5.0
Verified reviews from real couples
Champion Ballroom Academy
Mary Murphy's San Diego Ballroom Dance Studio
We started going here because they had a new customer discount. It's pretty expensive after that, but the beginners package came with 3 private lessons and one group lesson. Our instructor was pretty cool, but I don't remember her name.
My new husband and I are not dancers... at all. It's not that we are generally awkward but neither of us had ever pursued any kind of dance in the past. We just wanted someone to show us how to not make fools of ourselves during our first dance. We took one dance lesson at another studio and to be honest, it was a little humiliating. The moves were stiff and uncomfortable and they kept showing us how to do specific dances, one in particular was called "The Foxy" and it made me want to vomit. We realized that we didn't need to learn "a dance" but instead we just needed to learn a few comfortable and un-choreographed moves that would make us not look like idiots. Enter Porfirio Landeros at Champion Ballroom Academy. We were referred to Porfirio by our wedding planner who had taken lessons with him herself. In my first email to him, I explained exactly what I was looking for. He told me that they specialized in making couples not look stupid. And that's exactly what he did. After 45 minutes, we left Porfirio and felt ready to do our first dance. We practiced twice between the lesson and the wedding and everything went perfectly. If anyone is looking for a crash course in not looking like a total idiot, I would recommend Porfirio. Did I mention that he is nice and very good looking?
About this vendor
Mary Murphy
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
Get your wedding groove on with Champion Ballroom Academy, a professional dance studio in San Diego, CA. Specializing in thorough group sessions and fun-filled private lessons, they've got just what you need for an "I do"-worthy dance number.
Owner Mary Murphy has always been quite the athlete. After years of playing basketball, volleyball, and football, she tried her hand at a tango or two, and it wasn't long before she became a skilled dance instructor and competitor. Her love for the arts eventually brought her to Hollywood, where she captivated audiences as a coach on So You Think You Can Dance. Many life-changing experiences later, Mary now works with couples across the West Coast, hoping to tie the knot with a beautifully choreographed ballroom performance.
An experience with Champion Ballroom Academy always begins with a consultation, where you get a chance to discuss your budget and preferred dance style. Once you're in, you'll have access to Mary's affordable wedding packages, which include up to nine lessons. You're also welcome to share song requests with the team, who'd be honored to complement your favorite song with their show-stopping choreography.
What You'll Love About Champion Ballroom Academy
The instructors at Champion Ballroom Academy specialize in making their clients look like pros on the dance floor. They coordinate seamless dances that will wow your guests. View their pricing chart to learn more about the dance lessons available.
Woman-owned Business
Meet the team
Mary Murphy
Owner
Growing up in Ohio, Mary Murphy spent most of her free time competing with the boys in sports. She soon realized that dancing was her destiny after watching The United States Ballroom Championships in New York City. Fast forward... Murphy and longtime partner, Manfred Stiglitz, won the prestigious Austrian National Championships and made it into the top 10 in the world. After retiring from competition, Murphy shifted her focus to her dance studio. As a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance," Murphy’s crowd-pleasing antics and “Maryisms” like “Hot Tamale Train!” have made her a household name!
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Champion Ballroom Academy
Mary Murphy
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Owner
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