Vera the Diva Ballroom & Latin Dance School

Vera the Diva is a Ballroom and Latin dance school based in Clapham, south London, running classes six days a week for adults at all levels. The school is led by Edurne Goldaracena, founder and dance principal, who has over 25 years' experience as a professional Ballroom and Latin American dance teacher. Edurne is a Fellow in Latin and an Associate in Ballroom, an active member of the ISTD and IDTA dance associations, and is particularly interested in researching the therapeutic effects of dance.

The teaching team includes Andrei, an experienced Ballroom and Latin teacher who has competed in national and international competitions, with a BA in Contemporary Dance and performances at venues including The Place Theatre and Sadler's Wells. Natalie, who holds a BA in Performing Arts, teaches children's lessons and adult Swing dance classes while working as a freelance performer and Co-Artistic Director of children's theatre company Moulded Theatre. Gorka, a Swing and Ballroom Latin dancer training as a student dance teacher with the IDTA, has a BA in Music Performance and is involved in community and charity classes.

Group classes run across two main venues: Clapham Methodist Church Hall (121 Clapham High Street, SW4 7JR) and The Contact Centre (60 Hambalt Road, SW4 9EH). Courses span 7 weeks at £108 for Ballroom and Latin at beginner and improver levels, with shorter 4-week modules also available. Thursday classes in Salsa (Cross Body Style) and Bachata run weekly at £15 per class or £20 for both. The school balances leaders and followers in classes and provides experienced dance helpers for extra support. If you miss a class, you can make it up by attending another session on a different day during your course.

Private lessons are one-to-one with full-time professional teachers registered with IDTA and ISTD, each lasting one hour. The school also offers taster sessions for those new to dance. Beyond regular classes, Vera the Diva provides wedding first dance choreography, private dance parties, corporate event dance tuition, and medal examinations. Saturday socials are held in Covent Garden at Seven Dials Club (42 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LA), featuring themed dances like Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive and Disco Party, priced at £22 and open to new beginners. The school also provides dance tuition for community groups and charities throughout Greater London.

Classes are welcoming to beginners and run in a structured format with professional instruction. Group classes include a balanced mix of leaders and followers, with experienced dance helpers on hand to support you. You can book a taster session to try before committing to a course.

Edurne Goldaracena (founder and dance principal) brings over 25 years of professional Ballroom and Latin teaching; Andrei has competed nationally and internationally and performed at The Place Theatre and Sadler's Wells; Natalie teaches Swing and children's classes while working as a freelance performer and theatre director; Gorka teaches Swing and Ballroom Latin and is training as a student dance teacher with the IDTA.

Absolute beginners are welcome; the school runs dedicated New Beginners courses and offers taster sessions to help you start at your own pace.