Ballroom, Swing, and Latin Group Classes

We welcome solo dancers in a variety of group class options including our Crash Courses, our 4th Saturday Socials, and our Dancesport Group Classes.

Semi-Private classes are meant for couples who want to learn together in a shared group setting without rotating partners. The are clearly labelled as Semi-Privates and require a partner to attend.

At Ballroom Dance Chicago, we offer a variety of group classes to suit different preferences. While the majority of our group classes do not rotate partners, as many students attend as a date night with their partner and prefer to stay together, we also have classes where partner rotation is promoted.

If you’re looking for a group class with partner rotation, we welcome both solo dancers and those with partners in our Crash Courses, our 4th Saturday Socials, and our Dancesport Group Classes.

At our studio, comfort and movement are key for your dance attire. Most people wear casual clothes like jeans, t-shirts, or comfortable dresses that allow for easy movement. The most important thing is that you feel good in what you're wearing.

For shoes, the best choices are those that allow you to glide across the floor easily, such as dress shoes, flats, or low heels with smooth soles. Avoid sneakers, sandals, or any footwear that might slip off or hinder your movement. And remember, if heels aren't for you, flats work just as well for dancing. If inclement weather is expected, please bring a change of shoes for the dance floor.

If you're considering getting dance-specific shoes, your instructor can guide you to the right pair for your dance style. They're a great investment as you progress in your dance journey.

When it comes to accessories and fashion choices, practicality is important. Avoid long necklaces and large rings that could get in the way, and opt for simpler jewelry. If wearing skirts or dresses, shorts underneath are a good idea for more vigorous dances. For those with long hair, tying it back can help avoid any accidental whips during spins.

Overall, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident, and you'll be ready for most of the classes we offer!

Yes! We offer flexible 4-class and 8-class courses designed to help you build consistency in your learning—without locking you into a rigid schedule. Unlike traditional sessions with set start dates, your course begins whenever you’re ready. You choose the start date that works best for you.

We’ve found that most people learn better when they commit to something regularly. Our course model gives you that structure, while still allowing room for real life.

Here’s how it works:

• A 4-class course gives you 5 weeks to complete your classes

• An 8-class course gives you 9 weeks to complete your classes

• Both are available purchase options when you book any drop-in.

This flexibility means you can skip a week if needed. And because we track your individual progress, you’ll always be learning at the pace that’s right for you. Whether you’re moving quickly or taking your time, you’ll be placed where you can thrive.

It’s structured learning—on your schedule.

Most group classes are not specifically designed for wedding preparation; they are more for learning how to dance in social environments. However, engaged couples are more than welcome to join our group classes for a general introduction to dancing.

For couples focusing on their first dance, we highly recommend the First Dance Prep class or private lessons. These sessions provide personalized attention and tailored techniques, and allow you to achieve your specific dance goals for your wedding day. Private instruction ensures your first dance is personal, beautiful, and truly memorable.

Ballroom Dance Chicago is the top-rated studio in Chicago for couples preparing to dance for their wedding, so we know our stuff! If you’d like to read reviews of past wedding students, check out our reviews. We have dozens of 5-star reviews on the Knot from students who found private instruction incredibly helpful. 

If you are interested in a consultation to experience what private lessons are like at Ballroom Dance Chicago, please contact us and be sure to check out more information on our First Dance Lessons page.

For most group classes at Ballroom Dance Chicago, only wine or beer is permitted. One bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer is allowed for every couple. Feel free to bring any non-alcoholic beverages as well! Ballroom Dance Chicago provides water, glassware, and bottle openers for each class, so don’t worry about bringing anything beyond your drink of choice. No liquor is ever allowed.

Due to the nature of the Dancesport group classes, they are not BYOB.

What better way to overcome your fear of dancing in front of others than to join a welcoming community filled with dancers of all levels and experience?! Ballroom Dance Chicago offers a safe learning environment where you can practice and gain more comfort with your dance skills without the risk of feeling judged. We know that the more comfortable you feel, the more confident you will become. That’s why group classes have plenty of time for practicing and gaining confidence, along with time for instruction and advice from your teacher. 

If you’re uncertain about dancing in front of people, we recommend starting with private lessons so that you can gain confidence and certainty from individualized instruction and attention. Now, we know what you’re thinking, “I don’t want a teacher watching and scrutinizing me!” but let us reassure you: we’re here to make you feel comfortable dancing. That means we’ll be honest, constructive, and caring, but never judgmental. We were all beginners once and can empathize with your tentativeness. But have no fear, we’re trained to work with beginners and inspire people of all levels to find the joy of dancing together. 

Group classes at Ballroom Dance Chicago are for dancers who wish to join a welcoming learning environment where they can let loose, have fun, meet new people, and get familiar with a new skill. 

At Ballroom Dance Chicago, we believe that the most effective way to learn to dance is through customizable private lessons. However, because we value community so much, we offer BYOB group classes that focus equally on learning to dance and socializing. Group classes provide an opportunity to learn a variety of movements, and gain insight on dancing in a social setting. Group classes also provide an opportunity to experience dancing with a variety of people (if you choose), which makes you a more experienced and better dancer! Group classes might be right for you if you:

• Enjoy having a great time

• Want to learn something new

• Want to meet new people

• Want to join a fun community of like-minded individuals

• Are sick of the tired old dinner and a movie date

• Are looking to improve your dance skills

• Need something fun to break up your work week

• Can't resist the urge to dance

Sounds like you? Contact us today to register. 

If you want something different, private lessons might be the right choice for you. In a private setting, you can expect personalized attention to detail when it comes to leading and following skills, technique, connection, and overall fundamentals. Private lessons allow you to dig deeper into understanding movement, and allow for valuable individualized feedback. We find that the more understanding you have of these fundamentals, the more comfortable and confident you are as you progress and learn new material.

Our group class syllabus at Ballroom Dance Chicago stands apart from traditional ballroom studios. Unlike rigid syllabi focused on dance competitions, our normal syllabus is designed for social dancing in real-life settings like bars, wedding receptions, or even at home. We save the competitive moves for the Dancesport classes.

We prioritize leading and following techniques while exploring musicality in various dance styles. Each time you’re in the studio, you'll discover new dance concepts that enhance your ability to connect with the music and move expressively with your partner. Our classes are about more than just learning fancy moves; they're about connecting to the music and enjoying the dance experience.

Students can jump in at any time; while we continue building on material throughout the group class sessions, we do this on an individual basis, so you don’t need to come consistently to feel like they know what’s going on.

If you have specific questions about the dance styles covered or want more details about our syllabus, please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

We only offer group classes at our Lakeview studio. All classes held in West Loop are Semi-Private Classes which require a partner.

Make-Up and Refund Policy:

If you need to reschedule, just let us know at least 24 hours before your class. Please remember, if a class is missed without a 24-hour notice, we're unable to offer a credit or make-up for that class.

We intentionally limit our class sizes to enhance your learning experience, and this policy plays a key role in helping us manage the schedule effectively for everyone. Thanks so much for your understanding and cooperation!

If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do this via phone or email.

We do not offer refunds for missed or cancelled classes. All drop-in credits will go back on your account with the studio and do not expire. 4 week and 8 week courses do expire after 5 and 9 weeks.