Waltz Academy in Chicago
Ballroom Dance Chicago is home to the premier Waltz Academy in the United States. Our mission is to preserve the beauty and tradition of the Viennese Waltz and English Waltz, while making them accessible and relevant to today’s dancers.
This program is designed for all levels—from total beginners to experienced dancers—and offers more than just steps. It’s about mastering movement, musicality, floorcraft, and etiquette so you feel confident dancing in both social and formal settings.
For those preparing to attend a Viennese ball, our Academy provides focused training to help you navigate the elegance and energy of a truly crowded ballroom—like the Hofburg Palace or the Vienna State Opera House, where our team travels with students each year to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We know not everyone can or will travel to Vienna—which is why we bring the magic here through Chicago Ball Season. From October through March we offer a series of immersive events that reimagine the elegance of European balls right here in Chicago. Whether you're attending the New Year’s Ball, the Bridgerton Ball, or any of our other formal events, the Waltz Academy gives you the tools to experience it more fully and confidently.
Waltz Academy Offerings
We currently offer beginner to intermediate group classes, while more advanced dancers are challenged in Private Lessons. Below you will find classes that are especially helpful for those preparing for a Viennese ball or similar event. We offer styles commonly danced at formal events, including English waltz, Viennese waltz, rumba, cha cha, and quadrille.
If you are interested in to focus of private lessons, book a Private Intro Lesson to discuss personalized training options. This ensures all dancers—at any level—receive the focused instruction they need to succeed on the floor.
Waltz Academy Class Schedule
Waltz Academy Group Class Schedule
On this page you can find classes that would be helpful to someone preparing for a Viennese Ball or a similar event. This includes styles like English waltz, Viennese waltz, rumba, cha cha, and quadrille as these dances are on heavy rotation at balls in Vienna.
We currently only offer beginner to intermediate classes for group classes. We teach all levels particularly more advanced dancers, in private lessons. If you are an intermediate to advanced dancer, looking to join, please book an Intro Lesson to further discuss.
Please Note: If the class says it’s for couples, a partner is required, and you should expect to stay with your partner the entire class.
Find Our Studios
Lakeview Studio
4039b N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL, 60613
West Loop Studio
845 W Fulton Market Rd. #213
Chicago, IL, 60607
Still have questions about Waltz Academy classes?
Common Questions About Waltz Academy
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While we operate two convenient locations in Chicago, our Lakeview studio is the official home of the Waltz Academy. This is where the majority of their classes, though you can find a few, Classes for Couples at our West Loop studio.
Once you're an established client, you'll have the flexibility to choose between either location, depending on instructor availability and scheduling.
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We specialize in teaching the Viennese Waltz, English Waltz, and Quadrille. These classic dances are characterized by their elegance, grace, and smooth movements. We also offer lessons and workshops on other ballroom dance styles commonly seen at balls upon request.
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At Waltz Academy, we offer three distinct levels of learning, each designed to cater to your unique experience and learning pace. Our tracks require varying levels of commitment, ensuring that every dancer finds the perfect fit for their needs.
Beginner Fundamentals: Embark on your dancing journey with the basics of slow waltz and Viennese waltz, from posture to the iconic rotary movement.
Intermediate Techniques: Advance your skills with intricate techniques and styling, enhancing your musicality and expression on the dance floor.
Advanced Performance: Aim for perfection in performance or competition, mastering the artistry and technique of this exquisite dance.
We also offer Weekend Immersion classes and one-off group classes throughout the year, so keep your eyes on our schedule for update class dates.
Syllabi
While adhering to many of the established norms in Viennese and English waltz, our syllabi are proprietary to us. Under development since 2008, they capture the true essence of these dances and provide an accessible path to mastery.
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No prior experience is necessary! We offer classes for primarily beginning to intermediate dancers. Advanced dancers continue their skills in private lessons. Our instructors will guide you step-by-step through the basics if you’re just starting out.
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We offer two types of group classes. Classes for couples are smaller in size and allow you to come and stay with your partner for the whole class. Classes for everyone are for solo dancers and couples who are interested in rotating partners.
If you’re interested in private lessons, no partner is needed, and our instructors can work with you one-on-one to improve your dancing skills.
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For our Waltz Academy and Quadrille classes, we request that participants wear a jacket or a dress to match the formal nature of these dances and help you learn to dance in clothing more similar to what you might wear at the event.
For private lessons, you are free to wear anything comfortable—many students opt for workout attire, as private sessions can be more intensive with lots of dancing.
It's highly recommended to wear ballroom shoes that have suede soles. If you do not have ballroom shoes, feel free to wear comfortable shoes with smooth soles.
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Yes, we do! We offer special wedding dance lessons tailored to couples preparing for their first dance. Whether you want to waltz or learn a different style, we’ll choreograph a beautiful routine suited to your song and preferences.
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Cancellation Policy:
BDC requires 24 hours notification if you must cancel your lesson (for whatever reason) to avoid being charged. We do not make exceptions to this rule.
Ball Season Event Cancellation:
You must cancel at least 7 days in advance to receive studio credit. We do not offer credits or refunds for no-shows or cancellations with less than 7 days notice. We do not make exceptions to this rule.
Refund Policy:All purchases are non-refundable, but don't worry-they never expire. If you need to cancel a lesson and give us at least 24 hours' notice, we'll credit the $ value to your account.
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In much of Europe, ballroom culture is introduced early—woven into school traditions and social life from a young age. In the U.S., many of us come to partner dancing later, drawn to its elegance, energy, and connection, but unsure where or how to begin.
Chicago Ball Season is designed to change that.
These events aren’t just a series of dances—they’re part of a growing cultural shift, designed to give you not just the steps, but the experience, context, and confidence to join social dance spaces here in Chicago—and around the world.
Each ball offers a welcoming space to try something new, move with confidence, and experience a night that feels both elevated and completely within reach.
Expect education, inspiration, surprise, and joy—because every guest brings something unique that enhances the night.
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Our Viennese Waltz program offers an exclusive opportunity to experience the grandeur of Vienna's ball season firsthand. This trip includes:
Attending Two Prestigious Balls: Experience the pinnacle of ballroom dancing by participating in two of Vienna's most celebrated balls - the Kaffeseiderbal and the Opernbal. It's a chance to witness the tradition, elegance, and sophistication of the waltz in its birthplace.
Cultural Immersion: Explore the historic city of Vienna, visiting landmarks that have shaped the world of ballroom dancing. This cultural immersion deepens your understanding and appreciation of the dance.
Master Classes in Vienna: Take part in master classes with renowned local instructors, honing your skills in the very city where the waltz originated.