last minute first dance lessons in chicago

No matter how much time you have, learning to dance together should feel fun and learning for your first dance should feel like your favorite date night. Never stressed, forced, or awkward.

Here’s what the first dance process typically looks like for those with 1-4 weeks left before their wedding:

1. Your first lesson : We’ll get you on the dance floor to immediately start learning how to move together. While you’re dancing, we’ll ask you a lot of questions to gain to better understanding of what you are (and are not) looking for.

2. Continuing Lessons: Together, we’ll build a plan that fits your goals and timeline. We have some tricks up our sleeves like booking back to back lessons or adding an additional instructor that can help expedite your learning process.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice: We typically don’t send first dance students away with homework, but in your case, practicing your basic movement together will be incredibly helpful! Utilize the 15 mins after every lesson to practice what you just learned without your instructor’s watchful eye.

You’re tight on time, so we’ll cut to the chase. One lesson will not be enough to have you moving together comfortably to your first dance song. If you only have a day or two, one lesson is better than zero lessons! But you should expect to take more than one. Your instructor will discuss this with you at the end of your lesson.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but we’ll give you professional guidance that will work based on your time, budget, and goals.

Lesson pricing depends on how many lessons fit your timeline.

If your wedding is coming up fast, don’t worry. You do not need to decide on a full package right away. Many couples start with 1 or 2 lessons while we look at your schedule, goals, and how much time you realistically have.

If you decide to add more lessons, we’ll simply roll your earlier lessons into the package that fits your timeline, so everything stays simple and flexible.

The most important thing is getting started as soon as possible so we have the most options to work with.

Your first lesson is $180. After that:

• 5+ lessons: $165 per lesson
• 10+ lessons: $145 per lesson

Wedding planning comes with enough pressure. Your first dance is supposed to be the fun part! The moment you can quietly connect. Maybe even the start of the party!

We take the stress off your plate and replace it with a clear plan, expert coaching, and something you’ll truly look forward to. We meet you where you are, build everything around your goals, and help you walk onto that dance floor feeling prepared, connected, and confident.

As one of Chicago’s top-rated dance studios, our job is simple: make this easy, make it fun, and make it something you’re proud of.

If you’re here reading about first dance lessons, our guess is… you already think it is. And honestly? We agree.

Your first dance is more than a tradition or a photo opportunity. It’s one of the few moments on your wedding day where everything slows down and it’s just the two of you. It sets the tone for the celebration, gives your guests something real to connect with, and creates a memory you’ll carry long after the night is over.

Done well, your first dance doesn’t feel forced or performative. It feels like you—connected, confident, and fully present with each other.

That’s why couples come to Ballroom Dance Chicago. Not just to learn steps, but to find guidance about how to turn one of the biggest moments of the night into one of the most meaningful.

Cancellations: When you schedule a lesson, you are reserving that 45 minute slot of your instructor’s time. We understand things come up, but we need at least 24 hours to attempt to fill your slot (think of this like buying a ticket for that lesson time. We’re happy to resell your ticket if you give us enough time).

To cancel a lesson without being charged for the lesson, you must notify us at least 24 hours before your lesson starts (For example, if your scheduled lesson starts at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, you must call or email us before 8 p.m. on Tuesday). If you must cancel within the 24-hour period, you will be charged for the lesson in full. Please note that we do not make exceptions to this policy. To reschedule a lesson, please email info@ballroomdancechicago.com or call (312) 504-5866.

Refunds: All of our lessons and packages of lessons are nonrefundable and non-transferrable. They do not, however, expire. After one year, packages of lessons only retain the original purchase value of the lessons remaining in the package and can be applied to the purchase of a new package.