Balliamo Dance Academy runs its classes at Unity Hall on Church Street in Epsom, Surrey. With a five-star rating from sixteen reviews, it has clearly won over local families and adult dancers alike. Reviewers repeatedly name teachers Leila, Becky and Joe, praising their skill, energy and friendliness in equal measure.
The academy is a teaching school specialising in ballroom and Latin, holding its lessons at Unity Hall rather than at a permanent studio of its own. Feedback describes children who attend twice a week for the sheer love of it, and adults rekindling a passion for dance after years away. It comes across as a friendly, family-minded place for both age groups.
Ballroom and Latin sit at the core of what Balliamo teaches, making it a natural choice for anyone searching for ballroom dancing in Epsom. Reviewers mention both children learning for fun and adults returning to Latin and ballroom, so adult dance classes in Epsom are well catered for. The wider searches for dance classes in Epsom, dance lessons in Epsom, ballet classes in Epsom and line dancing in Epsom show the range of interest locally, though it is best to confirm which styles Balliamo itself teaches. A quick enquiry will tell you the current timetable and levels.
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in and, for ballroom or Latin, shoes with a smooth sole that lets you turn. Arriving a little early gives you time to meet the teachers, who reviewers describe as warm and welcoming. If you are coming without a partner, mention it when you enquire so the class can be planned.
Epsom and the surrounding Surrey area have a keen following for ballroom and Latin dance. A friendly, well-reviewed academy gives both children and returning adults an inviting place to learn.
Our daughter started classes at Balliamo in January this year and she loves it so much she's now attending twice a week. Leila, Becky and Joe are not only incredible dancers themselves, but they are the most amazing teachers. They are passionate, friendly, fun and so hard working and they instil this in the children they teach. Their methods of teaching balance the hard work with fun and the results speak for themselves.
I cannot speak highly enough of the trio and would recommend their classes to anyone – big or small.
At the first class one of the mums told me that everyone at Balliamo— Deborah Macfarlane
Both my Daughter and Son enjoy going to dance. They both do it for fun and to learn the dances.
The teaching and support by the three main teachers (Leila, Becky and Joe) is superb. If you looking for a friendly studio for you or your kids, run by some superb ballroom and Latin professionals, this is the place.
You (they) will learn in a fun friendly caring environment and will be supported and coached, both if they want to do the exams and competitions, or like mine just enjoy the dance and lessons if not.
My highest recommendation if you want to learn/ improve your Latin/ballroom regardle— Rohit Darji
Amazing Dance School and Amazing Dance Teachers!
After many, many years I decided to rekindle my love for Latin and Ballroom dancing and discovered Balliamo Dance Academy. How I wish I hadn't left it so long! I absolutely love my dance lessons with Leila and Becky. They are everything and more you could want from your dance teachers. Inspiring, patient, fun, professional, hardworking and truly lovely ladies. Not forgetting Joe of course! With his patience and skill getting me through my medal dances.
Highly recommended whatever level of dancer you are 🙂— Pauline Kemp
Our 6 year old daughter just started dancing at Balliamo a month ago for both private and group lessons and is absolutely loving it. She knows so many dances already we can't keep up! After showing a video of her dancing to some friends, they would now like to take wedding dance lessons at Balliamo 🙂 It is amazing how kind, professional and supportive Leila, Becky and Joe are to everyone who enters their door. So glad that I made that initial call to Leila and enquired about the dance school. Thank you all so much for being such wonderful dance teachers!— Katrina Olson
The easiest start is a beginner class where a teacher introduces the basic steps and hold. No experience is needed, just comfortable shoes and a willingness to give it a go. A group class lets you learn the fundamentals before progressing.
Beginners often start with the waltz because its steady three-count rhythm is easy to follow. Some schools begin with a social foxtrot or cha cha cha instead. Your teacher will usually choose a first dance to suit the class.
Yes, adults can take up ballet, with many schools offering beginner classes for grown-ups. You build posture, strength and flexibility gradually. It is a rewarding way to learn classical technique at your own pace.
There is no cut-off age for learning ballet recreationally. Professional training begins young, but classes for enjoyment and fitness welcome adults of all ages. The right level of class matters most.
Common steps include the grapevine, kick-ball-change, shuffle, pivot turn and heel-and-toe touch. Line dances string these together into a repeating pattern. Knowing a few makes new dances easier to learn.
Dances built on a simple grapevine and a turn are the usual starting point. Their short, repeating structure is quick to memorise. Teachers tend to begin newcomers with one of these.