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Dance Passion Reviews
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Wedding couples
Their first dance, in their words
He helped us decide on a song, choreograph a dance, and then spent 2 months walking us through all the details to make it look beautiful ♥️ he was an absolute pleasure to work with. Made us feel so comfortable and by the end of it, very confident too!
Neither of us were good at dancing and he flipped that around. Now we look forward to our dance lessons and we look forward to dancing together. Now our first dance isn't going to look like a lame high school homecoming slow dance, but a sophisticated and elegant performance.
Our first dance was a huge hit during our wedding, we've had nonstop feedback and compliments about it since. We will definitely be going back for more dancing with Ivan, it is such a good way to blow off steam after a long work day and a great bonding experience with your significant other!
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Ivan was amazing! We scheduled classes with him with only about 5 weeks before our wedding & he created and perfected our first dance.
It's no secret that planning a wedding is stressful, but dance class with your future husband? It is a much-needed bonding moment in a time of turbulence, and Ivan understands that.
Soon enough we were learning dips and spins and all kinds of cool stuff. It really wowed our guests, but best of all we had a lot of fun as we grew our confidence and made some great memories at our lessons.
He at no point tried to upsell us on more classes or make us feel as though we needed to spend more money, his focus was entirely on our happiness, timeframe and budget.
He is so talented with coming up with dance moves on the spot just by listening to the song you want! He made my experience with my first dances for my wedding so enjoyable and easy!
We came in knowing absolutely nothing about dancing, and he was so welcoming and attentive from the very first lesson, patient with all our beginner questions and great at breaking things down so the basics actually clicked for us.
Ivan choreographed an original dance for our 1st dance as husband and wife. The dance was a hit, Ivan was great to work with and we had a blast.
Ivan is as kind and patient as they come. Learned a whole routine with my fiancée for our wedding, and have found a new lifelong activity for the both of us to enjoy.
We did a class to go over our first dance for our wedding and under short notice Ivan created something that we both liked and were comfortable doing.
Ivan has truly helped us learn to dance for life rather than just learning a routine.
It is so worth it and such a fun skill to work on with your partner! Can’t recommend Dance Passion and Ivan enough!
Ivan is great! He helped build my confidence as a dancer and choreographed a beautiful dance number for my wedding!
First-time dancers
Started with zero experience
Ivan is a talented instructor and first class professional. We started with no experience, and after just 2 lessons, we have brand new confidence in our moves.
It’s intimidating trying something new but he has the skill and easy going attitude to make it fun. I highly recommend signing up for some lessons and learning a new skill. You are never too old and it’s never too late.
I wanted to learn to dance at 68. Ivan and all of the instructors have been great. They are very professional in that they teach not only the steps but also the details and explain why each is important.
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He works to understand what you want and makes it come to life. He is patient and does a great job explaining different moves for first time dancers.
Taking lessons with Ivan at Dance Passion has given me a big boost in both my skill and confidence as a dancer!
From the minute I walked in the door I felt comfortable and inspired. Ivan and his staff have a no pressure style of instruction that helps me give 110%. For 40 minutes at a time I feel like I can do anything.
What I really like about dance passion is their emphasis on the individual. It’s a clever mix of teaching dance but also allowing the student to be themselves.
Couples and private lessons
One-on-one with Ivan
Ivan does an excellent job at breaking down dances into building blocks that we can begin using right away. We feel that not only have we learned (so far) the basics of three new dances, but that we’ve found a new way to communicate together.
We have had lessons before but Ivan instantly put us at ease and had us laughing and enjoying ourselves like no other dance instructor before this. Ivan truly is passionate about dancing and it shows.
My husband and I scheduled a lesson with Ivan for our date night. He was fun, energetic, and clearly knew his stuff! He was patient and presented the information and techniques in ways we connected with.
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He is extremely knowledgeable and knows exactly which cues to give to help you grasp each move quickly. Plus, his sense of humor keeps the lesson fun and lighthearted—you’ll never feel bored!
We have had lessons in several other studios and Ivan by far is the best. Ivan teaches great styling-not just basic steps.
Ivan is very good at giving us feedback and helping us to dance well together. His feedback is specific and easy to understand and apply.
Ivan is the best teacher ever. He doesn’t just teach you the steps, he teaches you how to dance. And that’s a huge difference.
We are enjoying our lessons and feel more comfortable each time. This team is so welcoming and patient.
Ivan took the stress away. I couldn't be more thankful to him as I can now dance with my fiance and I am still learning.
Ivan is the best! We had so much fun and felt super comfortable.
Group classes and parties
Come for a lesson, stay for the people
Dance Passion is a warm and friendly place to learn how to dance from excellent instructors! There is no need to feel weird about not having a partner because there are always others to dance with!
They're all patient, encouraging and motivating - never intimidating. The group events and parties are a ton of fun and a great way to meet fellow dancers and friends.
I have taken the group lessons, individual lessons and the socials and I have a great time at all of them. Highly recommend!
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He has developed a real family atmosphere within the studio through his infectious positive attitude, weekly dance parties, and open group lessons.
For me, personally, learning to dance and making new friends has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Best studio in St Pete! Friendly staff and intimate parties make it special.
If you are looking for a top-notch studio that makes you feel part of their family, this is the studio...no doubt!
In loving memory
Eleanor Tierney
A dear friend of the studio, in her own words.
I was invited to a Guest party, & was getting ready to leave as thought this wasn’t for me. I hadn’t dance for years & thought I had two left feet. An instructor named ,Ivan, came up to me, & before I knew it was out on the dance floor. Needless, to say Ivan made dancing enjoyable. Since then, I have been in competitions & a show. Who would thought that would be me!!
Choose your next step
Find the right starting point
Planning a wedding dance
Wedding couples can work on confidence, comfort, connection, custom choreography, song editing, and video homework to practice at home.
See Wedding Dance LessonsKeep learning
Private lessons, group classes, and Friday practice parties give students different ways to build confidence.
See Private LessonsReady when you are.
30 free private minutes. No experience, no partner, no judgment.
You’ll hear directly from Ivan.