Forrest Vance's Bio

Early Years

Forrest Vance was born to dance! His mother worked as a waitress and a nightclub singer and he found himself in the world of music and dance early on. His love for dance pulsed in his heart for years before he seriously pursued the art. 

Forrest attended college on a math scholarship and majored in special education. He never used his training to teach special education, but Forrest did become one of the greatest dance teachers ever. While in college he drove passed a dance studio every day on his way to class. In 1978 he walked through the front door of the studio and thus had taken his first step on the road to fame. Swiftly he was being featured as one of the best disco dancers in Baltimore nightclubs. In 1979, Vance moved to Oklahoma City where he was a pro dance teacher at the largest ballroom dance studio in the world. Forrest recalls, “the place was like a factory” and he was just one of the many struggling dance teachers.

Champion and Innovator

His passion for dancing and his talent and insatiable desire to continuously engage and articulate his body led to six years where every penny and every minute he could spare was devoted to dance…and to becoming the United States American Rhythm Champion. Once he reached the pinnacle of Champion, no one could rival him in the United States or Canada for seven consecutive years. During his tenure as champion, his style was so inspiring that he changed the way people would dance American Rhythm dances in North America and soon the World.

Career

Forrest Vance has changed his shoes a few times and has worn many different hats in ballroom studios and on dance floors too! The 7-time and undefeated U.S. Rhythm Champion teaches, coaches and choreographs amateur and professional students. As a National Examiner he for many Dance Organizations, he trains and certifies ballroom dance teachers for many dance schools worldwide. Mr. Vance also travels worldwide to consult top professionals, pro-am couples, and amateur couples. He is a national and world adjudicator, which is only acquired with nomination and acceptance by one’s peers. 

Mr. Vance has served as a Dance Director, Supervisor, Co-Manager and Studio Co-Owner. He has trained celebrities including “Dancing with the Stars” professionals: Tony Dovolani, Brian Fortuna and Jonathan Roberts. He has also been called to consult on movie productions. Mr. Vance molds champion dancers.

Mr. Vance organizes and hosts the annual People’s Choice DanceSport Competition at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, Arizona every Memorial Day weekend. This will be its 8th year. Competitors, Sponsors, Judges and Vendors come from all over the country and world to attend this premiere event. 

An impeccable and meticulous teacher, and insightful and dynamic coach and choreographer, and a respectful and fair judge, this energetic and devoted Champion is synonymous with excellence. 

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