About Us

At Abayas' Ballroom, F.J and Catherine bring over 20 years of teaching experience to their students. They have achieved national and international recognition as ballroom champions, teaching, competing, and performing both locally and abroad. They bring a whole new level of top-notch instruction to all dancers, from the beginning social dancer to the ambitious competitor.

F.J. and Catherine have received thousands of hours of training from renowned former World, British, and US champions. They incorporated this education into their dancing and enjoyed great success, competing nationally in the American Rhythm category of Ballroom Dancing.

In their first year together, they became United States American Rhythm Rising Star Finalists and United States Open Semi-finalists. At the pinnacle of their career, they were ranked 7th in the United States. F.J. and Catherine take all of the knowledge and experience they have gained through their extensive coaching and pass it along to their students. Abayas' Ballroom is dedicated to bringing you some of the best dance instruction in the business.

 

What Makes Us Different?

Versatility
At Abayas' Ballroom, we will satisfy all of your dancing needs. We teach all styles of dancing, including Beginning Social Dancing; American Rhythm and Smooth; International Latin and Standard; Cabaret and Theater Arts; Argentine Tango; and night club dances such as Lindy, Salsa, and Hustle. We will make sure that your dance education is comprehensive and technically sound to help you feel confident on any dance floor.

Patience
We understand that everyone learns differently. We tailor your lessons to your needs, desire, and rate of learning. Whether this is your first lesson or your one hundred and first lesson, we can guide you through your entire dance education. At Abayas' Ballroom, we have helped countless people, from the beginning social dancer to the high-level competitor, become comfortable and confident on the dance floor.

Fun!
At Abayas' Ballroom, we want you to have fun! We want to share our love and dedication for dancing with you. This is the primary reason why Abayas' Ballroom is so unique. Your dance education is designed for you to meet people, get exercise, feel energized, and receive high-quality instruction from Ballroom Champions in a social atmosphere. Dancing is so fun and exhilarating; it can change your life forever.

 

Our Titles

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Pro-Am Titles:

 

Testimonials

It is hard to find words enough to thank you for helping me to waltz and helping my daughter to learn to waltz with me. Because of the two of you, we had one of the most enjoyable evenings of our entire lives. And just as you predicted, my wife and many of our friends told us we were the best dancers of the evening. Needless to say, this exceeded my wildest expectations! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
-- Steve Wazak M.D.
I would like to say that dancing with Abayas' Ballroom has been the most enjoyable experience. I have danced at another dance studio and felt that they just wanted me there for the money, which was a lot! F.J. and Catherine Abaya have taught me more in the first 3 months I was with their studio than I learned at the other studio. I am not restricted to a certain level of dance. I recommend Abayas' Ballroom to everyone I meet and talk to.
-- Gail Reynolds, Waddell and Reed
F.J. and Catherine Abaya are amazing dancers, great teachers, and wonderful people. A well-run studio with heart and soul, and like the other reviews said, not just interested in your pocketbook.
-- U and Me Dance, Bellingham, WA
Instructors at Abayas' Ballroom possess a rare combination of unrelenting attention to detail and steady patience. For a beginner, that translates into learning good technique and a sound base from the outset. Advanced students will find expert help from Catherine and FJ, who have an encyclopedic knowledge of ballroom dancing.
-- Tim Rogge
We looked so polished dancing at our wedding reception! Our families were stunned, and many jaws hit the floor. We were thrilled at the final result! Thank you so much for your hard work and patience.
-- Sonal and Marty
If any of our friends ever find themselves in need of dance instruction, we will certainly refer them to you, because we believe you are the finest instructors in Washington.
-- John Verzosa
I really enjoy the atmosphere at Abayas' Ballroom. You're being taught by people who have seen and done everything in the world of professional ballroom dancing, but the moment you walk through their doors, they treat you like part of their family. Although they let you determine the level of dance that you want to work toward, that doesn't change the level of equality and professionalism they show their students. No matter what your level -- beginner or seasoned -- you still feel like an important part of the studio.
-- Karen Blackledge
Looked at other studios, and this is the place for us. Other studios are high pressure sales or impersonal. This place has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The instructors are highly trained and encouraging. We would recommend this studio above others.
-- Eric Gray
F.J. and Catherine, thank you for your continued professionalism and stellar showmanship this past weekend! As always, you were a joy to work with.
-- Momentum (St. Louis, MO.)
You guys are the best! Thank you for touring with us.
-- Ethicon, Johnson and Johnson Company
It was 8 years ago today that I made a suggestion to my husband that changed both of our lives for the better. I remember it exactly, because it was on our 20th anniversary. Yes, I suggested that we take dance lessons.

And although my husband was reluctant, he did agree to try it. It wasn't long before two people, who never before had danced, could make their way through rumba, swing, tango, and samba. When we wanted to be involved in a small local talent show, both F.J. and Catherine helped us choreograph an exciting and well-received West Coast Swing routine.

So, if you think you might enjoy exercise, music, learning, and FUN, FUN, FUN, I recommend that you give Abaya's Ballroom a try. Instructors who are happy to help you with what you want to learn will build your confidence. And it won't be long before you, too, will be making your way through rumba and swing.
-- Cherri Brown

 

The Benefits of Dancing

The many benefits that Abayas' Ballroom students have received as a result of their dance lessons are almost too numerous to list. Many students, both singles and couples, find that it has created more romance and excitement in their lives. Others rave about all the health benefits and losing unwanted weight through dance. Others simply enjoy how great they look and feel when out on the social dance floor. While developing your dancing skills, you may find that you...

We encourage you to reap the wonderful benefits that dancing has to offer you. Getting started has never been easier! All of our students start with our introductory special. The first step is to schedule your first introductory lesson with one of our highly trained instructors. During that lesson, your instructor will determine your current level of dancing and recommend an appropriate course for you to continue.