Dancing Ditkas at BC
Have you seen the dancing Ditkas?
Have you seen the dancing Ditkas? In his capacity as an instructor at Ballroom Dance Chicago and manager of Ballroom College, Josh Anderson worked with Jake Mazanke and Catie Coghlan to create their news worthy wedding dances. Check out their segment on WGN!
Ballroom College specializes in getting you dancing in no time, without breaking the bank! Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, looking for a new activity, looking for dance certification, or just curious about partner dancing, our teachers can help you learn to feel capable and comfortable on a dance floor.
Free Swing & Salsa Dance Classes At The Ravenswood Art Walk!
During the Ravenswood Artwalk (Saturday September 16th through Sunday September 17th), Ballroom College will be offering complimentary swing or salsa group dance lessons every 30 minutes starting at 11:00 am with our last lesson at 5:30 pm. Our enthusiastic instructors will be there to guide you through the steps and show you our beautiful studio.
We highly recommend you sign up for a spot, but it is not required. Come early or late. Participate or spectate. We just want you come as you are and take advantage of the opportunity to grab water and enjoy some dancing!
Location: 4039b N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613.
We are located inside Ballroom Dance Chicago, our studio network hub and Chicago’s top-rated Ballroom, Latin & Swing dance studio.
About Ballroom College:
Ballroom College is your premier destination for dance education and training in Chicago. We are not an average dance studio; we are a dedicated institution focused on nurturing the next generation of dance teachers. We believe that partner dance should be accessible to everyone. That's why we offer fun and affordable ballroom dance classes that allow you to discover the joy of partner dance without breaking the bank.
We Offer:
Affordable and Comprehensive Teacher Training: We train individuals to become proficient dancers and dance instructors. Our programs are rigorous and specialized, catering to those aspiring to teach ballroom, Latin, and swing dancing.
Affordable Private and Group Dance Classes: Whether you're a beginner, preparing for a wedding, or curious about the technical aspects of dance, we offer a wide range of private and group classes. All classes are taught by our assistant teachers as part of their dance training.
About the Ravenswood Art Walk:
This signature neighborhood arts festival celebrates the vibrant creative community in Ravenswood, showcasing artists, makers, and more. This weekend-long event takes place along Ravenswood Avenue, stretching from Lawrence Avenue to Irving Park Road, providing a unique opportunity to explore the creative practices and talents that thrive in this neighborhood. During the Artwalk, you can expect to find open studios and galleries, pop-up performances, outdoor arts market, live music, and local businesses like Ballroom College!
For more information about the Ravenswood Art Walk and its schedule, you can visit their official website.
See you there!
Embracing Life Through Dance
"There is no time like the present."
How often have you heard this phrase and nodded in agreement, only to find yourself caught in the trap of procrastination? The tendency to delay things we find intriguing or have always wanted to try is a common human trait. We tell ourselves, "I'll get to that when I have more time," only to realize that time slips through our fingers, leaving us with unfulfilled desires and missed opportunities. I can personally relate to this sentiment – it's the reason I still haven’t taken that boxing class.
But why do we consistently put off engaging in activities that excite us or foster our curiosity? What drives us to delay the very experiences that could add depth and richness to our lives?
One such experience that often gets sidelined is the enchanting world of Ballroom Dance. Imagine gliding gracefully across the dance floor, swept up in the rhythm of the music, connecting with a partner in ways words could never convey. Ballroom Dance isn't just an art form; it's a lifelong pursuit that offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
A Journey that Starts Early: Lessons in Balance and Decision-Making
Starting Ballroom Dance at an early age has the potential to be transformative. Beyond the evident beauty of the dance, it imparts invaluable life skills. One of these skills is balance – both literal and metaphorical. In the dance itself, balance is crucial. The intricate steps and synchronized movements demand a keen awareness of one's body and its alignment. But the concept of balance transcends the physical realm.
Ballroom Dance teaches us to find equilibrium in the chaos of life. It's a metaphor for the delicate act of balancing responsibilities, passions, and relationships. The decisions made on the dance floor, from choosing the right steps to responding to your partner's movements, mirror the in-the-moment decisions we make in life. By learning to make split-second choices during a dance, we hone our ability to make informed decisions in our daily lives.
Embodied Listening: The Dance of Connection
In a world that often glorifies multitasking and distractions, Ballroom Dance reintroduces us to the power of embodied listening. When you're dancing with a partner, every movement, every shift in weight, and every change in direction is a conversation. You're not just listening with your ears; you're attuning your entire being to your partner's movements. This profound form of communication fosters a deep connection that extends beyond the dance floor.
As we age, this skill becomes even more vital. The ability to truly listen and connect with others enhances our relationships and our overall quality of life. In a society dominated by digital communication, Ballroom Dance offers a tangible way to rekindle the lost art of genuine human connection.
Dancing Through the Ages: A Recipe for Wellness
Aging is inevitable, but how we age is a matter of choice. Ballroom Dance, with its multifaceted benefits, can be a key ingredient in aging gracefully. According to the CDC, there are a staggering 36 million reported falls among older individuals. Falls can have severe consequences, particularly for the elderly. However, Ballroom Dance presents a solution.
At its core, Ballroom Dance involves stepping in intricate patterns set to varied rhythms. This practice, when sustained over time, enhances balance, coordination, and proprioception – the body's sense of its own position in space. These attributes become instrumental in preventing falls and maintaining independence as we age.
