About A Step to Gold International Ballroom
The Friendliest Dance Studio in Raleigh
At Least Our Students Think So!
A Step to Gold International Ballroom was founded in 2002 and combines two of Melanie’s greatest passions: dance and fitness.
A Step to Gold International Ballroom stands out among other studios as it offers an approach to wellness, targeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
“We make learning to dance easy and fun.”
Melanie’s Story
Melanie Dale is the owner and leading dance instructor at A Step to Gold based in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is also the creator of Ballroom Dance Mentor, a virtual service for people who are needing to learn from the comfort of their home.
Melanie has over thirty-eight years of experience in the dance business . She studied ballet and jazz with Constance Hardinge, Frank and Marsha Wagner, Mavis Ray, and Karina Brock for years before aquiring an extensive background in American and International styles of ballroom dancing. She trained with many of the GREATS from Europe and the US, including her former husband, the legendary, Larry Silvers, who was the first United States Professional Ballroom Champion. She is known as the “Mother of Ballroom Dance” in the Triangle.
Melanie has seen students transform their lives on and off the dance floor. A Step to Gold staff is ready and willing to help you get started on your life-changing journey into the world of Ballroom Dancing. Melanie wants to ensure that you feel less intimidated and comfortable with the basics so that you can enjoy dancing with numerous partners in the quickest way possible.
She believes that private lessons coupled with group sessions and practice sessions are a sure-fire way to get the most out of your training. It is an indescribable experience to dance with an experienced partner.
So are you ready to start a new chapter in your life? To get fit and gain confidence? A Step to Gold International Ballroom can help you accomplish your goals and have fun while doing it!
Didio Barrera, Featured Editor at DanceSport News Magazine
“Melanie Dale has studied under some of the best teachers in the country. She has studied hard and she is a terrific teacher who cares about people, who cares about what they’re doing and, who sincerely gives 100% of herself to the art of ballroom dancing.” – Didio Barrera (Featured Editor at DanceSport News Magazine.) Didio worked extensively in the TV industry as a choreographer, producer and casting director. Currently, he is the Features Editor for Dance Beat International and Dance Beat Newspaper. Didio Barrera is a former ballroom dancer, National Adjudicator, and Dance Studio owner.
Vicki Regan, Ballroom Dance Champion & Broadway Performer
I have known Melanie Dale for over 25 years and consider her a consummate professional in every way. She is extremely energetic and encouraging to anyone that she works with. Her passion for dance and people carries her through each day and she is relentless when it comes to setting and completing her goals. Melanie is fair and ethical, inspiring, conscientious, and self-disciplined and anyone that she trains is lucky to have the opportunity.”
Tommy Ditommasso, National Coach & Choreographer
“Dancing for me as a lost kid gave me the direction, dedication, and meaning to life that I so needed as a teenager. If it weren’t for the persistence of my friends to get me to a dance class I have no idea where I would be today. Dancing has not only given me confidence but I have also met the woman of my dreams through ballroom dancing. Under great teaching techniques by Melanie Dale, I learned so quickly & easily, that in no time I was moving and grooving on the dance floor. Not only did she teach me to be a good social dancer she also coached me to become a U. S amateur Latin Champion, for that I will always be grateful. If it wasn’t for Melanie I wouldn’t be where I am today in life, dancing & business. I would highly recommend Melanie Dale for everyone to take lessons from her.”
Meet the A Step to Gold staff below!!
Antoinette Santoro
- UCWDC certified Judge, Coach, Competitor, Choreographer and Performer
- Extensive trained in Ballroom, Swing and Country
- Antoinette has also trained with multiple jazz coaches from California resulting in her appointment as Assistant Choreographer for the Opening Ceremonies Special Olympics, held in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Been involved in the UCWDC and WSDC swing for over 25 years
- 12 time Open Division 1 Champion and World’s Dance Champion
- Antoinette has become one of the leading dance instructors in North Carolina.
Riccardo Pacini & Sonia Spadoni
Riccardo Pacini with his wife Sonia Spadoni placed 1st in the Latin Italian Championship, 1st in the Italian 10 -Dance Championships in 2010, 2nd in the Standard Italian Championship, 2nd in the 10-Dance Championship in Spain and placed in the top three is some of the most prestigious competitions around the world such as: The UK Open, the German Open Championship and the Disney Cup in Paris, France. They also placed 2nd at the World Latin Show Dance Championships. In 2014, they won the Italian Open Championships Latin dance style when they decided to move to the USA.
Welcome, Riccardo, and Sonia to A Step to Gold International…true professionals.