R&J Ballroom
Ballroom and partner dance lessons in Canton for beginners, couples, and wedd…
A ballroom dance studio offering instruction in American and International style dances including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing.
Photo: R&J Ballroom via Google
Before your first class
Designed specifically for complete beginners; no experience, rhythm, or partner required; instructors specialize in creating a welcoming, supportive environment where mistakes are part of the learning process.
Comfortable clothes you can move in; avoid shoes with too much grip since dancing involves turning and pivoting.
Comfortable clothing you can move in and shoes with a smooth sole on the bottom (secure on your feet); no special dancewear or dance shoes required to start.
Drop-in classes $20; private lessons available (specific pricing not stated); lesson packages and memberships available; new student special mentioned but pricing not detailed
About this studio
R&J Ballroom is a dance studio in Canton, Ohio dedicated to teaching partner dance to adults and couples of all experience levels. The studio specializes in ballroom, Latin, Smooth, and Rhythm styles and serves North Canton and surrounding Stark County areas.
Founded by Jonathan Green and Rachel Green, both experienced dancers and instructors, the studio reflects their commitment to building more than just a place to learn steps. Jonathan began dancing in 2006 at age 16, competed in many of the country's most prestigious ballroom competitions, and earned numerous national and world titles for himself and his students. He founded ballroom dance clubs at Canton McKinley and GlenOak High Schools early in his career. Rachel is a University of Akron graduate with a degree in Musical Theatre Dance, a former member of Dancing Wheels Company in Cleveland, and was previously Dance Department Coordinator for the Solon Center for the Arts. She earned several American Rhythm Professional Rising Star titles and is certified in both American Rhythm and American Smooth through the DVIDA syllabus system. Together, they co-own and operate the studio with a focus on creating a supportive community where people can grow and connect.
The instruction team includes Theresa Bagavandoss, who has been dancing ballroom for nearly 20 years and taught line dancing before joining R&J Ballroom five years ago. She is known for her upbeat, welcoming teaching style and has won two consecutive R&J Crew Battles. Brendan White ("B") joined the studio and made his professional competitive debut in 2025, beginning his career in both Pro/Pro and Pro/Am competition. He is viewed as an exciting rising talent within the studio and competitive ballroom community.
The studio offers three main methods of instruction: private lessons available seven days a week between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM (approximately 45 minutes per session, scheduled by appointment); group courses structured as progressive sequences where each class builds on the last; and social dance parties and events. Drop-in classes are available for select courses at $20 per class. New students typically begin with a complimentary private introductory session. Private lessons can be taken individually or as a couple, and no partner is required for any class. Group courses are taught with instructors transitioning between full-group teaching and personalized feedback to individual students.
Wedding dance lessons are a significant part of the studio's offerings. Couples can work toward simple social-style dances or fully choreographed routines, with lessons customized around their song, timeline, and comfort level. The studio also helps with father-daughter dances, mother-son dances, anniversary dances, surprise performances, and wedding party choreography. Theresa Bagavandoss is noted for her particular skill in creating wedding choreography that feels elegant, natural, and easy to enjoy. The studio recommends couples begin 6–8 months before their wedding, though shorter timelines are accommodated.
Beyond group classes and private lessons, students participate in regular social dance events, practice gatherings, student showcases, and community activities. The studio emphasizes building connections and helping students feel comfortable both on and off the dance floor. Rachel Green plays a major role in the studio's day-to-day operations, organization, and growth. The studio is recognized by Marquis Who's Who and is a member of Healthy Dance. Jonathan Green's community involvement includes scholarship programs, local school partnerships, teacher training, and outreach throughout the Canton area.
What to expect
Your first visit
First-time visitors typically start with a complimentary private introductory session where you'll meet an instructor, try dancing in a relaxed environment, and discuss your goals and interests. The studio creates a welcoming, beginner-friendly atmosphere focused on building confidence at your own pace.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The teaching team includes co-owners Jonathan Green (began dancing in 2006, competed nationally and internationally, founded school ballroom clubs) and Rachel Green (University of Akron Musical Theatre Dance graduate, former Dancing Wheels Company member, certified in American Rhythm and Smooth). Theresa Bagavandoss has danced ballroom for nearly 20 years and taught line dancing before joining five years ago; she won two consecutive R&J Crew Battles. Brendan White made his professional competitive debut in 2025 in Pro/Pro and Pro/Am competition.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Designed specifically for complete beginners; no experience, rhythm, or partner required; instructors specialize in creating a welcoming, supportive environment where mistakes are part of the learning process.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Comfortable clothes you can move in; avoid shoes with too much grip since dancing involves turning and pivoting.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing you can move in and shoes with a smooth sole on the bottom (secure on your feet); no special dancewear or dance shoes required to start.
Studio history
R&J Ballroom was co-founded by Jonathan Green and Rachel Green with the vision of creating more than just a dance studio—a place where people of all experience levels can grow, connect, and become part of a supportive community. Jonathan began dancing in 2006 and has since competed in many prestigious ballroom competitions, earning national and world titles. Rachel, a University of Akron graduate with a degree in Musical Theatre Dance, brings professional dance experience from her time with Dancing Wheels Company and the Solon Center for the Arts. Both are committed to building a growing hub for ballroom dance education and community in their hometown of Canton, Ohio.
Styles offered
13 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
R&J Ballroomhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own R&J Ballroom, 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 R&J Ballroom
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does R&J Ballroom teach?
R&J Ballroom teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Waltz, Salsa and 7 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is R&J Ballroom located?
R&J Ballroom is located in Canton, OH. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does R&J Ballroom offer private lessons?
Contact R&J Ballroom directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does R&J Ballroom teach kids and adults?
R&J Ballroom 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 R&J Ballroom?
The fastest path is to visit R&J Ballroom via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.