MARTIN'S STORY
More About Martin Smith
Originally from South Africa, Martin began his professional teaching career in 1982 with Fred Astaire Dance Studios in South Africa. In 1986 he continued teaching at his own studio. While there Martin was the Kwazulu/Natal Province International Style Standard Champion and finished fourth in South Africa. He served on a variety of membership committees of Republic Dance Teachers Association and the South African Dance Teacher’s Association. He was Secretary for the Joint National Council in South Africa and was President of his Provincial branch of UATD.
In 1999 Martin brought his talents to the United States where he and his professional partner spent some time teaching at Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire dance studios. In 2001 Martin & his partner created Smiths Dancing school in Hawthorne NY. Martin became a championship adjudicator for the World Dance Sport Federation and USA Dance as well as NDCA. Martin has judged for hundreds of dance competitions around the world, including National level and other competitions in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Germany and the United States.
In 2014, Martin brought his talent to DanceSportVA. In addition to being a much sought after dance competition judge, he is an accomplished teacher, coach and choreographer.
TESTIMONIALS
Word on the Street about Martin
"My partner and I searched for the longest time to find someone to take us to the next level. Not somebody to teach us 100 steps, or a franchise to sell 100 lessons, but a highly credentialed professional who could teach us to be better dancers. We found that at DancesportVa. Martin Smith takes a no nonsense approach to serious dancing. He is careful to explain how things work and why. We are thrilled. We’re in for the long haul."
David Hooker
So, our dancing odyssey continues and Martin has helped us tremendously. He makes everything look easy but is very patient with us as we improve with every lesson! We have really enjoyed our dance lessons with Martin! He is very patient with two people who both have 2 left feet and we have learned a lot. We are halfway through our first set of lessons and we both feel like we will look pretty sharp at our daughter's wedding!
Kimberley Krask
Martin is truly an amazing dance instructor. We feel so blessed to have him teaching us how to dance!
Virginia Haiderer
My name is Linda McLaurin and I am 72 years old. I was dignose with stage 2 - 3 Parkinsons. I’ve began taking ballroom dance classes for over year and half ago at DanceSportVA Studio to strengthen my coordination, flexibility, mental health, and for social emotional empowerment. Since taking the classes I have been able to craft and enhance my skills. My instructor Martin Smith and the others instructors are kind, patient, well experienced, and knowledgeable of the ballroom art. DancingSportVA Studio, in Virginia Beach is a grand time from start to finish!
Linda McLaurin
"Great exercise and fun! Great teacher (Martin) and place."
Nicola Crombie
Martin created a beautiful dance for my husband and I, as well as for my father and I, in under 2 months. He is very helpful, thoughtful, and constructive. My husband and I have taken some more private lessons from him after the wedding to learn more ballroom basics and it has been equally wonderful. I would definitely recommend this instructor and the studio as a whole!
Haley Morgan
“Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets”