About Us

Celebrating 22 years of ballroom dance instruction on Chicago’s southside!

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, we’ll have you dancing in no time. We offer the finest private and group instruction in a friendly atmosphere. Our students are here with a wide variety of goals that we routinely accommodate. Some need to prepare for a wedding or special event, others want to improve their night club and latin skills, others compete, and others simply love the romance of Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Whatever the goal, we just love to dance.

In general we offer:

  • Private lessons by each of the instructors
  • Group classes throughout the week
  • Private coaching lessons from world class visiting instructors
  • Practice space for non-studio students
  • Teaching space for independent instructors
  • 1st Saturday of the Month Practice Parties (unless otherwise noted)

Rates also available for:

  • Your wedding party or just bride/groom
  • Dance exhibitions or lessons for your company party
  • Gift certificates
  • Groups

Getting started is often the hardest part. People can be discouraged thinking that they need to be a “natural” or that dance lessons involve contracts. At Diamond Dancesport we believe anyone can learn to dance and we charge on a per-lesson or lesson package basis, no contracts. As for being a “natural”, well those are far and few between, most great dancers got there through practice and good coaching.

Instructors

Becky Simon (owner) : She has been teaching dance for 40 years and received her training in the Fred Astaire system. She is a former Chicago Area Fred Astaire Rising Star and Open Rhythm and Smooth champion. Becky taught at Let’s Dance and Cheek to Cheek studios before becoming an independent instructor. Becky now owns Diamond Dancesport and teaches both private and group classes. She works with competition students in the American and International styles. In addition, she provides instruction in social dance and preparation for special events like wedding receptions.

Rachel Mercedes:  Rachel began her ballroom career at the age of 7. Rachel has been teaching for 17 years at Diamond Dancesport and specializes in  ballroom, country, swing and line dancing. She is the 2019 UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council) Open Division 1 World Champion and currently competes in the Masters Division with Eric Nava.

Other Instructors:

Eric Nava