Metropolitan Ballroom

Midtown Ballroom teaches ballroom, Latin, smooth, and rhythm styles through private lessons, group classes, and specialised wedding choreography. The studio is led by Erica Millarc, founder and owner, who trained for over 13 years with renowned coaches in the International Standard division, competed nationally and internationally, and represented the U.S. at the World Championship in Leipzig, Germany, where she ranked among the top 12 dancers in the United States and earned 2nd place nationally in the Classic Show Dance division.

The instructor team includes Trevor Guthrie, who holds five US National Championship titles including Theater Arts, American Style Smooth, and West Coast Swing, and has represented the US at the World Latin Show Dance Championship in Russia; Darinka Divljak, a nine-time National Champion from Serbia with over 30 years of competitive experience and a consistent finalist in the International Latin division; Paul Montagnese, a professional accredited with DanceSport Australia who won the South Pacific Dancesport Championship in Amateur Standard division and represented Australia at the World Professional 10-Dance Championship in Moscow; Emily Guthrie, who completed a degree in ballroom dance and achieved the highest honour in Dance Proficiency Examinations in both Ballroom and Latin styles; Jake Davies, a professional Latin and rhythm dancer competing nationally and internationally at competitions including Blackpool and the British national championships; and Alyona Kalinina, a graduate of the National Academy of Dance in Kiev, American Rhythm Blackpool Champion, and two-time British National Professional Showdance Champion.

Dances taught include Waltz, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Jive, Paso Doble, Swing, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Two-Step, Shag, West Coast Swing, and line dances. Private lessons offer one-on-one instruction with no partner required and allow instruction to be tailored to individual needs and pace. Group classes run as progressive 8-week series for couples and singles, building dance steps throughout the eight weeks, and registration is required. The studio also offers private group dance classes where you bring friends or colleagues and the studio supplies the instructor, space, wine, and cheese, with date and time customised to your needs.

Wedding dance choreography is available. The studio partners with Breaking Boundaries, a non-profit providing free dance lessons to those with disabilities, with Emily Guthrie leading group classes through the programme. Children's programmes are offered. The studio operates 7 days a week by appointment, with phone lines open between 10:00am and 8:00pm. It is located at 1133 Metropolitan Avenue, Suite 180, Charlotte, NC 28204, near Trader Joe's and Salon Loft, and close to Best Buy and Target.

Your first dance lesson costs $50. Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction with a professional, tailored to your pace and needs. Group classes meet for eight-week progressive series where you learn steps that build throughout. You can book by phone or online.

The studio is led by Erica Millarc, founder and owner, a former International Standard competitor ranked among the top 12 dancers in the US and World Championship representative. The team includes Trevor Guthrie (five US National Championship titles), Darinka Divljak (nine-time Serbian National Champion), Paul Montagnese (South Pacific Dancesport Championship champion), Emily Guthrie (Dance Proficiency highest honours), Jake Davies (international competitor at Blackpool and British nationals), and Alyona Kalinina (Blackpool Champion and two-time British National Professional Showdance Champion).

No partner required for private lessons, and progressive group classes build steps throughout eight weeks, making the studio welcoming to dancers starting out.