Business Details
Your Premier Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio in Cleveland
Viva Dance Studio has established itself as Cleveland's premier destination for Ballroom and Latin partner dance instruction since opening its doors in the heart of Cleveland's Arts District. Our team of master instructors brings decades of combined experience across diverse dance disciplines including Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Argentine Tango, and West Coast Swing. We specialize in creating personalized learning experiences for weddings, social events, and competitive training while fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates dance's African roots.Our comprehensive programming caters to all skill levels through progressive group classes, private lessons, and weekly social dance parties that build lasting community connections. With multiple performance teams and flexible rental options, we provide unparalleled opportunities for both artistic growth and event hosting. Our commitment to anti-racist practices and community-centered instruction makes us a trusted leader in Northeast Ohio's dance scene.
Services
Ballroom Dance
Latin Dance
Wedding Choreography
Group Classes
Social Dance Parties
Performance Teams
Space Rentals
Private Lessons
Argentine Tango
West Coast Swing
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined instructor experience in authentic dance styles
- Our progressive curriculum builds skills from beginner to competitive levels
- We host weekly social dance events for practical application
- Our anti-racist teaching philosophy honors dance's cultural roots
- We provide personalized wedding choreography and event planning
What people say
Expert instructors
Welcoming environment
Weekly social parties
Progressive curriculum
Cultural celebration
Services
Ballroom Dance
Our Ballroom dance instruction covers traditional styles like Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep with expert guidance. Students develop posture, rhythm, and connection through structured lessons that prepare them for competitions or social dancing. Our instructors emphasize proper technique while making learning enjoyable for couples and individuals.
Latin Dance
Master Latin dance styles including Salsa, Mambo, and Bachata through our comprehensive program. Classes focus on authentic movement patterns, partner connection, and cultural context while maintaining an accessible approach for beginners. Advanced students refine styling and improvisation skills for performance and competition settings.
Wedding Choreography
Create unforgettable wedding memories with our customized choreography services. Professional instructors design routines matching couples' comfort levels and musical preferences, from classic waltzes to modern Latin styles. Packages include multiple practice sessions and music editing assistance for a perfect first dance.
Group Classes
Progressive group classes build skills through four-week cycles with expert instruction in various dance styles. Beginners start with fundamental steps while experienced dancers develop advanced techniques. Classes emphasize practical application through weekly social dance opportunities that reinforce learning in supportive community environment.
Social Dance Events
Weekly social dance events provide practical experience in welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels. Thursday night Salsa socials and special themed parties allow students to practice new skills while building community connections. Events feature professional DJ services and structured practice sessions for continuous improvement.
People
Parker Amsel
Co-Owner, Master Instructor
Parker Amsel co-founded Viva Dance Studio with 15+ years teaching Ballroom and Latin styles. His expertise in competitive dance and social instruction creates engaging learning experiences that emphasize proper technique and joyful movement for all skill levels.
Rebecca Sweet
Co-Owner, Master Instructor
Rebecca Sweet brings extensive Ballroom and Latin dance experience to her role as co-owner and instructor. Her teaching philosophy focuses on creating inclusive learning environments where students develop confidence through progressive skill-building and cultural appreciation.
Heriberto Perez
Co-Owner, Master Instructor
Heriberto Perez specializes in Latin dance instruction with particular expertise in Salsa and Mambo. As co-owner, he develops curriculum that balances technical precision with cultural authenticity while maintaining approachable instruction for diverse learners.
Nika Obrosova
Executive Director
Nika Obrosova manages studio operations while teaching various dance styles. Her organizational skills ensure smooth class scheduling and event coordination that supports the studio's mission of building community through dance education.
Kaitie Fox
Instructor
Kaitie Fox teaches Bachata, Body Movement, and Fusion classes with emphasis on musicality and personal expression. Her dynamic instruction style helps students develop versatility across different dance styles while maintaining technical foundation.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, and Zouk instruction for social dancing and competitions.
Do you offer wedding dance lessons?
Yes! Our customized wedding choreography packages include multiple practice sessions and music editing assistance for your perfect first dance.
Are group classes progressive?
Yes, most group classes follow four-week progressive cycles that build skills sequentially, with exceptions for body movement and flexibility classes.
What are your social dance events?
We host weekly Thursday night Salsa socials and special themed dance parties where students practice skills in welcoming environments with professional DJ services.
How do I schedule a private lesson?
Contact us directly to schedule private instruction with our master instructors, available for individualized attention and customized learning plans.
Do you rent space for events?
Yes, we offer shared floor space rentals and full hall bookings for dance events, practice sessions, and special occasions. Contact Parker for details.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Alexander Aeschliman
Dec 17, 2021
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Viva is open! And whenever google asks me to review, I do - especially for a place as great as this. You can still get private lessons, there are lots of group lessons for all skill levels available. Masks are required at all times. The space has been rearranged for fewer tight squeezes in the walkways. As always the teachers are fun, easy to work with, delightful, and experienced. There are also several virtual sessions being offered, so definitely check those out too!
Chad Costa
Dec 05, 2021
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It's difficult to find any one quality you find at Viva Dance, reliable, prompt, punctual, professional, friendly, caring, compassionate, and careful instruction both granular and quickly compounding. It's worth my 1-2 weekly trips from Pittsburgh. With such a beautiful and friendly community, alongside excellent, concise instruction, you'll be dancing and connecting with others the very first day, and you'll find it indescribably rewarding as you grow, visit to visit, and with all intentional effort you dedicate. *
Amy J.
Nov 12, 2021
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I took a new student half hour lesson yesterday with Eddie. I'd never tried salsa or tango before, but in half an hour he taught me several basic steps and had me absolutely hooked and ready to come back all December for more classes! Even though I initially felt awkward and out of place trying such intimate dance styles with a stranger, he was the definition of a personable professional and made me feel incredibly at ease! He was encouraging yet not over the top with praise (genuine) and the whole time was also giving me the history and background of both dances! Nika at the front desk was
Evan Schumann
Nov 06, 2021
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Booked our first lesson online just based on google reviews, my wife and I had very little dance background and were interested in a choreographed first dance. From the 1st lesson to the last we had an amazing experience, the instructors were wonderful and in a low-pressure environment. An excellent experience if you are looking to connect, have fun, and enjoy your engagement that much more. Highly recommended.
Megan Steel Kimbell
Mar 18, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
My fianc and I took dance lessons for our wedding here. We had so much fun working with the instructors and now have a wonderful first dance! Theyre professional, fun, and make you feel so comfortable! Wed highly recommend!
My fianc and I took dance lessons for our wedding here. We had so much fun working with the instructors and now have a wonderful first dance! Theyre professional, fun, and make you feel so comfortable! Wed highly recommend!
Annette Smith
Feb 24, 2021
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Parking may not be the best and the store downstairs is new but the mirror is bomb and the space is nice. The managers are polite.
Daniel L.
Aug 27, 2020
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I'm a beginner student that has always wanted to learn how to dance, so I enrolled in lessons to learn Bachata and Salsa at Viva Dance Studio based on a recommendation from a friend. This studio has professional instructors that have performed, trained and taught across the world. Rebecca is one of these incredible instructors who knows how to show and explain moves in a very intuitive way, and her passion and energy is contagious! No matter how many mistakes I make Rebecca is always very patient and encouraging. Couldn't recommend more highly, my only regret is not starting earlier
