Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Ballroom Dance Lessons in Indianapolis
Starlite Ballroom has been the premier destination for ballroom dance instruction in Indiana since our founding. With over 70 years of combined experience among our instructors, we specialize in teaching ballroom, social, salsa, competitive, and wedding dance lessons to students of all skill levels. Our team comprises world-class professionals with extensive competitive backgrounds, including national and international champions who bring unparalleled expertise to every lesson. We design personalized programs to meet individual needs, from beginner social dancers to advanced competitors, while fostering a welcoming community that feels like family.Our facilities feature spacious dance floors ideal for training, and we host regular social events to help students practice their skills in a supportive environment. Recognizing dance as both physical exercise and mental enrichment, we emphasize its benefits for cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and social connection. Through structured curricula and individualized attention, we help students build confidence, improve posture, and develop lifelong skills that extend beyond the dance floor.
Services
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Wedding Dance Instruction
Social Dance Programs
Competition Training
Kids Dance Classes
Group Dance Workshops
Private Dance Instruction
Salsa Dancing Lessons
Dance Social Events
Championship Coaching
Details
- Year established: 1950
Highlights and features
- Our instructors include world-class adjudicators and championship winners with decades of teaching experience
- Customized lesson plans tailored to individual learning speeds and dance goals
- Hosts of regular social dance events for practical skill application
- Proven track record preparing students for national and international competitions
- Specialized wedding dance programs with choreography options for all experience levels
Associations and certifications
- Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
What people say
Perfect training space
Home away from home
Supportive community
Professional instructors
Effective teaching methods
Services
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Our comprehensive ballroom dance instruction covers all styles including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Quickstep. Certified instructors with international competition experience provide personalized lessons for singles and couples at every skill level. Students benefit from structured curricula that develop proper technique, musicality, and dance floor etiquette while building physical fitness and confidence.
Wedding Dance Instruction
Customized wedding dance programs prepare couples for their special day with choreography options ranging from basic patterns to elaborate routines. Our instructors help select appropriate music, develop personalized routines, and provide multiple practice sessions to ensure a memorable first dance performance. Packages include 4-10 lesson options with flexible scheduling.
Competition Training
Comprehensive competition preparation includes technical refinement, performance coaching, and competition strategy for both amateur and professional dancers. Our championship-winning faculty trains students in all competition categories from Newcomer to Open Gold levels, with access to regular practice events and mock competitions to build experience.
Kids Dance Classes
Structured youth dance programs teach children fundamental ballroom techniques while developing coordination, discipline, and social skills. Classes combine technical instruction with fun activities that build confidence and stage presence, with opportunities for recitals and competition participation for interested students.
Social Dance Programs
Our social dance programs help adults develop practical dance skills for real-world settings through group classes and practice events. Participants learn popular social dances like Swing, Salsa, and Cha-Cha while building social connections in a supportive environment that emphasizes enjoyment and practical application.
People
Rauno Ilo
Co-Owner/Instructor
12-time Estonian national champion, three-time Soviet Union 10-Dance champion, and World 10-Dance finalist with Dual Fellow certification from ISTD. Former US Top Professional Ballroom Couple of the Year who continues teaching and coaching championship-level students.
Kristiina Ilo
Co-Owner/Instructor
Dual Fellow of ISTD with championship certifications in all dance styles. Former Soviet Union champion and World 10-Dance finalist who co-owns the Indianapolis Open DanceSport Competition and teaches all levels of ballroom dance instruction.
Markus Ilo
Instructor/Competitor
Professional dancer with international competition experience, including top U/21 rankings in the USA. Sponsored by Supadance Shoes and winner of multiple major championships, teaching all levels and styles of ballroom dance.
Oliver Saxon
Instructor
USISTD-certified instructor with expertise in American Smooth and Latin styles. Trained students of all levels across the US and UK, known for combining technical precision with creative choreography in a supportive teaching environment.
Kathleen Ilo
Instructor/Champion
World Professional 10-Dance champion and five-time US Professional 10-Dance titleholder. Trained from youth through amateur championships to professional success, now teaching and competing with students at national events.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer instruction in American Rhythm, Smooth, International Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, and social dance styles including Swing and Hustle.
Do you offer wedding dance lessons?
Yes, we provide customized wedding dance instruction with packages ranging from 4-10 lessons to create your perfect first dance routine.
Are group classes available?
Group classes are offered for social dancers at various skill levels, though private instruction is recommended for faster progress.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our faculty includes ISTD-certified instructors, national champions, and World Championship finalists with decades of combined teaching experience.
Do you host dance events?
We regularly organize social dance parties, showcases, and the annual Indianapolis Open DanceSport Competition for dancers of all levels.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children starting at age 5, adult social dancers, and competitive students through our youth and adult programs.
