ABOUT US
Founded in January 2016, Toronto Ballroom Nights (TBN) is a monthly social gathering for people who want to learn and have fun ballroom dancing. While there are many opportunities to dance Latin styles in downtown Toronto, there are very few regular events that celebrate ballroom.
Organized by friends who all share a love for ballroom dancing, TBN has grown into a steadfast community taking on members from all levels, skills and backgrounds Whether you know how to dance or not, we can guarantee you’ll have a great time while meeting new people.
THE ORGANIZERS
AMY WON
Amy started ballroom in 2012 after moving to Toronto for work. She has always been a fan of shows such as Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. The growth of each contestant, both in their personal development and dance techniques, aspired Amy to overcome her stage fright and made her wonder whether she could do the same as those contestants.
Her self actualization in dance was the main motivation to start Toronto Ballroom Nights.
IVAN AU
In 2010 after completing exams in his 2nd year of university, Ivan decided that it was time to try something new. He had some experience with dancing, but never with a partner. That led him to ballroom dancing, and he hasn't looked back since.
Throughout the past few years Ivan has had the opportunity to experience both the international and american style of ballroom. One dance in particular held his captivation, the Samba, a dance of Brazilian origin. Through Toronto Ballroom Nights he hopes to reintroduce dancing to the general public so that they too can experience what he has come to love.
MARK GAGNE
Mark first discovered the wealth of social and physical benefits involved with dancing in 2012 when he signed up to a dance studio for a New Year's resolution.
The stylish presentation and elegant feel of ballroom attracted him instantly over modern dances, with special affections for the Cha-Cha and the Quickstep.
Mark co-founded Toronto Ballroom Nights with a passion for making social ballroom accessible to the general public, wanting to build a Toronto community that could be enjoyed and shared by everyone in the heart of the city.
JONATHAN BENEDICTO
Jonathan was originally attracted to ballroom dancing from movies and theatrical productions, with inspiration from icons of the art such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He only took the plunge to try it himself in 2015 after visiting a local competition and discovering the Toronto ballroom dancing community. Needless to say, it rapidly became a serious hobby and a major part of his life, including competing both locally and internationally.
He is equally passionate about dancing both competitively and socially and has been involved with Toronto Ballroom Nights from the very beginning, and is extremely keen to introduce anyone to the exciting and rewarding world of ballroom dancing.