[ Leslie Dickason ]

Ballroom Dance Instructor

Dance with me!

Enjoy the fun and excitement of ballroom dancing! Whether you're interested in learning the basics, improving the skills you already have, dancing in a showcase, or preparing a special dance for your wedding, I can help you achieve your dance goals! 

What I Teach

I specialize in American smooth, rhythm, and club dances, including:

Smooth

Waltz
Foxtrot
Viennese Waltz
Tango

Rhythm

Rumba
Cha Cha
East Coast Swing
Samba
Bolero
Mambo
Merengue

Club

West Coast Swing
Nightclub Two Step
Hustle
Salsa

About Me

Leslie’s love of ballroom dancing began in 2011 when she took a social dancing class at UC Davis. From there she jumped head first into dancing, taking as many classes as she could, including joining the award-winning Spirit In Motion Dance Company, a ballroom and Latin formation dance team directed by Gwen Burton Luke. She held a leadership position in the dance company for 11 years, including recently being elected captain. 


 In 2018, Leslie enrolled in the Professional Ballroom Teacher’s Academy teacher training program under the instruction and guidance of Gwen Burton. She trained at the professional level in 17 different partner dances as a leader and a follower, specializing in American Smooth, Rhythm, and Club. She graduated from the program in 2021 and continues to contribute to the program as a teaching assistant.


Leslie’s teaching experience began in 2012 in the secondary classroom. She holds a BS in Mathematics and CA Teaching Credential from UC Davis. She taught math for ten years at both the middle and high school level. She utilizes her experience as a classroom teacher to make dancing fun and easy to understand for all levels.


She has competed in numerous local dance competitions, including the International Grand Ball, San Francisco Open, and collegiate competitions throughout California. Her extensive showcase performance experience ranges from small dinner parties, to big outdoor events like the State Fair and UC Davis Picnic Day, to local dance showcases at Spotlight Ballroom and VIP Dance.


Her students always look forward to her weekly group classes and expanding their dance ability in private lessons. She enjoys the creative process of creating and teaching choreography for couples for showcases, performances, competitions, and weddings. Leslie’s upbeat and bubbly personality keeps private lessons and classes lively! She enjoys sharing her passion for dance and performing any chance she gets.


She lives in Fair Oaks with her husband, John, and her three cats, Rerun, Lucy, and Boo.