Rants Ballroom Company

Rants Ballroom Company has been serving the Hampton Roads community since 2004, offering dance instruction for adults and children across a range of styles. The studio specialises in the social and competitive American-Style disciplines of ballroom dance, including Tango, Waltz, Swing, and Salsa. Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance are also offered. Many students arrive shy or apprehensive about moving their bodies, but the teaching methods of the professional staff help them become confident and skillful dancers.

For children, the studio offers Creative Movement for ages 3–5, which develops rhythm, coordination, balance, and self-esteem based on natural movements of the body. Junior Ballet & Jazz for ages 4–7 introduces classical ballet technique and jazz dance. Pre-teen and teen students can continue with Ballet & Modern at an intermediate level, encouraged to develop personal artistry through performance and improvisation. Latin & Ballroom classes for young dancers build social skills, self-esteem, and teamwork through contemporary Latin and ballroom dances used in social and competitive settings. An After-School dance program is also available.

The studio runs private dance lessons, group classes, and specialised packages. Wedding dance lesson packages are available for couples preparing for their first dance or father-daughter performances. The studio can choreograph custom routines to make a lasting impression. Exercise dance classes such as Ballroom Burn are offered for those seeking a fitness-focused approach.

Marie Rants, the Artistic Director, holds a BA in Dance from Old Dominion University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, and studied MA in Communication at Johns Hopkins University. She is part of the Adjunct Dance Faculty at ODU. She has been dancing professionally since 1996 and specialises in the American Rhythm & Smooth Ballroom disciplines. She has been coached by top champions including Bill Sparks, Tony Meredith (So You Think You Can Dance), Forrest Vance, Irina Sarukhanyan, Rosendo Fumero, and Kathryn Shaefer. Her professional works include choreographing for international pop artist Martin Niviera in 1998, USA Dance New Year's Eve Extravaganza from 2003–2015, and performances in Hampton Roads' Dancing With Our Stars from 2009–2022.

Chuck Wills has been in the dance world as a working professional for over thirty years, having trained at both Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray dance studios. He taught for 10 years in Orlando, Florida, and also in Colorado Springs, Corpus Christi, and Beverly Hills. His special niche is training couples to social dance. Timothy Sovine, a BFA graduate from Old Dominion University, has been dancing socially and competitively since 2013 and specialises in the American Rhythm & Smooth disciplines. He is a 2-time Champion in HR Dancing with the Stars and serves as the studio's Wedding Dance Specialist. Brent Dunn has been a professional ballroom dance instructor in the Hampton Roads area since 1995, with over 30 years in the performing arts. He was awarded top dance instructor at the Virginia State Ballroom Championships for the past three years and holds top teacher awards at The Heritage Classic, Philadelphia Dancesport Festival, and Randy Ferguson's Dance Houston. He leads the Shall We Dance Competition Team and is an award-winning pro instructor at Hampton Roads Dancing with the Stars. Jessica Clark is a Certified Latin & Ballroom Instructor who began her dance career in 2002. At the 2007 Virginia State Championships, she led her student to the highest level in his category and was recognised as one of the Top Teachers. She specialises in wedding choreography and social dancing with new students. Brett Landon Long has been teaching social dancing since 1976 and is certified through 2 organisations specialising in Lead/Follow connection in partner dances. His strong dances include Hustle, West Coast Swing, Rumba, Salsa, American Cha Cha, and Slow Dance (Wedding).

Beginner-level to advanced dancers experience a sense of camaraderie both on and off the dance floor. The studio emphasises that it is not just about learning how to dance; for many, it is about the lasting friendships made during group classes, parties, and social events.

You will work with a professionally trained, formally educated instructor in a welcoming environment designed to build confidence. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, the studio offers private lessons, group classes, and packages tailored to your goals—from social dancing to wedding choreography to competitive training.

The studio is led by Artistic Director Marie Rants (BA Dance from Old Dominion University, Summa Cum Laude; dancing professionally since 1996) and a team of experienced instructors: Chuck Wills (30+ years as a working professional; trained at Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray), Timothy Sovine (BFA from Old Dominion University; 2-time HR Dancing with the Stars Champion; Wedding Dance Specialist), Brent Dunn (professional instructor since 1995; awarded top instructor at Virginia State Ballroom Championships for the past three years), Jessica Clark (Certified Latin & Ballroom Instructor; recognised as one of the Top Teachers at 2007 Virginia State Championships), and Brett Landon Long (teaching social dancing since 1976).

Many students arrive shy or apprehensive, but the studio's teaching methods help them become confident and skillful dancers.