Martin Smith Dancing School

Martin Smith Dancing School offers ballroom, Latin and Rhythm dance instruction across the Hampton Roads area, with locations in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth. Martin Smith is a championship dancer and adjudicator for the World Dance Sport Federation, USA Dance and NDCA who has judged dance competitions worldwide. He began his professional teaching career in 1982 at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in South Africa, where he became the Kwazulu/Natal Province International Style Standard Champion and finished fourth nationally. In 1999 he brought his expertise to the United States, and in 2001 created Smiths Dancing School in Hawthorne, New York before transitioning to Virginia in 2014.

Martin teaches all styles of American and International Ballroom, Latin and Rhythm dancing. He works with dancers at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced competitive dancers and professionals. His teaching philosophy centers on grace, style and technique in a supportive environment. He offers 40-minute private lessons at $95 each, with package options of 5 lessons for $460 or 10 lessons for $900. For younger students, U14 private lessons are $75 each, and 14–18 lessons are $85 each. A 30-minute sample lesson costs $25.

Group classes are offered at $15 per person, with options in Argentinian Tango, Salsa and Couples Formation. Private group sessions accommodate up to 4 students for $120 per class, with $5 charged per additional student. Martin also offers out-of-studio private lessons at $100 per lesson plus expenses, and can bring group instruction to your private event starting at $300 for up to 20 guests.

Martin serves as an agent for Very Fine dance shoes and helps students find the right pair for their needs. He is also available as a choreographer and coach for students preparing for competitions.

You'll work one-to-one or in a small group with an experienced, credentialed instructor who focuses on teaching you to dance well rather than simply accumulating steps. Martin explains how movements work and why, and takes time to help new dancers feel comfortable while pushing advanced students to improve.

Martin Smith is a championship dancer and adjudicator who has judged for hundreds of dance competitions around the world. He began teaching professionally in 1982 and has worked at Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray studios before establishing his own school. He is a championship adjudicator for the World Dance Sport Federation, USA Dance and NDCA.

Martin specializes in making new dancers feel comfortable almost immediately and works with students from complete beginner level upwards.