ProAm Ballroom

From "I Could Never Do That" to Standing Ovation

Work with an instructor on a custom choreography and perform at Danzfest, our seasonal showcase event, with a professional dancer by your side. We'll get you stage-ready, whether it's your first showcase or your tenth.

Explore Packages Meet Our Pros

ProAm ballroom dance students performing at Danzfest, our seasonal student showcase event

"I could not ask for a better studio to call my 'dance home.'" — Erin R.

You're The Talent

What is ProAm?

ProAm stands for Professional-Amateur. You’re the amateur, and we pair you with a professional dancer who’s competed at the national and international level. But here’s what makes it different from regular lessons: your pro doesn’t just teach you steps. They build a performance routine around you–your personality, your comfort level, your goals. And when you step onto the stage at Danzfest, they’re right there beside you through every moment.

You’re never alone on that floor.

Most of our ProAm students had never danced before their first lesson. Many were convinced they “couldn’t dance.” Within weeks, they were performing in front of an audience and asking when they could do it again.

Elegant ballroom dance performance at Danznik Studios, showcasing passion and technique for optimal dance training.

Couple performing a dance routine at Danznik Studios with audience watching.

I have been a student and Pro-Am Competitor at Danznik Studios for almost 5 years and am thrilled with my experience there. The owner, Nikolai Shpakov, has created an environment where an amateur such as myself can dance with, and learn from, highly accomplished and expertly trained ballroom professionals in a supportive and congenial environment. (It is not uncommon, for example, for Danznik students to show up at competitions as spectators so as to cheer on other competing Danznik students.)

Students have the opportunity to compete in many different styles, including International Latin, Standard, American Smooth and American Rhythm in both national and international competitions. The studio itself is kept immaculately clean.

In addition to my lessons with my professional, as a Pro-Am student at Danznik, I have the opportunity to participate in weekly rounds where Pro-Am couples can practice their dances in heats with a DJ to mimic a competition environment. I also have access to top-notch coaches both on staff at Danznik and from the outside, who have taken my dancing to the next level. In sum, as a Pro-Am student, I could not ask for a better studio to call my “dance home.”

Erin R., 50+ competitions

Gold medalist dance competition winners celebrating victory at Danznik Studios.

"When I first started to learn to dance over 8 years ago as an unofficial extension of my grief therapy following the death of my son Andrew, I had no idea what to expect. As the world reopened after COVID, it was more than good fortune to discover Danznik Studios. I was blessed to be accepted as a student by Tatiana Banko, widely recognized as one of the very best ProAm teachers in the country. Yes, we have had success in competitions, but perhaps my biggest lesson is how to use such events to overcome issues within myself. Tatiana is forever challenging me to become a better dancer in a constantly evolving journey of personal growth.

If ProAm is an emerging interest or a full-blown passion of yours, you will be hard pressed to find a better garden in which to grow than Danznik."

Steve M.

The Process

How ProAm Training Works

From first consultation to your moment on stage

Consultation (Free)

We'll talk about your goals, your schedule, and any concerns. Then we'll match you with an instructor whose style fits yours.

Choreography

Your pro builds a routine specifically for you–your comfort, your personality, your goals. Nothing cookie-cutter.

Training

You'll meet with your instructor regularly, as often as your schedule allows. Most students train 2-3 times per week in the months before Danzfest. Train at our NYC or Hawthorne, NY studios.

Performance

You step onto the Danzfest floor with your pro by your side. Your family and friends are in the audience. You dance your routine. You take your bow.

Your Pro Partners

Meet Your Future Dance Partner

Our ProAm instructors have competed at the highest levels: national championships, international competitions, the legendary Blackpool Dance Festival in England. More important, they specialize in teaching beginners how to perform with confidence.

Ivan Prymak

Nikolai Shpakov

Tatiana Banko

Tatiana Keegan

Temur Tsnobiladze

Yehor Khrapal

A sample of Danznik ProAm instructors. We'll match you with an instructor based on your interests and goals.

