Jim Maranto

Overview

Jim Maranto grew up in Oak Forest, Illinois. He graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts Degree from the University of Chicago. He was a National Honor Society member, an Illinois State Scholar, and an all conference football and baseball player, earning six collegiate varsity letters.

In 1983, Jim moved to Arizona where he became a stock broker for four years. During that time, he was pursuing an interest in Ballroom Dancing as a hobby. With his highly competitive spirit, he won the United States National Pro/Am Championships with his teacher Jenell, his later Professional partner, and wife.

In 1987, the couple turned Professional and opened their own dance studio, the Academy of Ballroom Dance in Phoenix.

Jim competed Professionally in the International Standard and American Smooth divisions for 15 years and was a finalist for 10 years.

Together with his partner Jenell, he trained with the top coaches in the world. They won every major Smooth and Rising Star International Standard Competition in the United States. The highlight of their career was winning two U.S. Professional American Smooth Championships in 1993 and 1994. They have also represented the United States in two World Showdance events and many competitions throughout Europe, Asia and North America.

Spreading Knowledge

Over the past 25 years, Jim has trained many Pro/Am Champions. He has won numerous top teacher awards and his students consistently finish in the top three in the United States. Teaching both Latin and Ballroom, Jim is one of the best communicators of technique and theory in the business. He has an intense love of his work and displays natural enthusiasm that is contagious.

Jim is a Licentiate of the Imperial Society Ballroom Branch. He is also the co-author of the DVIDA American Smooth Syllabus and an examiner for DVIDA. He currently travels extensively to compete with his students, to coach, lecture and judge competitions.

Accomplishments

• Named top International Standard Couple in 1999 with Jenell Maranto
• 2-time Undefeated United States National Professional American Smooth Champion (1993-1994)
• Represented the United States worldwide throughout Europe, Asia and North America
• Represented the United States in two World Showdance events
• Won every major Smooth and Rising Star International Standard Competition in the United States
• Professional Competitor in the International Standard and American Smooth divisions for 15 years and finalist for 10 years
• Over 25 years of owning and operating the Academy of Ballroom Dance in Phoenix, AZ
• Trained many Pro/Am Champions
• His students consistently finish in the top three in the United States in Pro/Am competitions
• Won numerous top teacher awards
• United States National Pro/Am Champion
• Co-Author of the DVIDA American Smooth Syllabus
• Hold a Bachelor of the Arts Degree from the University of Chicago
• Former National Honor Society member
• Former Illinois State Scholar
• Former all conference football and baseball player, earning six collegiate varsity letters

Dance Partners

• Jenell Maranto

Entrepreneurship

• Academy of Ballroom Dance, Owner, Director, Instructor
• Professional Competitor
• Certified - Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA)
• Certified Dance Instructor
• Member Degree - Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA)
• Choreographer
• Championship Licensed Adjudicator and National Judge for the National Dance Council of America specializing in:
• International Style Standard (Championship Certified) - Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA)
• International Style Latin (Championship Certified) - Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA)
• American Smooth (Championship Certified) - Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA)
• American Rhythm (Championship Certified) - Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA)
• Theatrical Style (Championship Certified) - Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA)
• Holds a Licentiate Degree in the Imperial Society Ballroom Branch
• Invigilator
• Certified - National Dance Council of America NDCA
• Examiner
• Certified in Bronze & Silver Standard - Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA)