About Dancesport Boston

This is our story...

DanceSport Boston is a premier, full-time Ballroom Dance Studio proudly owned and directed by Anne Marie and John Paul. With a passion for dance that spans over four decades, Anne Marie and John have been teaching ballroom since the early 1980s. As a professional dance couple, they competed in the American Style Rhythm and Smooth divisions, earning finalist placements before retiring from professional competition in 1992.

Their dedication to teaching is just as impressive. For over 25 years, they led thirteen Ballroom and Latin dance classes at Boston University, where Anne Marie continues to inspire students as a part-time faculty member in the Dance Department. Alongside her university work, she and John maintain a full-time teaching schedule, helping dancers of all levels reach their full potential on the dance floor.

DanceSport Boston has brought the joy of ballroom dancing since 1994!

John-Paul and Anne-Marie began their journey in Boston, Massachusetts, offering expert dance instruction and providing high-quality ballroom music CDs to fellow dancers and professionals at competitions across the country. In 2002, they found a permanent home in North Weymouth, where they expanded their offerings to include quality ballroom dance shoes and launched the beloved Saturday Evening Ballroom Dance™ series on the South Shore in Hanover. While those events were paused during the COVID crisis and the venue is no longer available, the spirit of those evenings lives on in the studio.

Today, John-Paul and Anne-Marie continue to offer engaging group classes for all levels every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening, along with private lessons for those looking for more personalized instruction. Their popular Friday Night Dance Parties give students the perfect chance to practice their moves in a fun, relaxed setting.

Check the schedule and come see what they’re all about—John-Paul and Anne-Marie would be thrilled to welcome you into their dance family!

We've been taking classes here for several years. Excellent teachers with a great variety of styles. We have so much fun at classes, at the dance parties and the more formal monthly dances. Have met lots of really great people. Even if you're having a bad day, you always leave with a smile!

Terry M.

I absolutely love love love this place. Great vibe and the dancing venue just gives me all the feels. Wonderful owners, operators, dance teachers. Wish my health would allow me to go back soon. This is could be my happy-go-to place.

Halia K.

Anne Marie and Paul are very welcoming and they will make you feel at home. Everyone is friendly which is a plus because I came into the studio and didn't know a single soul, but I didn't have problems finding a dance partner because everyone is so accommodating.

Deny P.

Anne Marie Paul is the President of DanceSport Boston.

She is a highly respected figure in the world of ballroom dance. As President and Co-Director of the DanceSport Boston Inc.,she brings over four decades of experience, having taught ballroom dance since 1984. Her career includes six years of professional competition in the American Style Smooth and Rhythm Divisions, and over 20 years as a successful Pro-Am partner and choreographer.

Anne Marie’s leadership and talent have shone in both independent studios and major franchises. She managed multiple studios within the Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray organizations, earning the title of top producing executive/teacher in the world for three consecutive years within the Arthur Murray network, which spans 26 countries.

Passionate about sharing her expertise with the next generation, Anne Marie is the Founding Coach of the Boston University Ballroom Dance Club, where she coached for seven years. She has judged many collegiate competitions and served as a guest instructor at prestigious institutions including Harvard Medical School, MIT, Boston College, and Boston Conservatory.

Alongside her husband and dance partner, Anne Marie continues to choreograph, perform, and support charitable events through shows and fundraisers.

Her creativity extends beyond the dance floor. Anne Marie was awarded the Outstanding Creative Achievement Award for her fashion collection, showcased on the runway at the Museum of Fine Arts during her senior fashion show at Massachusetts College of Art. Inspired by her love of dance and her studies with Karl Lagerfeld in Paris, her designs reflect a seamless blend of art and movement.

Anne Marie holds a BFA in Fashion Design from Massachusetts College of Art, with additional studies at the Paris American Academy and Vesper George School of Art in Boston.

John Paul would love to have a conversation with you.

DanceSport Boston isn’t like other ballroom dance studios. And here’s why: The studio’s approach is personal, thoughtful, and centered on you. No one is asked to book a lesson until John is confident he can offer real value based on your individual goals. Before anything else, he takes the time to ask the right questions—about what you need, what you want, and where you hope dancing can take you. There’s no pressure, no sales pitch. Just an honest, down-to-earth conversation. Refreshing, right?

Sometimes it takes a couple of conversations—over the phone, in person, or by email—to truly understand what matters most to you. But if you’re short on time, John will get right to the heart of it. Once he learns a little more about you, he can give his best recommendation for your next step—even if it’s not what you were expecting.

That recommendation will be based entirely on what you share with him. He’ll ask thoughtful questions, genuinely listen to your answers, and if he believes he can help—and you’re ready to invest a little time into your dancing—he’ll offer a clear and honest course of action tailored to you. If he doesn’t think he can help, he’ll tell you that too. No cost, no commitment—just a conversation.

Sound reasonable? If so, let’s talk. Call 617-325-1562 or send an email.

And yes—it’s possible that dancing may become a meaningful investment for you. Many of DanceSport Boston’s students find that it is. That’s why John wants to be absolutely certain that, if you do choose to invest, you get tremendous value in return. As the owner, he wouldn’t have it any other way. Would you?