Welcome to Ballroom Dance Chicago
Walking into a dance studio for the first time can feel a bit like arriving in a foreign country. Everything might feel unfamiliar—new surroundings, new people, maybe even a new language of movement. You might be wondering:
What should I wear?
Will everyone be better than me?
What if I have two left feet?
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Nearly all of our students felt the same way before their first visit.
Here’s what you can expect when you walk through our doors:
A Warm Welcome
As you enter, one of us will greet you—sometimes from across the room if we're finishing a lesson. You’re welcome to hang up your coats, make yourself comfortable, and settle in. If we're not immediately available, feel free to relax and take in the space. Oh, and yes—our studio is BYOB-friendly!
A Conversation, Not an Audition
We’ll begin with a casual conversation to get to know you and your dance goals (if you have any—no pressure if you don’t!). Whether you're here for wedding dance prep, a new hobby, or just a fun date night, we’re excited to hear your story and answer any questions you may have.
Hitting the Dance Floor
Once we’ve had a chance to connect, we’ll head to the dance floor and start from the very beginning. You’ll learn how to move with your partner, how to lead or follow, and how to feel more confident in your body. This isn’t about memorizing steps—it’s about building connection, rhythm, and comfort in motion.
By the end of your first lesson, you’ll walk away with a clearer sense of how partner dancing works and—more importantly—how it can feel good in your body.
You Don’t Need Experience (Seriously)
Roughly 98% of our students walk in with no previous dance training. Many describe themselves as “non-dancers,” and we love that. Our specialty is working with beginners and helping them discover their own unique style. Whether that means learning how to walk with a little flair or diving into specific dance steps, we’ll meet you exactly where you are.
Comfort First, Confidence Follows
We believe the more comfortable you feel, the more likely you are to stick with it—and enjoy the process. Our goal is never perfection; it’s progress and enjoyment. Over our nearly 20 years in business, we’ve never met a student who couldn’t learn to dance. The secret? Show up, stay open, and trust yourself.
As psychologist Dr. Sherrie Campbell writes, “To be successful, choose your thoughts wisely and deliberately.” If you believe you can dance, you're already halfway there.
Let Go of the Myths
You might be imagining mirrored walls, sequins, or a room full of professional dancers. The reality? You’ll see everyday couples—people just like you—dancing, laughing, and learning with instructors who genuinely want you to succeed. Our spaces are designed to feel modern, inviting, supportive, and a little bit magical.
Find Our Studios
Lakeview Studio
4039b N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL, 60613
There is free parking in front of the studio, but please allow time for parking considerations so that it does not interfere with your scheduled lesson.
When you arrive, look for the big Ballroom Dance Chicago sign above our door. On the day of your appointment, if you're running late or need to contact us last minute, please give us a call at 312-504-5866 (Lakeview studio).
West Loop Studio
845 W Fulton Market Rd. #213
Chicago, IL, 60607
Parking in West Loop can be difficult. Please allow extra time for parking considerations so that it does not interfere with your scheduled lesson.
The West Loop studio is located across the street from Beatrix. When you arrive buzz #213 on the call box to enter. Follow the hallway back to the elevator and go to the second floor. Turn right when you exit the elevator to find our studio. On the day of your appointment, if you're running late or need to contact us last minute, please give us a call at 224-425-8724 (West Loop studio).
Let us know if you still have questions. We’re here to help you feel welcomed and comfortable for your first visit.
FAQ
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Our Lakeview studio is located at 4039B N. Ravenswood Ave (near Irving Park), Chicago, IL 60613.
Public Transportation: Brown Line CTA stop at Irving Park, Ashland Bus # 9, and Irving Park Bus # 80.
Driving Directions: Ravenswood Ave has two directions, running on either side of the Metra tracks. We are located at the Ravenswood on the East side of the Metra tracks. Free parking is available in front of our building.
Our West Loop Loft studio is located at 845 W Fulton St, Ste. 213 Chicago, IL 60607.
Public Transportation: Blue Line CTA stop at Grand, Green and Pink Line CTA stop at Morgan.
Parking: Metered/street parking available in the area.
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Consultations and intro lessons are 30 minutes. Private lessons are 45 minutes. The last 5 minutes of each appointment is spent scheduling and taking notes. Once your instructor leaves, you have up to fifteen minutes to practice in the space.
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If you're running behind schedule, don't worry. Just give us a call at 312-504-5866 (Lakeview) or 224-425-8724 (West Loop studio) and let us know you're on your way. Due to our busy schedules, we'll still need to end your appointment at the originally scheduled time.
We have a strict cancellation policy. If you need to cancel at the last minute (within 24 hours of your appointment), you will be charged.
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Rates range for private lesson range from $135 – $180, depending on the number of lessons purchased in a package. Studio members receive an additional 25% + on private lessons.
Don’t feel pressured to make a decision about the number of lessons right away. You can speak with your instructor about your goals and your time frame on your first visit. We’re always happy to prorate up to 2 lessons into a package to give you time to consider your options.
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Wear anything that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Generally our students wear regular daywear: slacks, jeans, dresses, tee shirts. Bring shoes that you will wear when you go out dancing or similar to the ones you will wear at your wedding. We recommend bringing shoes with a non-grip sole (sneakers are not recommended) that will stay attached to your feet (flip-flops are not the best option).
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Firstly, not to worry. You can begin taking dance lessons without knowing your song. Your instructor can start by exploring different styles of dance with you, and this will help you decide on a song that suits your favorite dance style. We’ve written many blog posts with useful tips about choosing your first dance song. More importantly, we'll be able to discuss some options and offer suggestions on your first visit.
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To cancel a lesson or consultation without being charged for the lesson, you must notify us 24 hours before your appointment 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). We do enforce a strict cancellation policy, so let us know if your schedule changes ASAP. To reschedule a lesson, please email info@ballroomdancechicago.com or call (312) 504-5866 (Lakeview).
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All of our lessons and packages of lessons are nonrefundable and do not expire. After one year, packages of lessons only retain the original purchase value and can be applied to the purchase of a new package.