Ryan's Accomplishments:
Championship level competitor 2003-2005
More than 60 first place awards in competitions across the nation.
First Place in USADance National Championships 2004 Bronze Syllabus American Style Smooths
First Place in USA Dance National Championships 2004 Silver Syllabus American Style Smooths
First Place in USA Dance National Championships 2004 Bronze Syllabus American Style Rhythms
First Place in USA Dance National Championships 2004 Silver Syllabus American Style Rhythms
First Place in 2005 Seattle's Quest for the Best Championship Level 5-Dance Rhythms
Ryan Starr began teaching instructional ballroom dancing in April 2005 and has taught more than 425 students (from 5 to 85 yrs old), from the Palouse to Bonners Ferry,even nearby states travel to study with him (from Missoula, Montana to Colfax, Mead, and Deer Park, Washington) Instructing youth in 6th grade and up in etiquette, ethics, and ballroom dance for the National League of Junior Cotillions, North Idaho Chapter, currently in it's fifth season of dances and semi-formal Winter and Grand Spring Balls.
Classes range from $5-10 per person per hour for group rates. $50 per hour for private or semi private lessons at your place or ours
(2 hour minimum if we have to travel).
Choose from American Style Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Cha Cha, Rumba, Bolero, Peabody,Swing (Single, Triple, Hustle, West Coast, Carolina Shag or Lindy Hop), Mambo, Merengue, Salsa, Night Club 2 step, OR International style Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, or Quickstep.
Choose from competitive or social dance styling. Learn "lead and follow" cues so that you can dance with anyone and look like a pro. Learn in a very non-threatening, supportive environment with other fun-hearted people. Ryan is willing and available to compete along with female students in Pro/Am competitions once prepared and help others in reaching their competitive goals in their future. If your desire is to compete we can help you find a suitable partner whether it's for a one-time event or for long term plans.
Instruction during the summer is available in a beautiful 2400 square foot private ballroom/studio situated on a hilltop with 360 degree views. Built on the upper level of our barn with a circular staircase in the silo, this venue is nothing short of amazing (See photos to appreciate). As you can see by the photos on the dance page, the ballroom is pretty much impossible to get to in the winter up here. At that time we use other venues and will keep this website updated with what is available and where.
Please view the calendar for the most recent materials.
Where can you USE these skills once they are learned?
There are opportunities to dance around every corner and once you are on our email list we will let you know about performances of live bands to dance to in the area, as well as concerts in the park during the summer that welcome dancers to join them. We will keep you updated on classes, ask you what you might like to learn or how we may better serve the dance community along the way. It is our desire to provide opportunities for students to learn and grow in dance while you make new friends and challenge yourself to take on new life skills.
Regular dances are held in our ballroom which allow for practice in nearly ALL styles of ballroom (see the dance list). Stay in practice and get exercise that is fun, working your mind AND your body. Studies have shown that people who dance are 80% less likely to suffer from Alzheimers as they age. They regularly exercise their entire body and it shows. You will meet the nicest people on the dance floor, too. An Italian study showed that heart patients who spent just 20 minutes twice each week waltzing were in better health after six weeks than those who had done the same amount of time on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Dancing is good for spirit, soul, and body and will enrich your lives in countless ways.
Dress code for the ballroom:
It is our desire to make this experience pleasant and enjoyable and to add to the ambiance by expecting others to dress as if this were a special occasion to enjoy such a facility at such a reasonable price and in the company of such great people as those who join us each week.
For dances: (No jeans or t-shirts please)
Men wear dress slacks, shirts with a collar, and bring clean, dry dress shoes (street shoes should be removed upon entering)
Women wear knee length or longer dresses or skirts, dress pants, tops should be conservative in design and cover any cleavage. Bring clean, dry dress shoes,
preferably dance shoes with suede soles (no street shoes, please)
You may dance in your stocking feet at your own risk but please, no bare feet.
For classes: (Not as strict as dances---jeans and t-shirts are allowed)
No short shorts and no short skirts (skirts should still be at knee length or longer and undergarments should be prepared for spinning) Same conservative design on tops as above.
Your consideration on these desires is most appreciated.
This is a business that my family has been involved in and makes us extra income on a daily basis. Watch the video below for an explanation. It couldn't be easier. The business builds it's self with cutting edge products. If you would like to be a partner click the banner below the video. We would love to have you on our team.
