“They are the best dance teachers we have ever tried, and we've had at least a half dozen in the K.C. area.” ― Fletcher and Dreanna A.
“They make dancing fun.” ― John W.
“Passsionate, fun, caring, and patient ... I look forward to my lessons every week.” ― Erin W.

About Us

My name is Abby Vogels, and this is my dance partner, Matt Schissler. Together, we have been teaching Ballroom Dancing for almost fifteen years. Whether you aspire to be a competent, comfortable social dancer or a serious competitor, we can teach you! The most important and unique aspect of Ballroom Dancing is the connection you have with your partner, and we emphasize this throughout our students' progress.

Abby...

started ballet classes at age 3 in New Zealand, where she was born. After moving to Australia at age 7, she studied jazz and hip hop before she fell in love with ballroom. She has been teaching in the Kansas City area since 2007, and her favorite dance is West Coast Swing.

Matt...

started learning hip hop at age 15, and found ballroom soon after. Matt’s enthusiasm and passion to see his students succeed is inspiring and contagious to all around him. He has been teaching since 2004, and his favorite dances are Rumba, Tango, and Salsa.

Lessons

Whether you aspire to be a competent, comfortable social dancer or a serious competitor, we can teach you! The most important and unique aspect of Ballroom Dancing is the connection you have with your partner, and we emphasize this throughout our students' progress.

Fees

Learning is on a lesson-by-lesson basis, and you can choose what you want to learn (though we can provide recommendations, of course). Lessons are 55 minutes long and cost $70 for both couples and singles. We are proud to offer such a competitive rate compared to studios in the Kansas City area.

Philosophy

For those of you who have spent time in other studios, you may be happy to know that we do not sell big packages of lessons or have our students sign contracts. We believe you should want to come back for more lessons because you're learning a lot and enjoying yourself, not by obligation.

Scheduling

We are at the studio by appointment only, and are available for appointment on weekdays from noon to 9pm. Currently, we do not charge a cancellation fee, but we do appreciate at least 24 hours notice if you can’t make it for some reason.

Dances

Following is a list of all the dances we teach, with the most popular in bold. Most people like to learn one or two at a time, adding new dances as they feel comfortable or choosing to improve on those they already know. These dances are most popular due to certain venues that play dedicated music on any given night. The following links are a list of dance clubs that offer dance party/events throughout the week and weekend.

    INTERNATIONAL STANDARD

  • Slow Waltz
  • Quickstep
  • Tango
  • Fox Trot
  • Viennese Waltz

    INTERNATIONAL LATIN

  • Samba
  • Cha-Cha
  • Rumba
  • Jive

    AMERICAN SMOOTH

  • Waltz
  • Tango
  • Fox Trot

    AMERICAN RHYTHM

  • Cha-cha
  • Bolero
  • Rumba
  • Mambo
  • East Coast Swing

    NIGHT CLUB

  • Salsa
  • Merengue
  • West Coast Swing

Wedding Dance

Every couple is unique, and many couples come to us with a sense of what they want their wedding dance to be - whether it’s classic and traditional, intimate and romantic, or even lively and fun! Some just want to get through it without falling over, others want to put on a show, and many fall somewhere in between. Whatever it is you want out of your first dance, we can help you get there.

Lessons

Learning is on a lesson-by-lesson basis (no contracts), and you can choose what you want to learn (though we are happy to provide recommendations).

Pricing

Lessons are 55 minutes long and cost $70 for both couples and singles. We are proud to offer such a competitive rate compared to studios in the Kansas City area.
Check out the video below of students Dan and Kinsley dancing the Rumba for their first dance.
Here, students Ryan and Kate perform their first dance, a Nightclub Two Step.

Private Events

Ballroom dancing is one of the most enjoyable ways for people to socialize, whether they have just met for the first time or have known each other for years. Matt and Abby are capable of teaching and entertaining groups of all sizes. Classes range from a one-time event to a course that runs for several weeks, and may be taught at your location or at our studio. Prices vary based on the number of students, and average around $10 per person, per class.

Our most popular classes include:

Beginner level Swing, Salsa, and Ballroom

Intermediate Swing, Salsa, and Rhythm/Latin dances

Advanced styling and technique classes

To hear more about what our students have to say about us, visit our profiles

Contact

Location

5722 Nieman Road

Shawnee KS - 66203

We teach most of our lessons at Viva Dance Academy, but are available to teach at your location as well.

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