Champion Ballroom Academy & DanceSport
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Champion Ballroom Academy & DanceSport
With over 27 years of proven success, Champion Ballroom Academy is San Diego's number one ballroom dance center. Owned by Mary Murphy known for her dynamic personality on the hit FOX television show "So You Think YOU Can Dance, " ballroom dance lessons at Champion Ballroom are fun and easy.

Students can learn a number of International and American Style Ballroom dances, including Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, Samba, Tango, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Swing, and Salsa!Try a private dance lesson or enjoy the widest variety of group classes available in San Diego. TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY nights at Champion you can participate in group classes designed for beginning and intermediate level dancers.
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Owned by celebrated ballroom dancer Mary Murphy, the name Champion Ballroom Academy speaks for itself! Through her dynamic presence on the hit televsion show "So You Think YOU can Dance" Mary has shown the nation how dedication to the art of dance can be a life-changing experience. Champion Ballroom Academy enjoys the most successful history and the best reputation of any ballroom in the greater San Diego area.
Former professional dancer and host Mary Murphy is best known as the "Queen of Scream" on FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance, " one of three talent judges (opposite Nigel Lythgoe and a revolving guest judge seat) on the freestyle dance competition.

The international smash-hit show had Mary frequently traveling to countries like Australia, Canada and Norway for "Special Guest" judging appearances on international versions of the show, as contestants all over the globe vie for tickets aboard her "Hot Tamale Train!"
Champion Ballroom Academy features San Diego's top dance instructors under the direction of Mary Murphy. Since 1983, Stephen Showers has won acclaim as a professional dance instructor in both Arizona and California. Rocco is trained in classical ballet and Ballroom dances with a focus on the Smooth dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz and the Rhythm dances.
International Style Ballroom and Latin Dancing are the established Gold Standard for competitive ballroom dancing world-wide. Many Champion Ballroom Instructors are International DanceSport competitors and champions already. Take advantage of their knowledge and expertise as you learn to dance the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep in the Ballroom style.
The Hollywoood Dancesport Classic will be one of the premier ballroom dance events on the West Coast this year. The dynamic partnership of our own Mary Murphy, world renowned ballroom dance coach Michael Chapman and Dancing with the Stars favorite Jonathan Roberts makes this dance competition one of the not-to-be-missed events of the season.
Reviews (12)
Dmitri V.
Dmitri V.
Oct 02, 2021
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I have visited this ballroom for a Friday dance party (reviewed elsewhere). This is one of the best dance floors in he city, with the quality of the dance surface the best I have seen so far in San Diego. Large area, no obstacles, and just the right condition of being smooth but not slippery. This floor deserves your best dance shoes.

The ceiling is high, ventilation superb, mirrors, lighting (including disco lights) create the necessary mood. The seating is arranged at the tables along the two side walls and is sufficient for about 70-80 dancers. Industril zone provides ample free parking in
Tiger Lilly M.
Tiger Lilly M.
Aug 18, 2021
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I began training here for a dance competition recently. While the studio is impressive at first, the more time I spent there the more it became apparent that the "gilded lillies" who pay a lot of money for lessons are the ones who get the attention and accolades from the instructors and studio. I did like my instructor, but he seemed obsessed with teaching me every ballroom dance under the sun when I made it clear that I only wanted to prepare for one dance event. As an independent contractor, he was often late or forgetful about our lessons.

Finally, I got tired of seeing the "
Romina Hogue
Romina Hogue
Jul 03, 2021
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Always a joy to dance in this large, clean, safe facility! Ballroom dancing to beautifully mastered music, wonderful people gliding along the dance floor, and great friends! You can count on a good workout, bottled water, and snacks during your Ballroom dancing experience! I love how the friendly staff takes care of everyone!
Kelsi S.
Kelsi S.
Jan 25, 2020
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I love Teylia's cardio hip hop class. It's fun energetic and her instruction is easy to follow. I got a great workout and loved the music and choreography.
Yelena A.
Yelena A.
Nov 21, 2019
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This is one of the best Dance Studios in San Diego! The staff is so nice and helpful. Prices for lessons are very well priced. Coaches that teach at Champion are some of the best in the country! The owner of the studio Mary Murphy is absolutely amazing! She treats everyone with such respect. My family and I absolutely love coming to Champion.
Ainura A.
Ainura A.
Mar 06, 2019
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Thanks to Mary for this amazing dance Academy, full of talented people!
My daughter started going to that dance studio 6 months ago, we have the best coach - Dmytry. She really enjoys her classes!
Our coach is professional! He knows what he is doing! The way how he teaches the kids, his technique is unique!
Pavel V.
Pavel V.
Aug 22, 2018
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The best place to dance, learn to dance, and have fun with friends.
I went to Champion for the first time about five years ago. I had been dancing Salsa for several years; and I felt like wanted to try Ballroom Dancing.
I have taken private lessons from several different teachers and at pretty much all of the studios in San Diego. A few months ago, I started taking an International Cha Cha Cha class at Champion. I also dance at Champion’s private parties on Fridays and Saturdays.
In my experience Champion’s floor is the biggest and best in San Diego.
Champions teachers are top notch professionals
Jasmine P.
Jasmine P.
Feb 26, 2018
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I'll start with the positive. Lots of space and beautiful first impression when you first enter their facility. Dan Gibbons was a great instructor with patience and clear instruction that helped my boyfriend to learn Rumba and have fun with it in our 1 hour lesson! The instructors compete in dance competitions so there's an opportunity to get some great instruction.

Ok now on to the problem. I've learned that only a few dance instructors are staff that work with Mary (the owner) while others are contractors. It seems that the staff that work with Mary actually act professionally
Lauren L.
Lauren L.
Jun 18, 2016
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Graduations to everyone on your new studio location... The floor is huge, the energy is amazing and of course I feel so welcome every time I come in town to train.
Billy G.
Billy G.
Feb 13, 2016
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WOW!! This studio is amazing....when you walk in you are going to get the "wow factor" for sure, it is luxurious Mary Murphy has made this dance studio a one of a kind studio, you will not find a dance studio so beautiful and so special. Besides the dance floor being the largest floating dance floor in San Diego, they also have a large group room that they teach the group classes in..... all the teachers are amazing (most of them being champions) the prices are great and there is a TON of parking....the part that gets me to smile every time is when I hear the laughter from across the
Kristel Boe
Kristel Boe
Nov 12, 2014
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This place is great! They offer aerobic style dance classes for folks that want to get a workout and dance their hearts out-- no judgement!
It's also fun to come early and watch the professional dancers warm up in the large dance room.
Staff is friendly, teacher Billy is the BEST!
Bobby Morss
Bobby Morss
Sep 21, 2013
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I have been taking group ballroom dance classes at Champion for 6 years . It is a wonderful studio and the management has improved in the last few months.
My teacher, Vanessa Williams, gets 5+ stars. She is as good as it gets! Her experience, ability, and teaching insight are awesome! If you want to learn American Style Ballroom Dances you can do no better than to start taking her classes and private lessons. I have witnessed her success with many levels of dancers.
Besides the group classes and private lessons there is a nice dance party each Friday if you would like to practice what you are