Mandeville Ballroom Dance Studio

Mandeville Ballroom Dance Studio opened in March 2008, after two years of monthly social dances hosted by owner Aaron Smith. What began with a borrowed sound system and a passion for East Coast Swing has grown into a welcoming dance community serving Covington and the wider Northshore area.

Aaron Smith, the owner and lead instructor, has spent over 20 years dancing. During college he fell in love with East Coast Swing, a passion that expanded to include many other social dance styles. He created the Swing Dance Club at Southeastern Louisiana University, assisted local high school dance clubs, and held a board position on the local chapter of USA Dance. Throughout his dance journey, he has continued training with nationally and internationally recognized instructors and professional dancers, and works as an avid social dancer, performer, and pro-am competitor.

The studio teaches American style social dances: Swing, Ballroom dances (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot), and Latin dances (Salsa, Merengue, Rumba, Cha Cha). Group classes meet on Tuesdays at two locations. Beginner and Intermediate courses run in four-week blocks, with subjects rotating—recent offerings include Swing foundations and Samba. A free mini group class runs every Tuesday at 6:45 PM, designed for complete beginners or anyone trying a new style; no partner or experience is required. Drop-ins are always welcome.

The studio also hosts monthly dance parties open to everyone, featuring a mix of Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country, Night Club, Mixers, and Line Dances. These are held at different venues and serve as a chance to practice moves, meet people, and enjoy social dancing without a partner or prior experience.

Private lessons (55 minutes, for one or two people) are available year-round and can be scheduled at your convenience. The studio emphasizes that private lessons are tailored to your goals, whether you're preparing for a wedding, a special event, or simply want to improve your dancing. The studio describes itself as striving for excellence in offering adult ballroom dance instruction and cementing its place as a fun social outlet and a space where dancers can build confidence and enjoy connection through dance.

Group classes are relaxed and beginner-friendly, held in an air-conditioned studio. A free mini class every Tuesday at 6:45 PM lets you try a new style with no partner needed; paid courses run in four-week blocks for $50. Monthly dance parties mix multiple styles and welcome solo dancers. Private lessons are one-to-one coaching tailored to your goals.

Aaron Smith is the owner and lead instructor. He has trained for over 20 years, works as a social dancer, performer, and pro-am competitor, and continues to train with nationally and internationally recognized instructors.

Yes—the free mini class every Tuesday and all beginner courses welcome people with no experience or partner.