About Us
With over 30 years of combined experience teaching music and dance, nothing brings Heather more joy than making a positive impact in her students' lives. Her journey in the arts began with classical music—spending several decades teaching piano and playing the violin in a string trio and community orchestras. In 2004, she discovered partner dancing, sparking a passion that led her to pursue professional ballroom training.
Heather is a high-honors graduate of the Ballroom Dance Teachers College and a Dance Vision Certified Master Instructor. Her extensive background includes competing in prestigious NDCA events like the San Francisco Open and editing Dance Vision syllabus manuals.
Passionate about industry excellence, Heather brings over 15 years of professional dance industry experience to the floor. She spent six years at the Ballroom Dance Teachers College serving as a staff instructor, Office Manager, and Educational Advisor. In these roles, she trained future ballroom teachers and prepared students to ace their professional certification exams.
Meet Heather: Owner & Expert Ballroom Instructor
Beginner-Friendly Ballroom Lessons in Meridian with Heather
Proudly serving the Treasure Valley, Heather specializes in social dancing and working with absolute beginners. Her nurturing and patient approach helps new students build confidence and comfort on the dance floor.
Through clear, easy-to-remember techniques, she expertly guides dancers of all levels to improve their:
Dance Technique: Master posture, poise, balance, and smooth footwork.
Partnering Skills: Learn effective, consistent lead-and-follow mechanics and ballroom etiquette.
Fluid Movement: Understand styling like Cuban motion, rise-and-fall, and swing-and-sway.
In addition to student lessons, Heather offers professional ballroom teacher training and Dance Vision certification coaching. She is also a certified Integrative Wellness Life Coach.
“Heather brings a sparkling personality, charm, consummate teaching skills, and infinite patience to all of her ballroom dance lessons. In group classes, she teaches with sensitivity to the needs and capabilities of each student, praising successes and instilling the courage to lead complete strangers in a new dance pattern. In private lessons she is adept in providing feedback to help understand exactly what is required of a leader for hand, frame, and body placement, motion, and pressure so that a partner intuitively knows what is coming next and where to follow. Heather’s many years of training and high level of certification have benefited me in ways I never experienced when being taught by other instructors. They gave me dance lessons; Heather taught me to dance.”
Meet Leo: Assistant Instructor
Leo has been dancing since high-school. His son’s desire to learn how to dance inspired him to become a teacher and to pursue formal training. He enrolled in the Ballroom Dance Teachers College to train in 17 American-style Smooth, Rhythm and Nightclub dances as both leader and follower.
After training, he began teaching youth classes at a charter school in Sonoma County, as well as adult classes at local community centers. The students responded to his infectious warmth, enthusiasm, and down-to-earth teaching style. Leo has also taught Cotillion classes and enjoys sharing his love of dance with people of all ages.
Our Studio Philosophy
At Elegant Dance Ballroom, we believe that dance is for everyday people. It is never about perfection—it is about finding joy and connection. Our studio is built to be a warm, uplifting community rooted in compassion. A place where you can share your sparkle and experience the beautiful art of movement alongside supportive peers. Follow your heart and let love lead your life. Be uniquely yourself, let your light shine, and always be an angel of kindness.