Danzfest Showcase Packages

Two Packages. One Goal: Get You On Stage

Everything you need for your first Danzfest performance – lessons, choreography, entry, and prep

ProAm Solo

Single dance performance at Danzfest.

Perfect For: Your first taste of performing. One dance, one stage, one unforgettable moment.

$1,800

1 teacher, 1 dance (e.g. Waltz, Cha-Cha)

8 private lessons with your pro + 2 coaching sessions with an additional instructor
Custom choreography built around you
Danzfest entry for you and your pro
Performance training with your instructor so you feel ready, not nervous
Costume consultation with your pro to complete the look

Get Started

ProAm Starter

Full category training for Danzfest.

Perfect For: Committing to a full category (3-5 dances) and building real skill.

$3,000

1 teacher, 1 category (e.g. Rhythm, Smooth)

18 private lessons with your pro + 2 coaching sessions with an additional instructor
Multi-dance choreography across your chosen category
Danzfest entry for you and your pro
1-month Unlimited Practice Card (practice on your own between lessons)
Performance training with your instructor so you feel ready, not nervous
Costume consultation with your pro to complete the look

Get Started

Your Growth

One Dance Leads to Many

Start with a single routine. See where it takes you.

Competition Levels (when you're ready)

Newcomer

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Open Gold

Choose Your Category

Choose a style that fits your personality, or try several across multiple Danzfest performances.

American Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz
American Rhythm: Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo
International Standard: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz
International Latin: Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive
Club Style: Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Hustle, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, Country Two-Step

Your Path Forward

Danzfest is your first step. After your first performance, you can add new dances, try a new style, or level up at the next showcase. There’s always another Danzfest on the calendar.

Example Progression:

Perform a Cha-Cha solo at Danzfest
Add Rumba and East Coast Swing at your next Danzfest
Keep building. Many students perform at every Danzfest, adding new dances each time

Extra Practice: Join our Latin & Rhythm Rounds sessions in NYC to practice your routines in a supportive group setting.

Your Performance Path

For Those Who Want More

Some students discover they want to take it further

Showcase

Danzfest Showcase

Your first performance in a supportive environment. Perform at our Westchester studio with family and friends cheering you on. Build confidence, test your routines, and experience the thrill of performing. Most of our students perform at Danzfest again and again. It's a twice-a-year tradition.

Elegant dancers at NYDF New York Dance Festival Awards on stage in stylish costumes and attire for dance performances.

Optional: Competition

DanceSport Competitions

For students who catch the competitive bug, the path is already paved. The routines you build for Danzfest transfer directly to official DanceSport competitions—same levels, same categories. Your pro can guide you to regional and national events when you're ready. But there's no pressure: most of our ProAm students are perfectly happy making Danzfest their stage.

Common Questions

What if I have no dance experience at all?

Most of our students start with none.

Do I need competition experience to start?

No. Most of our ProAm students had never competed before their first Danzfest.

What if I'm not in great shape or I'm worried about my physical capabilities?

You don’t need to be an athlete. Our instructors work with your body, your comfort level, and your pace. Many of our students started with physical concerns and found that dance actually improved their strength, balance, and confidence.

How do you match students with instructors?

During your consultation, we consider your goals, personality, preferred styles, and learning style to match you with the perfect professional partner.

What dance styles can I perform?

You can perform in Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz), Rhythm (Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo), Standard, Latin, or Club styles like Salsa and Argentine Tango.

How often will I train?

Typically 2-3 times weekly depending on your package and timeline. We’ll design a schedule that matches your goals and availability. More intensive schedules available for competitive goals.

Not Sure If This is For You?

That's exactly why the consultation is free. No commitment, no pressure, just a conversation about what you're looking for and whether ProAm is the right fit.

Or call us directly: 212-500-1064