Vito Magrone has had an impressive career in ballroom dance that spans several decades. As he likes to tell his students, "For me, it is a career. It is all I do and all I have ever done." Vito enjoys what he does, and it really shows.
During his career, Vito achieved the highest dance instructor title, Dance Director, at both Fred Astaire Studios in Illinois and Arthur Murray Studios in California. Within those studio environments, Vito has won professional competitions. He was undefeated Latin dance champion for seven years in a row. He has also served as a judge at numerous dance competitions. Several of the students and instructors he trained have won pro/am competitions. His students have included Dolly Parton in the movie Straight Talk, which included roles for several of Vito's students. He also partnered with Miranda Garrison, actress and choreographer best known for her role in the film Dirty Dancing, to entertain at movie star celebrations. Vito appeared as a dancer on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, with singer Grace Jones on the TV series, Fire Disco and has danced on several other programs, including (believe it or not) one hosted by Wolfman Jack.
For many years, Vito has taught American Style Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Samba, Salsa/Mambo, Merengue, Bolero, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Hustle and more. He has extended knowledge of the Latin dances. He choreographs routines for competition, performances, social dancing, and weddings.
Vito presently runs his own business teaching private and group lessons in social dancing for children and adults, and he trains/coaches instructors. He hosts dances at his own studio in Wood Dale, IL where he joyfully dances with his students and guests. Once a month, Vito is the host of a Saturday night dance at Ballroom City in Villa Park, Illinois. He is also one of the guest instructors at Dance World in Hoffmann Estates, IL.
Vito uses an easy-to-understand, common-sense approach to teaching where learning simple basic dance mechanics results in smooth and elegant movement and great posture with minimal thinking. Above all, he keeps it fun and lighthearted.
