About
Unlike many a other Ballroom studios, we are not a franchise, but instead, a family owned and operated studio. Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet walk through our studio doors. As soon as you walk in, you'll feel like you've known the people inside for years. We believe in bringing people of all walks of life together through the fun of dancing. We also believe in building a unique community of people by offering a variety of ways to learn how to dance and several different opportunities to use what you've learned. We teach any and all partner and social dancing, including: Ballroom, Swing, Latin and Club styles. We even teach dance fitness classes. Lots to choose from and enjoy!
My name is Bethany Coberg and I am the owner of Valpo City Ballroom. What I enjoy most about what I do is bringing a variety of people together through the fun and common interest of dance. I also love how I can use dance as a way to help my students on a more personal level. For my couples, it can help bring them closer together, for my single students, it can help them build the confidence they need to put themselves out there, and for kids/youth or special needs, dance builds strong social skills, builds confidence, boosts self esteem, and teaches good etiquette. For everyone, dance is a great source of mental and physical exercise that can both prevent and help to cope or recover from many different ailments. To me, it's so much more than just learning how to dance.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Julie M.
Bruce C.
Crystal R.
Michelle P.
Bruce C.
Carol G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We start everyone out with an introductory program. This consists of 2 private lessons, 1 group class and 1 party. This is primarily designed to let people try a week of dance before deciding how they'd like to continue and what they want to focus on. From there, we offer 2 different beginner programs. Should someone wish to continue further, then we customize a program that specifically focuses on the dances they wish to learn and addresses their needs as an individual or a couple.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been dancing for 27 years and teaching dance for 17. I started dancing Jazz and Ballet at the age of 4, and continued my training, performing and auditioning in these styles till I was 19 years old. Part of my auditioning and training included receiving personal training from 'So You Think You Can Dance' finalist Aleks Wojda and eventually trying out for season 3 of SYTYCD. During that time, I also studied Hip Hop, Latin Club and Irish Step Dancing. When I was 19, I was hired by the Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios, where I started my career in Ballroom and social dance. It is there that I met my wonderful husband and dance partner for life. We competed and performed together for almost 10 years. We have both worked for and certified with both Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios, as well as owned and operated studios in the area, including Valpo City Ballroom. Through our time in Ballroom, we have had the pleasure of training with top pros, such as; Tony Dovolani, Elena Grinenko and Jesse DeSoto from 'Dancing Like the Stars' and Snow Urbin from 'So You Think You Can Dance'.
Overall, I have always loved to dance, but my true passion is sharing that wonder gift with others.
How did you get started teaching?
Growing up in rural, northern Wisconsin, my parents had 4 children and limited funding. So, at age 14 when my parents informed my dance instructors that they could no longer afford to pay for my lessons, my wonderful teachers offered to still give me lessons in exchange for my assistance as a teacher and choreographer to the classes below me. I jumped at the opportunity and loved every minute of it! I taught until I graduated High School. From there, I started teaching dance once again at age 19 for Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios. I've since give on to work for Arthur Murray, own other studios, and even coach the Valparaiso University competitive, Ballroom team. I now own and operate my own studio in Valparaiso, Indiana with my wonderful husband.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a wide variety of people. I have taught all ages. Anywhere from 4 years of age up to 84. I have also taught people from all walks of life. Teachers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, mill workers, retirees, youth/children, special needs... you name it, and I've probably taught someone within that group. Dance is for everyone and does not discriminate, it's one of the things I love most about what I do.