Dance Center Chicago
Ballroom &
Latin Classes
American Smooth · International Latin · Chicago, IL
About the Program
The Art of Partnered Dance
Ballroom and Latin dance represent two of the most elegant and expressive traditions in partner dancing. At Dance Center Chicago, we offer structured group classes in both American Smooth Ballroom and International Latin styles — taught in a welcoming environment for all experience levels.
Classes are offered at Beginner and Intermediate levels, and are formatted as monthly sessions. Each month focuses on one specific dance style, giving students the time and repetition needed to truly absorb the technique, timing, and character of each dance.
Monthly Sessions
Each month is dedicated to one dance style, giving you focused, in-depth time with each dance before rotating to the next.
Two Levels
Choose Beginner or Intermediate. No partner required — come solo and we rotate partners throughout class.
9 Dance Styles
Four American Smooth Ballroom styles and five International Latin styles — a complete foundation in partner dance.
American Smooth
Ballroom Dance
4 Dance Styles · Monthly Rotation
American Smooth is one of the two main categories of competitive and social ballroom dance. These four elegant styles share a common emphasis on grace, posture, and the connection between partners — each with its own distinct rhythm, character, and footwork vocabulary. Classes rotate through each style on a monthly basis.
Waltz
The most iconic ballroom dance. Characterized by its flowing, sweeping movements and the signature rise and fall through each measure of ¾ time. Elegant, romantic, and deeply musical.
Tango
Dramatic and sharp, American Tango is danced with staccato footwork, strong head movements, and an intense connection between partners. Powerful, precise, and theatrical.
Foxtrot
Smooth, sophisticated, and endlessly social. Foxtrot is danced to big band and jazz music, featuring long gliding steps and a relaxed, stylish quality that makes it one of the most versatile partner dances.
Viennese Waltz
The original waltz — faster, more exhilarating, and breathtakingly beautiful. Viennese Waltz travels around the floor in sweeping rotational patterns, demanding strong technique and fluid partnership.
Class Levels — Ballroom
Ballroom Beginner
Designed for dancers with little to no prior experience in Ballroom. Each month introduces the foundational elements of that month's featured style — basic footwork patterns, timing, posture, and the fundamental principles of lead and follow in a closed hold.
- No prior dance experience required
- No partner needed — we rotate throughout class
- New style introduced each month
- Focus on timing, posture & basic patterns
Ballroom Intermediate
For dancers who have a working knowledge of Ballroom basics and are ready to go deeper. Each month builds on the foundational figures of that style, adding more advanced patterns, refined technique, and greater musicality and expression.
- Prerequisite: Ballroom Beginner or equivalent experience
- More complex patterns & combinations
- Focus on technique refinement & musicality
- Same monthly style rotation as Beginner
International Latin
Latin Dance
5 Dance Styles · Monthly Rotation
International Latin is the most vibrant and high-energy category of partner dance. These five styles span a wide range of rhythms and moods — from the playful flirtation of Cha Cha to the raw intensity of Paso Doble. Each is taught in monthly rotating sessions, giving students the focused attention each style deserves.
Cha Cha
Cheeky, rhythmic, and endlessly fun. Cha Cha is danced to a syncopated 4/4 rhythm with its signature triple step. Full of flirtatious energy, hip action, and sharp, playful footwork.
Rumba
The dance of love. Rumba is slow, sensual, and deeply expressive — characterized by hip movement, body connection, and a conversation between two people told entirely through movement.
Samba
The soul of Brazil. Samba is fast, joyful, and pulsing with energy — danced with a characteristic bounce and sway, traveling around the floor with infectious rhythm and carnival spirit.
Paso Doble
Bold, dramatic, and theatrical. Paso Doble is inspired by the Spanish bullfight — the lead plays the matador and the follower the cape. Strong, powerful, and unlike any other dance on the floor.
Jive
Fast, electric, and exhilarating. Jive is the Latin equivalent of swing dance — danced at high speed with kicks, flicks, and a bouncy, explosive energy that lights up any dance floor.
Class Levels — Latin
Latin Beginner
Perfect for first-time Latin dancers. Each month introduces the essential elements of that style — the unique rhythm, basic step patterns, characteristic hip and body action, and the fundamentals of partner connection for each dance.
- No prior experience required
- No partner needed — we rotate throughout class
- New Latin style introduced each month
- Focus on rhythm, body action & basic patterns
Latin Intermediate
For dancers ready to go beyond the basics. Each month deepens your knowledge of that style's technique — adding more complex choreography, refined body movement, increased speed and control, and greater expressive range.
- Prerequisite: Latin Beginner or equivalent
- More advanced combinations & technique
- Focus on body movement, speed & expression
- Same monthly style rotation as Beginner
Get Started Today
Join a Ballroom or Latin Class
No partner needed. No experience required for Beginner. Just show up and dance.
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