Ballroom Dance Chicago
“You don’t need to feel confident to get started. Everything is designed to help you build that confidence as you go. From your very first step, each lesson, class, and event is tailored to meet you where you are, so you always feel capable and free to just enjoy your experience.”
Ways to Start Dancing
Studio Events
From fancy Chicago Ball Season events to casual Saturday Crash Courses & Socials, there are events for all occasions, budgets, and dance levels. Whether you’re new to dance or looking to level up, explore your dance interests with us!
Group Dance Classes
Lively BYOB group classes are for couples and solo learners. Where you’re looking to learn social or technical dance skills, group classes are a fun, community-drive way to start dancing.
Semi-Private Group Classes are for couples who want to dance together the entire class. Limited to 4 couples per instructor so spots fill up quickly!
Group Classes are for solo dancers and couples who are willing to rotate.
First Dance Lessons
Make your first dance unforgettable with private wedding dance lessons designed just for you. Whether you dream of a spectacular performance or simply want to move naturally and confidently together, every lesson is tailored to your style and vision. No matter your goals, our focus is to help you look effortless, feel at ease, and enjoy every step.
Private Dance Lessons
Get ready to shine with one-on-one instruction that's all about you. You pick the style(s) of dance you want to focus on in your 45 minute lesson. Your interests determine the music, pace, and tone of each lesson.
DanceSport Lessons
Ignite your passion for precision and artistry, or simply enjoy the rigor and focus of DanceSport lessons. Become a dancer who excels at understanding proper technique, seamless partnering, and artistry.
Waltz Academy
Heading to Vienna for Ball Season or attending another formal event? Waltz Academy, will prepare you with the dance skills you need. Learn to navigate a busy floor with confidence and poise from the experts who attend every year!
About Us
Since 2008, Ballroom Dance Chicago has been teaching partner dance in the heart of the city. Throughout the years, our mission has been clear: to demonstrate to you (yes, you!) your innate ability to dance. Our favorite part is when you realize the process is actually enjoyable.
Ballroom dancing is a timeless activity, fostering connections that transcend eras. While glitzy competitions and flashy TV shows captivate, there's more to dance lessons. The primary reasons people choose to come to Ballroom Dance Chicago are to:
Cultivate comfort and confidence on the dance floor
Pursue specific goals like preparing for a wedding or special event
Embrace a lifelong dream or conquer challenges through competitive dance
Uncover fresh ways to bond with their partner
Each student brings a distinct perspective and aspiration, all of which excite us. As Chicago's top Ballroom, Latin, and Swing dance studio, we're thrilled to learn about you and share with you the multi-faceted world of partner dance.
““What are your goals? What kind of dancer do you want to be?” While we could brag about how great of a dancer we can make you, we’re much more interested in engaging with your goals. ”
“Your time with us is all about YOU! From start to finish, our team is focused on giving you a personalized and elevated experience that will put a smile on your face and confidence in steps.”
Dance Styles
Ballroom
Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Waltz, Peabody
These dances are timeless which is why they’re so popular. We also have the added element (which is different than other studios) that we also teach useful variations of these dances so that they fit with most modern music.
Latin
Bachata, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Salsa, Salsa On the 2 (New York Style Salsa), Samba, Merengue, Bolero
With so many fun places to go Latin dancing in Chicago, it’s no wonder these styles are so popular. Whether you’re a beginner or a rusty dancer, we can get you ready for any dance floor.
Swing
East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Jitterbug, Hustle
There are many variations of the styles mentioned above, which is why swing is endlessly energetic and interesting. Learn a single style or mix and match until your heart’s content!
Best Reviewed Ballroom & First Dance Studio In Chicago
“Very grateful for Matthew and the team! Excellent, personally-tailored instruction. The space is stunning. An this has become our favorite weekly date night. It continues to be a time for us to connect, learn, and love on each other. Highly recommend.”
“My husband and I worked with David for our choreographed first dance. We were SO happy with how it turned out - performing it for our guests was one of the highlights of our wedding day! As a same-sex couple, it was important to us to work with an instructor who made us feel comfortable dancing together - David did just that, not only through his lessons but also his choreography. David embraced our vision for the first dance and eased us in to his choreography week over week....We will be back to dance at Ballroom Chicago even with the wedding over!”
“My wife and I have tried several dance studios around Chicago and by far the nicest and easiest to work with is Ballroom Dance Chicago. The teachers are great and really know how to guide you along in your dance practice. Highly recommended!”
Explore Our Events!
Whether you’re passionate about dance or simply looking for a fun and engaging way to spend your time, our events have something for everyone of any dance level!
From regular group classes and semi-private lessons (perfect for staying with your partner) to weekend workshops and dazzling formal balls, we offer a variety of events throughout the year to keep you moving and inspired.
Join Us For Dance Lessons
“My (now) wife and I attended not only salsa classes, but their wine event as well as had the pleasure of working with [many of their teachers] on our first dance for our wedding. The staff was patient, kind, professional and a blast to work with.”