Our Instructors

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Debra (Deb) Roy fulfilled her lifelong dream when she became a professional

ballroom dance instructor in 1993.  She co-owns Maine Ballroom Dance with Guy

Nowlan, her lifelong partner.  Deb has trained with many famous professionals including Mandy Ball, Edward Simon, Jean-Marc Genereux, and Esther Don.  Deb teaches in both American and International Styles of dance as well as creates choreography for wedding couples and Formation Dance Teams. She is certified in the American Style Bronze Level in Smooth and Rhythm from AIDA (American International Dancers Association), a prestigious Dance Society known worldwide. Deb has been teaching ballroom dance for the University of Southern Maine for over 10 years. She travels extensively to share her love of dancing.  She teaches all styles of ballroom dance but Waltz, Tango, Samba, and Cha-Cha are her favorites.

Mandy Ball has been teaching ballroom dancing for over 30 years. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with social and competitive dancers, amateurs, and professionals.

She is a Fellow with the AIDA and NDTA in Ballroom and Rhythm and holds Member degrees in the Smooth and Latin styles of dancing. Mandy was the USISTD/AIDA Examinations Director for 15 years and is currently an Examiner for the NDTA. She trains both professional and amateur dancers for dance examinations. She owned and operated two studios in New England: Maine Ballroom Dance and The Portsmouth Ballroom and is thrilled to still be teaching at Maine Ballroom.

Thank you, Deb, for keeping her alive!

 Elizabeth started ballroom dancing in 1991. She was a student at Maine Ballroom Dance for several years before training to teach. She began teaching at Maine Ballroom Dance in 1999. She also teaches ballroom and line dancing classes for local adult education programs. Elizabeth’s goal is to teach her students how to be comfortable and have fun on the dance floor. She loves to watch the moment when it all clicks!  

Jim “Hammer” Hardesty Proudly holds Certification with AIDA and NDTA, Members degrees in American Smooth Ballroom and American Rhythm  and an Associate in International Latin. He has been a Student, Competitor and then Teacher since 1992. All made possible by the watchful eye and coaching from Mandy Ball, Edward Simon, Ester Don and John Pattillo. Having students discover the joy of partner dancing has been one of my favorite aspects. The Physical, Mental and Social rewards of Ballroom Dance can be experienced by all and can go with you forever. Happy Dancing!

Ann has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She trained in ballet, tap, and jazz throughout her childhood and has been teaching ballroom dance for almost 20 years through Maine Ballroom Dance in

Portland. As a licensed speech and language pathologist in the greater Portland area for over 25 years, Ann brings her ability to explain dance figures in manageable steps to her students, so they can master the steps and enjoy themselves at the same time. Ann especially enjoys helping wedding couples with their first dance and sharing her love for dance with others. Ann’s favorite dances include the Rumba, Samba, East Coast Swing, and Foxtrot. Ann receives training

from local and national dance professionals throughout the year. Ann is certified in the American Rhythm Style Bronze level through the American International Dancers Association (AIDA)

Larry started ballroom dancing in 1997 at Maine Ballroom Dance and immediately fell in love with the music, particularly the Foxtrot. He met his wife Laurel there.  Laurel and Larry competed in international ten dance (Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble) throughout New England under the tutelage of Mandy Ball and several national and international champions.  He particularly loves dancing the Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, and Hustle. He started teaching ballroom in 2010 and has taught at Maine Ballroom, Maplewood Dance Center, Ballroom Vermont Summer Dance Camp, and other venues.  He continues to study ballroom technique and loves teaching all ballroom dance styles.