Business Details
Premier Dance Lessons in Tampa for All Skill Levels
Founded by a husband-and-wife team with over 40 years of combined dancing and teaching experience, our studio specializes in creating personalized dance experiences for real people. We believe dancing is not limited to professionals or specific age groups but is a joyful activity accessible to everyone. Our teaching approach combines the DVIDA Bronze, Silver, and Gold syllabus with unique variations to ensure variety and engagement. We tailor lessons to individual learning styles, focusing on students' unique goals and dance priorities while building foundational skills progressively. With expertise in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Salsa, and more, we cater to social dancers, competitive enthusiasts, and everyone in between.Our mission emphasizes authenticity, excellence, and student appreciation, helping individuals discover confidence and joy through dance. Located in Tampa, Florida, we serve communities including South Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. Whether you seek private lessons, group classes, or wedding dance preparation, our friendly instructors are dedicated to making your dance journey rewarding and fun. We prioritize patience, compassion, and adaptability, ensuring lessons remain engaging and supportive for all skill levels.
Services
Private Dance Lessons
Group Dance Classes
Wedding Dance Instruction
Dance Parties
Kids Ballroom Classes
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined teaching experience in diverse dance styles.
- Our lessons are tailored to individual learning styles and personal goals.
- We use the DVIDA syllabus with creative variations for engaging instruction.
- We teach all levels from beginners to competitive dancers.
- Our students praise our patient, supportive, and personalized approach.
What people say
Great teacher
Supportive instructors
Lessons are fun
Patient and compassionate
Tailored to my goals
Services
Private Dance Lessons
Customized private lessons tailored to individual goals and learning pace. Instructors focus on preferred dance styles while building technical skills. Ideal for beginners through advanced dancers seeking personalized attention.
Group Dance Classes
Structured group sessions covering fundamental techniques and creative combinations. Classes rotate weekly to include various dance styles and skill levels. Encourages social interaction while reinforcing core dancing abilities in a fun environment.
Wedding Dance Instruction
Custom choreography for wedding first dances, father-daughter/mother-son dances, and reception performances. Instructors help couples create personalized routines matching their style and comfort level for memorable celebrations.
Dance Parties
Weekly social dance events featuring diverse music genres and dance styles. Provides practical experience applying learned skills in relaxed settings. Encourages community building while improving confidence and improvisation abilities.
Kids Ballroom Classes
Age-appropriate instruction introducing children to ballroom and Latin dance fundamentals. Focuses on coordination, rhythm, and social skills through engaging activities. Builds confidence while fostering appreciation for structured dance education.
People
Karena Forte
Instructor
Certified dance instructor with 20+ years of teaching experience. Specializes in Latin and Ballroom styles. Known for patient, adaptive teaching methods that build student confidence through personalized attention and creative instruction.
Danilo Forte
Instructor
Professional dancer and educator with extensive competitive and social dance expertise. Focuses on technical precision while maintaining enjoyable lessons. Collaborates with students to develop customized learning paths matching individual goals and abilities.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Salsa, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Cha Cha, Rumba, Bachata, Hustle, Country Two-Step, and wedding dance choreography.
Do I need a partner to take lessons?
No partner required. We accommodate individuals and couples. Our instructors partner with students during private lessons, and group classes rotate partners to build versatility.
Are there age requirements for classes?
We teach all ages from children through seniors. Kids classes start at age 5, and adult programs accommodate beginners to competitive dancers regardless of age.
What should I wear to dance classes?
Comfortable clothing that allows movement. For footwear, choose shoes with smooth soles that stay securely on feet. Avoid athletic sneakers that restrict turning motion.
Can you help prepare for a wedding dance?
Yes! We create customized routines matching your musical choice, venue space, and comfort level. Lessons focus on making your first dance memorable and stress-free.
Do you offer trial dance lessons?
We provide complimentary introductory lessons to experience our teaching style. This allows potential students to assess our methods before committing to regular sessions.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Henry Robinson
Aug 04, 2021
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Best dam dance hall in Tampa Bay , without a doubt. They over Accommodated all of my services that was needed. Big A+. Plan to revisit monthly for lessons
Lisa Baars
Jun 27, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Danilo and Karena are awesome instructors. They really break all the moves down to make it easier to learn. Highly recommend for couples and individuals.
Danilo and Karena are awesome instructors. They really break all the moves down to make it easier to learn. Highly recommend for couples and individuals.
Kyle Durkin
Mar 07, 2021
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Karena and Danilo are both incredible instructors and so patient! My fianc and I started with a Groupon that was a gift and ended up learning a whole first dance for our wedding in 3 classes! My fianc also did classes with her dad and had a wonderful experience as well. 10/10 Highly recommend!!!
A. S.
Nov 11, 2020
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My first lesson there and I had so much fun! The instructor was awesome, patient and made it easy for me to learn. I am definitely going back and highly recommend them.
Darius Ward
Nov 09, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
The dance instructor was professional and knew how to engage well. The class was fun and informative he even recorded our dances we learned to continue practicing at home. Great fun date idea or if you wanna learn to ballroom dance. Best place in town.
The dance instructor was professional and knew how to engage well. The class was fun and informative he even recorded our dances we learned to continue practicing at home. Great fun date idea or if you wanna learn to ballroom dance. Best place in town.
Samuel White
Oct 06, 2020
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My fiance and I took the 5-lesson block with Karena for our upcoming wedding in May 20. We ended up learning Bachata, Swing, and the Foxtrot and incorporating them all into what will be our first dance.
Karena is an impeccable teacher that can train you for dance competitions or just help the Average Joe feel comfortable on the dance floor! There is no reason why a person like me with zero skill could learn all of that in a matter of a handful of Saturdays, so that is a testament to the knowledge and environment that The Real Ballroom provides! Thank you for everything, and coming
Karena is an impeccable teacher that can train you for dance competitions or just help the Average Joe feel comfortable on the dance floor! There is no reason why a person like me with zero skill could learn all of that in a matter of a handful of Saturdays, so that is a testament to the knowledge and environment that The Real Ballroom provides! Thank you for everything, and coming
