Live2Dance - Ballroom Dancing Lessons

Live2Dance is a full-service ballroom dance studio in Nashville run by founders Brian and Kiah Keating. The studio teaches American and International styles of competitive ballroom dancing alongside social dance styles. Brian moved to Nashville to pursue his passion for dance, eventually choosing to build the business side of the industry after a career decision. He has trained several hundred students who have won over 100 pro-am awards. Kiah began training in all dance styles from an early age and fell in love with ballroom and rhythm styles after moving to Nashville. She has earned top awards at prestigious events across the USA, completed DVIDA and Terpsichore testing and certification, and obtained NDCA judging credentials. She spends her time teaching, coaching, training and choreographing for staff and students.

The studio follows a curriculum endorsed by Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA), National Dance Council of America (NDCA) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Instructors train daily in both American and International styles and receive frequent certification testing to ensure they have up-to-date knowledge of patterns, techniques and competitive requirements. The resident coach and choreographer Gary Pierce has been a fixture at Live2Dance since the early 1990s and brings expertise in ballroom, Latin, swing, ballet, African and tap dancing.

Classes use a three-part teaching method combining 50-minute private lessons with one-on-one instruction, 50-minute group classes for partnering and interaction, and Friday Night Practice Parties with a live dance band. Your first lesson lasts about an hour. After an assessment to understand your dance experience and goals, you'll be matched with an instructor suited to your needs, then spend 30 to 40 minutes learning basic elements, lead or follow, and an introductory 1-2 dances. Students range in age from mid-twenties to late eighties, and many have never had a lesson before. You can get started for as little as $35.

The studio teaches American Style Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Salsa, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Merengue, Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot, plus International style Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz and Quickstep. High-level instruction is also available in hip hop, contemporary and musical theater. The studio offers wedding dance lessons, private dance lessons, event space rental, DanceSport competition training, and social events including Saturday dance parties and lounge outings where students can practice in real-world settings. No partner is needed—your instructor serves as your partner during private lessons, and the studio has many partners of all levels available at activities. There are no contracts; only agreements spelling out your purchases, and unused lessons can be refunded depending on circumstances.

Your first lesson will last about an hour. Dress comfortably in loose clothing and wear shoes with a smooth sole (heels are optional for ladies, but avoid tennis shoes or dark soles as they mark the floor). You'll meet with a manager to discuss your dance experience and goals, then be matched with an instructor who will teach you basic elements and introduce you to a basic 1-2 dances over 30-40 minutes.

Andrew Stockton is a supervisor and instructor who has been dancing since age 15 and turned professional at 20. He has completed all levels of certification through DVIDA and regularly teaches all levels and styles of dance. Resident coach Gary Pierce brings expertise in ballroom, Latin, swing, ballet, African and tap dancing and serves as choreographer. Kiah Keating, co-founder, teaches, coaches, trains and choreographs for staff and students.

Many students have never had a lesson before walking through the doors; the studio matches beginners with instructors suited to their goals and teaches that anyone can learn to dance.