First Dance Classes in Chicago

Megan and Peter First Dance By Ballroom Dance Chicago

Peter & Megan. 🎶 Let Loose by Mt. Joy🎶

First Dance Classes Are a Great Way to Start Learning How to Move Together.

Whether you want a classic, natural first dance or a full choreographed performance, we’re here to help you look confident and feel comfortable. Most couples have little idea of what they will need, so don’t stress about not having everything figured out just yet.

While you will most likely find yourself taking a combination of Couples Classes and Private Lessons, read more below to see what makes the most sense for you.

Consultation

If you have more than 3 months before your wedding, the consultation is the easiest place to start. See the studio, share your goals, try out a few dance styles that fit your first dance song, and discuss the best options based on what you’re looking for. Book a consultation here.

Couples Classes

Couples Classes are small group classes where you stay with your fiance the entire time. It’s a very budget-friendly way to experience the studio and dancing together.

We recommend you start in an Intro to Ballroom, Swing, or First Dance class. In about 2 classes you’ll have enough foundation to move into the regular Couples Classes. Here, the instructor rotates between each couple (limited to 4 couples), teaching you at your own level and pace. View the upcoming schedule below.

Private Lessons

Private Lessons are one-on-one attention from an instructor where you will work specifically with your first dance song and come up with a game plan for your song that matches your goals.

If you love personalized attention, or are short on time, (less than 3 months to go), jump right in with a first private lesson. Your instructor will help you understand the best path forward for your vision, goals, budget, and timeline.

First Dance Class Schedule

Which Dance Styles To Choose:

We generally recommend you start in a Ballroom or Swing class. Most songs people use for their first dance will match a combination of these styles. These classes are not wedding-specific, so you will gain foundations in dancing for your wedding and beyond!

Some people enjoy starting with Intro to First Dances to try out different styles and see what they like best.

Do We Need to Commit to A Package Right Away?

You don’t need to purchase a package of classes to start. Book your drop-in and if you continue, we’ll roll your first class into package or monthly plan so you get the best rate.

A Peek at Some of Our Wedding Couples

First Dance Lesson FAQ

  • It really depends on what you’re envisioning! Are you hoping for a show-stopping first dance or something more simple? How long is your song? Do you have any dance experience? Will you have time to practice between lessons? These are all things we take into consideration.

    Most couples take a combination of both private lessons and group classes that help keep them consistent in learning something new together.

    But don’t worry — you don’t have to figure everything out right now. Start with a consultation or first lesson, talk through your goals, and your instructor will help you map out a plan. There’s no pressure, no hard sales — just honest, professional advice to help you look and feel your best. goes here

  • Your first dance doesn’t have to be over the top unless you want it to be. Whether you’re picturing a few simple, elegant moves or a full-on performance, we’ll personalize everything to match your style and comfort level.

    Here’s where we can help set your expectations: Looking natural and comfortable together doesn’t happen overnight. Even for a simple dance, you’ll need more than one or two lessons to move in sync, feel (and look) relaxed, and actually enjoy the moment.

    Think about the rest of your wedding—you’re hiring professionals to help you look great, stay organized, and feel confident throughout the process. Dance lessons are no different. You’re not expected to know how to do this on your own! A professional helps you take your vision and turn it into something that works, no matter how big or small—because this is what we do every day.

  • Our recommendation is to start early and stay consistent. This means, the sooner, the better. If you want to look natural, at ease, and truly connected on your wedding day — especially doing something you’ve never done before, time is the best gift you can give yourselves.

    If you’re already searching for ‘first dance lessons’ or ‘wedding dance lessons near me’, that’s your sign: it’s time to get started! The goal is for your first dance to feel easy and natural — not rushed or stressful.

  • Absolutely! You’re in good company— Most couples who come to us have never danced before.

    First dance lessons are designed to be fun, connected, and low-stress — think of it as a date night where you get to learn a new skill together. A skill you can keep! You’ll be surprised how quickly you start feeling comfortable.

  • We offer a range of options to fit your goals, timeline, and budget.

    For several reasons, most couples opt in to our monthly plans.

    • Combine couples classes & private lessons to keep your learning consistent.

    • Have flexibility to ramp up or down depending on your schedule.

    • Spread the cost of your lessons out by using monthly payments.

My wife-to-be and I did the ten lesson package to prep for our first dance and we could not be happier with the results. Our instructor, Ricardo (Ricky), is the sweetest human being and choreographed the perfect dance for our skill level and song. The lessons go by so quickly, only because we’ve had so much fun in the process. Highly recommend!
— Brandon C on Google
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
— Andy F on the Knot
I had a wonderful experience with private wedding lessons at Ballroom Dance Chicago! I worked with them for my daddy/daughter dance and for my first dance with my husband. In both instances, the instructors choreographed a dance that matched out styles and ability levels perfectly. The lessons were relaxed and fun, and we had a great time showing off our dances on the big day!
— Caroline R on Yelp

Contact Us

A couple dancing closely at a social event, with a jazz band playing in the background.

Request More Information:

Lakeview Studio

4039b N Ravenswood Ave

Chicago, IL, 60613

 

West Loop Studio

845 W Fulton Market Rd. #213

Chicago, IL, 60607