Business Details
24 Years
experience
Premier Ballroom Dance Instruction & Event Venue
DanceSportVA was founded in 2002 with a vision to create a premier ballroom dance destination in Hampton Roads. Under the leadership of Sara Austin and John Riffle since 2025, we have cultivated a welcoming space for independent instructors and dancers of all skill levels. Our studio offers comprehensive dance instruction across 36 styles, including American Smooth, International Latin, and Argentine Tango, while maintaining a strong focus on community engagement through social events and performances. We pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art facilities featuring raised sprung floors, modern lighting systems, and versatile event spaces that have earned us multiple Best of Virginia Beach awards.Our team of certified instructors brings decades of combined experience in dance education and performance, ensuring students receive expert guidance in both technical proficiency and artistic expression. As a locally owned business, we remain committed to fostering a vibrant dance culture through annual events like the Virginia Beach Dance Challenge, which attracts nearly 1,000 entries annually. Our facility's unique combination of professional-grade amenities and welcoming atmosphere makes us the region's premier destination for both dance education and event hosting.
Services
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Venue Rental
Social Dance Events
Dance Competitions
Theatrical Performances
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- Locally owned since 2002 with 23+ years of combined leadership experience
- 36 dance styles taught by certified instructors from multiple studios
- Hosts Virginia's largest ballroom competition with 1,000+ annual entries
- Award-winning 5,200 sq ft facility with three specialized dance spaces
- Unique theatrical dance productions combining acting and ballroom performance
Associations and certifications
- American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers
- Broadcast Music Inc.
- Society of European Stage Authors & Composers
- Virginia ABC Licensed
Services
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Professional ballroom dance instruction for all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Our certified instructors teach 36 dance styles including Waltz, Tango, Samba, and Argentine Tango. Lessons available in private, group, and specialized workshop formats tailored to individual learning goals and competitive aspirations.
Venue Rental
Versatile event spaces totaling 5,200 square feet with professional-grade amenities. Includes Main Ballroom (150 capacity), Dance Club (100 capacity), and Junior Ballroom (60 capacity). Features raised sprung floors, crystal chandeliers, sound systems, and full event support services for weddings, parties, and corporate events.
Dance Competitions
Annual Virginia Beach Dance Challenge featuring Pro/Am and Am/Am competitions. Regional ballroom competitions with categories for all skill levels. Includes competition preparation lessons, choreography services, and performance opportunities for both recreational and competitive dancers.
Social Dance Events
Weekly social dance events including Friday night ballroom dances with beginner lessons. Special themed events like Latin Night, West Coast Swing, and Country dances. Features professional DJs, dance hosts, and refreshments in a welcoming community atmosphere.
Theatrical Performances
Unique Broadway-style theatrical dance productions combining acting and ballroom techniques. Annual showcases featuring student performances in Pro/Am, Am/Am, and formation dance formats. Includes costume design, choreography, and stage production elements for immersive dance experiences.
People
Sara Austin
Owner
Co-owner with 25+ years in ballroom dance industry. Former competitive dancer turned studio operator. Passionate about making dance accessible to all skill levels while maintaining technical excellence.
John Riffle
Owner
Co-owner with extensive dance competition experience. Focuses on technical instruction and studio operations. Committed to creating welcoming environments for both social and competitive dancers.
Emily Drinkall
Lead Instructor
Certified dance instructor specializing in American Smooth and International Standard styles. Former competition champion with expertise in performance choreography and student development programs.
Zhenya Klyukin
Instructor
Professional dance instructor with international competition experience. Specializes in Latin and Rhythm styles. Brings global perspective to teaching methodology and performance techniques.
Jason Rushing
Instructor
Certified instructor focusing on West Coast Swing and club-style dances. Known for making complex patterns accessible to beginners while maintaining technical precision for advanced students.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer instruction in 36 dance styles including Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Salsa, Tango, and specialty club dances. Our curriculum covers Bronze through Gold levels with both social and competitive focus.
Do I need a partner for dance classes?
No partner is required for any of our classes. We rotate partners during instruction to ensure all students get practice time with different dancers at various skill levels.
Can I rent your facility for private events?
Yes, our 5,200 sq ft facility includes three event spaces with capacities from 50-150 guests. Features include sprung dance floors, sound systems, and full event support services.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
We offer annual showcases and theatrical productions featuring student performances. Opportunities include Pro/Am partnerships, formation teams, and solo performances in various dance styles.
What makes your studio unique?
We combine professional-grade facilities with community-focused programming. Our unique offerings include Broadway-style theatrical productions, Virginia's largest ballroom competition, and diverse club-style dance events.
How do I start dance lessons?
Begin with our free introductory lesson during Friday night social dances or schedule a private session. Group classes start at $15 per person with no prior experience required.
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