Martin Smith Dancing School
Ballroom, Latin and Rhythm dancing from a championship-adjudicator coach
Martin Smith Dancing School offers ballroom, Latin and Rhythm dance instruction across the Hampton Roads area, with locations in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth.
Photo: Martin Smith Dancing School via Google
Before your first class
Martin specialises in making new dancers feel comfortable almost immediately and works with students from complete beginner level upwards.
$25 sample lesson, $95 private lesson, $460–$900 for lesson packages, $15 group classes, $120 private group sessions
About this studio
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 centres 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.
What to expect
Your first visit
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.
Instructors
Who teaches here
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.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Martin specialises in making new dancers feel comfortable almost immediately and works with students from complete beginner level upwards.
Studio history
Martin 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. In 1999 he moved to the United States, and in 2001 created Smiths Dancing School in Hawthorne, New York. In 2014 he brought his talents to DanceSportVA in Virginia Beach. In 2025 he transitioned to an independent instructor to better focus on teaching and coaching across the Hampton Roads area.
Styles offered
6 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Martin Smith Dancing Schoolhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Martin Smith Dancing School, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Martin Smith Dancing School
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Martin Smith Dancing School teach?
Martin Smith Dancing School teaches Ballroom, Latin, Rhythm, International Ballroom, Salsa, Couples Formation. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Martin Smith Dancing School located?
Martin Smith Dancing School is located in Virginia Beach, VA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Martin Smith Dancing School offer private lessons?
Contact Martin Smith Dancing School directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Martin Smith Dancing School teach kids and adults?
Martin Smith Dancing School welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Martin Smith Dancing School?
The fastest path is to visit Martin Smith Dancing School via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.