First Dance Classes in 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, and classes are a low-pressure way of exploring your movement together.
Timeline Tip: We recommend you start in classes with 6+ months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to build a solid foundation and know what you like (and don’t like!) before moving on to private lessons.
Bonus: Because your learning is focused on more than one song, you’ll also develop the confidence and connection to enjoy dancing together throughout your entire wedding—and wherever life takes you next.
Couples Classes vs. Private Lessons
Couples classes are small group classes where you stay with your partner the entire time. We don’t work with your first dance songs in any of our couples classes so they make a fantastic foundation and supplement to private lessons. We don’t work with your first dance song in any of our couples class,s
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.
You should expect to do a mix of both!
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.
You’re also welcome to book a 30 minute Consultation to have your instructors’ professional opinion about your options for classes and lessons.
Drop-In & Credit Packages:
You don’t need to purchase a package of classes to start. Book your drop-in and we’ll prorate it into a package or monthly plan after you try a class out!
A Peek at Some of Our Wedding Couples
First Dance Lesson FAQ
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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
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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.
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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.
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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. And we’re here to guide you through every step.
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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!”
“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”
“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!”
Contact Us
Request More Information:
Lakeview Studio
4039b N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL, 60613
West Loop Studio
845 W Fulton Market Rd. #213
Chicago, IL, 60607