About Us |
Leah Michelle Long, silver level certified American Style Ballroom Instructor, teaching since 1999, teaches classes and private lessons in a variety of dances including Smooth, Latin and Rhythm. Also teaches popular social dances including Sway & Club Dances, Shag, Hustle, Texas 2 Step, as well as styles in Jazz. Along with ballroom, Leah has extensive experience as both a performer and instructor, through the performance art mediums of theater (dramatic, comedic and musical), television and film.
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Rule # 1 HAVE FUN! |
STUDENTS...It’s really all about them! |
Students range in age from 8 to 80+ years old, with a wide range of backgrounds and interests, but we all have one thing in common, the LOVE of DANCE!
Private Lessons or Group Classes are available, depending upon your preference.
The Focus is on you… Your dancing interests; Your goals; How you learn best. You set the speed… No partner necessary.
Start having more FUN today, Get up and DANCE!!!
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“I have not real-ly danced in approximately 20 years. I got hooked on Dancing with the Stars and realized that I am missing a lot. I have been taking lessons for approximately 3 months and even though I am not ready for ABC yet, I am enjoying the fun and experience that dancing has brought to my life. So put down the remote and come join us on the dance floor!” - Nancy (58) Rocky Mount |
What Students have to Say... |
“My wife Charlene wanted to take ballroom dancing lessons, but I was not as enthused as she was. So as a gift for Christmas in 2006 I bought lessons for the both of us and gave it to her as a present. This started to become our first date night together since our children were born. They were finally old enough to stay at home by themselves, so we took advantage. Ballroom dancing with Leah has brought us closer together as a couple. We now look forward to our time together, sharing a common love for each other and dancing.” - Dewey (44) Rocky Mount
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“I am so happy that Noell and I are dancing! I have always wanted to be able to dance socially |
“If you're interested in learning ballroom, I'd highly recommend this class--I've taken quite a few dance classes and am now in Leah's intermediate class, and she's a fantastic teacher. She tailors her teaching to the interests of the students and does a great job of pacing things; we learn something new each week, but she's careful not to overwhelm us. She teaches patterns you can use in a variety of dances, and the class I'm in is geared towards social (not competitive) dancing, though I expect she'd help us prepare to compete if we wanted to. Leah has a great sense of humor and is very good at figuring out what we're doing wrong and then helping us make little adjustments or corrections that make things go much more smoothly (sometimes literally). It takes me about 40 minutes to get to her studio (I live down in Chatham), but it's well worth the trip.” - Vicki (35) Pittsboro |
"Learning how to dance has given my fiancé and I a new way to connect. For us, it provides new opportunities to communicate and learn to rely on each other better. What started as 'honey, I don't want to embarrass you during our first dance' has really turned into some quality couple time each week." - Laura (26) Durham
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“We have been married 32 years, but have never learned to dance. We've been missing out on a lot of fun! We love Leah's class not only because we are learning to dance, but because for an hour each week, it takes us away from the pressures of work. The stresses of everyday life of life seem to melt away when you square up with each other to dance.” Kim (54) and Mike (55) Durham |
Okay, I’m trying to focus on quotes about how dancing is effecting students lives, and not about me as the teacher, but I’m forced to post this one :-) LL
“Dancing - What else do you do with music? I have always had to move some part of my body when music is on. In my younger days, especially when I had a few beers, I would have to get out on the dance floor. Then of course I was doing a lot of hopping, sliding and jerking around - it felt good, but it was a solo act.
With structured lessons dance is a shared act. Adding contact with another dancer infinitively increases the fun.
I cannot imagine anyone making dance classes more appealing. First, its your love for dance. It is known from the first words you speak. Yet no one can doubt the respect and esteem that you feel for dance. Then there is your genuine fondness for the student. Then their is your exuberance. I have yet to feel that I was in a dance class - I am just having fun!
Then there is your technique. Getting the standard elements going, showing how in each dance where they may be connected. Gradually getting the student up and going but always at their pace.
You are a terrific listener and a gentle and encouraging teacher. It takes you nearly no time at all to help the student (especially us reluctant men) feel comfortable, removing any self-consciousness or embarrassment we may have. Its like the most natural thing in the world to do when you are guiding us.
I hate when my other life gets in the way of the lesson night!
Then there is the fact "THAT YOU ARE JUST SO DARN CUTE"!
Paraphrase or edit as you wish (Just don't mess with the "so darn cute part!).
If you need to start a dialog to expand on anything, just let me know. I have extolled the virtues of the classes to my friends. I will continue to do so.” - Dean (51) Durham |
“I have always been a fan of partner dancing. When I was little I wanted to take dance but not Tap, Jazz or Ballet, I wanted to do partner ballroom cause I love the beautiful lines, gracefulness and partnership that the dancers seem to have. However, Raleigh was the only place that sort of offered it and with living in eastern NC, that was not an option. I figured as an adult, it must not be that important to learn it and especially without a interested or dedicated partner or with having to drive a distance to do so. It wasn't until 2006, Rocky Mount was offering classes in ballroom dancing and I signed up. Still being without a partner, I was dedicated to learning anyway.
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Okay, just a little more reveling...LL |
Photos From Dance Parties @ McMannen in Durham, NC 2004– 2015 |
Photos From 2008 Holiday Dance Party at Leon’s Barn, Nashville NC |
North Carolina Facebook Group: Long Time Dance |