Heather Lenahan, owner of Elegant Dance Ballroom
Heather Lenahan | Director
Heather has been teaching for nearly 30 years, and nothing brings her more joy than making a difference in the lives of her students. She grew up on a farm in Oregon and was involved with classical music for several decades—playing both the violin and piano, teaching, and participating in community orchestras. After being introduced to partner dancing in 2004, her heart lit up in a way that she couldn't ignore. A few years later she moved to California to acquire professional ballroom dance training.
As a high-honors graduate of the Ballroom Dance Teachers College and a Dance Vision Certified instructor, Heather holds a variety of Associate and Master degrees in American and International style dances. The comprehensive exams for accredited professional certification require proficiency in dance as both lead and follow, and an understanding of body movement, syllabus pedagogy, technique, and the art of teaching. Heather has also competed in NDCA ballroom dance competitions, including Autumn Dance Classic, City Lights Open, San Francisco Open, and the International Grand Ball. After teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area for several years, Heather moved to the Treasure Valley.
With 12 years in the dance industry and 25 years in office administration, Heather brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ballroom floor. She has edited and contributed to four Dance Vision manuals (a nationally-recognized syllabus for ballroom dance), and served as the Office Manager and Educational Advisor for the Ballroom Dance Teachers College for six years. She was also a staff teacher at the college, preparing students for certification exams and/or training them to become ballroom dance instructors.
Teaching social dance and working with beginners is Heather’s specialty. Her nurturing and patient demeanor allows students to explore this beautiful art form with confidence and comfort. And her expertise and ability to impart technique in easy-to-remember (and implement) terms will guide dancers in the areas of footwork, controlled and stable movement, contra-body movement, rise and fall, swing and sway, Cuban motion, swing hip action, improved posture, poise and balance, and effective, consistent lead and follow. Heather also offers ballroom teacher training and Dance Vision certification coaching, and is a certified Integrative Wellness Life Coach.
Heather’s Philosophy
Follow your heart and let love lead your life. Be yourself, an angel of kindness; let your light shine and be who you are.
“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.”
Leo G. | Assistant Teacher
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.