Our Story - About Us

At Pacific Ballroom Dance (PBD), we strive to maintain a space where everyone can create their own ballroom dance experience. Whether you are drawn to the competitive side of ballroom dance, are more interested in finding a place that welcomes a more social, recreational type of dancer, or maybe some of both, PBD is the place for you! PBD staff, coaches and instructors welcome and value all students and embrace their individual ballroom dance journey.

Any student at PBD – Youth, Adults and even the youngest “Stars” can opt to participate in one two, or all of our signature programs:

• Performing Teams – for those that want to work with a team to create an artistic formation ballroom dance (or several!) to perform at concerts, showcases, community events, etc.

• Competition Teams – these teams work together to create, polish and perfect ballroom formation team medleys for entry into regional and national ballroom competitions.

• Academy – These classes focus on the technique, steps, drills and skills necessary for successful ballroom dancing.There are several levels of Academy (Syllabus) classes and students can work to advance to higher levels as their skills increase. Some Performing Teams and Competition Teams include an Academy class requirement.

• Private Lessons – Another option for any PBD student is private instruction with any of our highly qualified instructors. Private lessons can accelerate a student’s learning, with our without a dance partner!

Pacific Ballroom Dance is one of very few studios anywhere that offers these choices of a ballroom dance experience. We know that ballroom dance is beneficial mentally, physically, socially and emotionally and our hope is that you find a dance “home” at PBD.

Pacific Ballroom Dance began in 1994 when PBD’s founders (talented ballroom dancers), chaperoned a teen dance at a local church. No doubt seeing a large number of boys and girls glued to opposite walls or gathered in small groups there was a need for students to gain confidence, social and interpersonal skills in a structured, non-threatening social environment. Shortly thereafter an after school ballroom dancing club formed, and in 2003 PBD became a 501(c)3 non-profit with a mission “to build character in youth by providing a positive ballroom dance experience.” What started as a small club of a dozen students over 20 years ago has become a thriving nonprofit dance education studio based in Auburn, Washington.