About Diamond Dancesport
Celebrating 26 Years of Dance!
At Diamond Dancesport, we believe dancing is about more than learning steps. It’s about having fun, building confidence, making connections, and sharing a love of dance!
Located in Hickory Hills, Illinois, in Chicago’s southwest suburbs, Diamond Dancesport has been bringing dancers together for 26 years.
Our studio is home to a welcoming community of social dancers, beginners, experienced competitors, and people who simply love to dance.
Whether you’re taking your very first steps or working toward your next competition, our goal is to help you become the best dancer you can be while enjoying every step along the way.
What truly makes Diamond Dancesport special is our people. Our instructors bring decades of teaching experience, competitive accomplishments, and a genuine passion for helping others discover the joy of dancing.
Meet Our Dance Instructors
Becky Simon — Owner
[KEEP EXISTING BECKY PHOTO HERE]
With over 50 years of teaching experience, Becky brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every class she leads. Trained in the Fred Astaire system, she began her career as a competitive dancer, earning recognition as a Chicago Area Fred Astaire Rising Star and Open Rhythm and Smooth Champion.
Becky has shared her expertise at renowned studios such as Let’s Dance and Cheek to Cheek before becoming an independent instructor. Today, she is the proud owner of Diamond Dancesport, where she teaches both private and group classes.
Becky works with competition students in American and International styles, while also offering instruction in social dancing and special event preparation, including wedding dances. Her experience, warmth, and dedication have made her a trusted and inspiring figure in the dance community.
Rachel Mercedes
Rachel began her ballroom dance journey at the age of seven and has since built an accomplished career as both a performer and instructor. For the past 20 years, she has been a respected teacher at Diamond Dancesport, where she shares her passion and expertise in ballroom, country, swing, and line dancing with students of all levels.
A decorated competitor, Rachel has excelled in both ballroom and country dance arenas. Her titles include 2019 UCWDC Open Division I World Champion, 2024, 2025, & 2026 UCWDC Mixed Role Classic Masters Champion, and, with her partner Eric Nava, the 2025 & 2026 UCWDC Classic Masters World Champion.
Kat Warner
Kat began line dancing at just seven years old, following in the footsteps of her mother, the renowned Dance With Janet. Growing up surrounded by rhythm and movement, Kat developed a deep passion for dance that expanded beyond country line dancing to include all of the country dances, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Standard, and Social Ballroom.
From 2016 to 2022, Kat was an instructor at Heart & Sole Dance, where she inspired countless students before the studio closed its doors. It was there she met Elijah Wilson—her partner both in dance and in life.
Today, Kat continues to share her love of dance at her new home studio, Diamond Dancesport, where she teaches a variety of social and competitive dance styles. She also leads the Chi-Town Country Crew and co-hosts the YouTube channel Diamond Line Dance alongside Rachel Mercedes, bringing her vibrant energy and expertise to dancers around the world.
Eric Nava
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Eli Wilson
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Come Dance With Us!
At Diamond Dancesport, we’re proud of the dance community we’ve built over the past 26 years, and we’re always excited to welcome new faces.
Whether your goal is to become a better social dancer, compete, meet new friends, or just enjoy a fun night of dancing, we’d love to be part of your dance journey.
New to Diamond Dancesport? We’d love to help you get started!
Start Here — Learn More About Dancing With Us
Diamond Dancesport
7767 West 96th Place
Hickory Hills, IL 60457