Our Approach
Welcoming the next generation of dancers, we focus on teaching our pupils the basic figures of the main ballroom and latin dances. We follow the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabus and work on establishing strengths in:
- dance technique, poise, and posture
- understanding of musical rhythm and structure
- general body conditioning, strength, and balance
- etiquette, confidence, and self-esteem
We encourage our students to train so that they may be able to compete in amateur dance competitions as well as be prepared for medalist exams, if they so choose.
Our Story
Kansas City Youth Ballroom is dedicated to young people’s whole education. We want them to grow strong and healthy in both mind and body – to gain skills that they may apply throughout their lives.
Ballroom and Latin Dancing brings people together world-over – whether it is on the social dance floor or the competitive one. The activity joyously combines music, movement, and the shared experience.
Many adult dancers comment “I wish I had learned how to ballroom dance when I was a kid!” We saw the greater Kansas City needed to have a Ballroom Dance program designed just for young people – one that focuses on their development not only as dancers but as well-rounded individuals.
In other cities both in the US and abroad, children and teenagers know Ballroom Dancing as a combination of Art and Sport – it is not reserved for cotillion and weddings. Dancesport allows the student to grow in expression, fluidity, flexibility, musicality, strength, stamina, and discipline.
Because Ballroom and Latin Dancing requires two people to dance together, young people learn how to work within a partnership – how to work to bring the best out of both themselves as individuals and as a team with someone else.
Dancesport embodies more than knowing foot patterns and body movements; it requires planning, split-second decision making, cooperation, and responsiveness. For a couple to dance beautifully together, couples must train physically and mentally together; problem-solve productively; and discover the joy in helping each other progress.
Kansas City Youth Ballroom aims not only to train brilliant dancers but also help develop young people to be expressive, caring individuals.
Meet the Lead
Stephanie has been in the ballroom dance world for over 24 years. As a competitive dancer, she has trained in England and in the US with coaches such as the late Keith and Christine Burton, Peter Eggleton, the late Jim Donaghey, and Judi Hatton.
As a coach and teacher, Stephanie encourages students to see dance as a physical, expressive, and mental discipline. In her classes, dancers learn not only dance patterns and technique, but also the biomechanics, rational, and history behind dance figures and movements. She also emphasises the social aspect of dance, which fosters respect and caring for oneself and others.
Come join us at Kansas City Youth Ballroom!
Register for the next semester:
Have questions? We’re listening…