The Beginner Survival Dance Course is a popular 7-week introduction taught at Kelvin Grove club in Newlands on Monday evenings from 7pm–8pm. You'll learn Foxtrot, Boogie, Salsa, Waltz and Bachata, with the option of partnering with an experienced student if you attend alone. Class sizes are limited to 12 couples. The course costs R1100 per person or R2200 per couple and includes access to a library of videos covering all dance steps taught during the course.

For those with some experience, the Improver Course follows on directly from the beginner course, adding variations and improving style and technique. This meets every Monday evening from 6pm–7pm, also at Kelvin Grove Club.

Private lessons are tailored to your needs and pace, whether you want basic social dancing, wedding choreography, or serious training for medal tests and competitions. Lessons are available by appointment and can be arranged at either venue. Wedding couples receive bespoke first dance choreography. John works with you to select suitable music, develop moves that reflect your personalities, and builds your confidence for the opening dance. The school has choreographed first dances for numerous couples, many of whom have had their performances described as highlights of their weddings by guests.

The studio also offers social dance evenings in Rondebosch with professional demonstrations, showcases, and opportunities for couples to dance to ballroom and Latin music. For serious students, John provides internationally recognised medal tests and competition training.

A relaxed, well-organised group class or private lesson tailored to your level. In group classes, you'll work with a partner learning clear steps at a pace suitable for absolute beginners. The teaching style is patient and encouraging, with plenty of repetition. Private lessons are one-on-one in a relaxed atmosphere.

John Hamman teaches all classes. He has 20 years of competitive dance experience, is professionally qualified in Ballroom and Latin American, and registered with SADTA and SADF. He holds valid SADTA, SADF and international WDC adjudicators licences, and is head coach at UCT Ballroom and Latin Dance Society.

The Beginner Survival Dance Course is designed for absolute beginners with no experience needed; you can attend solo and be partnered with an experienced student.