The Takeaway: Seizing the Present on the Dance Floor
The phrase "There is no time like the present" takes on a whole new meaning when we consider Ballroom Dance. This captivating art form invites us to step into the moment, embrace the joy of movement, and engage in meaningful connections. It's a reminder that postponing our passions can deprive us of the very experiences that make life vibrant and fulfilling.
So, let's not wait for the perfect moment or the elusive "more time." Let's step onto the dance floor of life today. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a novice, the world of Ballroom Dance welcomes all who seek balance, connection, and a profound appreciation for the present. As we waltz through life, may we remember that the dance itself is the destination, and every step is a celebration of the journey.
How Salsa Dancing Can Benefit Your Health and Well-Being
We are getting ready to dance to a live salsa band with our parent studio, Ballroom Dance Chicago this Saturday night (July 29th). With salsa on our mind, we thought this was the perfect opportunity to take a minute to explore the benefits of Salsa! With its infectious beats and fun movements, salsa has captivated people all around the world. Beyond being a delightful social activity, salsa dancing offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can enrich our lives in remarkable ways. So, slip into your dancing shoes as we delve into the numerous advantages of adding some salsa dancing to your life!
Salsa Provides A Heart-Pumping Cardio Workout
Salsa dancing is more than just a rhythmic expression; it's also a fantastic cardiovascular exercise. The energetic movements, swift spins, and vibrant footwork elevate your heart rate, making it an effective way to burn calories and improve stamina. Engaging in regular salsa sessions can lead to better cardiovascular health, increased lung capacity, and improved overall fitness levels.
Salsa Can Help With Toning and Flexibility
The constant body movements in salsa dancing help tone various muscle groups, including the legs, hips, core, and arms. The dynamic footwork, dips, and spins strengthen muscles and enhance flexibility. As you become more proficient in salsa, you'll notice improved posture, body control, and graceful movements.
Salsa Dancing Can Reduce Stress & Enhance Your Mood
Salsa dancing is a proven stress-reliever and mood-enhancer. The music along with synchronized movements release endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, reducing stress and anxiety levels. Dancing also promotes mindfulness, as it requires concentration on movements and rhythm, allowing you to temporarily escape daily worries and enter a state of joy and contentment.
Salsa Helps Create Social Connection and Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of salsa dancing is its ability to foster social connections. Salsa is often danced in pairs or groups, encouraging interaction and collaboration between dancers. As you immerse yourself in the salsa community, you'll make new friends, bond with like-minded individuals, and build a support system that extends beyond the dance floor.
Salsa Can Boost Your Self-Confidence
Learning a new skill like salsa dancing can do wonders for your self-confidence. As you grow more skilled and comfortable with your body movements, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in your progress.
Salsa dancing, beyond being a captivating dance form, offers a ton of life-enriching benefits. The advantages of salsa extend far beyond the dance floor. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, taking that first step into the world of salsa can lead to an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, joy, and fulfillment.
We hope you’ll join us soon to experience the magic for yourself!
Ways to Explore Salsa Dancing:
Join us at Ballroom Dance Chicago’s Summer Party this Sat, July 29th from 8pm-11pm. This is a BYOB event and tickets are $45. More Info & Tickets
Join us every week for salsa group classes! Classes are $55 for 1 month or $17 for a drop-in. The schedule may change, but you can view our most recent schedule here.
Private lessons are a great way to get individualized attention and move at your own pace. You can come on your own or with a partner! You can read more about private lessons here.
If you are interested in becoming a full-fledged certified Ballroom, Latin, and Swing Instructor, you’re in the right place. This is the heart and soul of what we do! Programs range from part time (8 hrs/week) to full time (16 hrs/week). Read more about our dance certification program.
If you’re interested in becoming an experienced salsa dancer more but you don’t want to go the certification route, you should consider our dance intensives. These allow you to join our certification students but allows you to focus on the styles that interest you most. Find out more about our dance intensive programs!
Finding Connection and Joy in the Loneliness Epidemic
Loneliness is a widespread issue that many people in the United States are facing today. The loneliness epidemic has been on the rise, especially with the challenges brought about by the global pandemic [1][2][3]. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States recently released a study where he stated that "[g]iven the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis” [9]. Essentially, what the Surgeon General is saying is that loneliness isn't just a fleeting feeling; it can have a profound, lasting impact on our mental and physical well-being [7].
While the pandemic forced us into isolation, leading to increased feelings of loneliness and disconnection [2][3], the good news is that we're not alone in feeling alone. In fact, rates of loneliness have doubled in the United States over the past 50 years [4]. Many experts, like the Surgeon General, say it’s time to tackle this issue head on, and we agree! At Ballroom College we feel privileged to live and breath dance knowing it can be a game-changer in our fight against loneliness.
Imagine stepping into a vibrant dance studio or joining a community dance class. As the music starts playing, you're transported to a world where loneliness takes a backseat, and connection takes center stage. In order to dance, you have to be present with others, both physically and mentally. In order for partner dance to work, you must have someone to dance with and you have to connect to that partner. With that said, it seems self-evident that dance can alleviate loneliness and bring us closer together. Here are a few specific ways we see dance helping all of us post-pandemic:
A Universal Language:
Dance is a language that transcends words. It allows us to communicate and express ourselves without the need for verbal communication [1]. In the realm of dance, we can connect with others on a deeper level, sharing emotions, stories, and experiences through movement.
Joining a Supportive Community:
When you join a dance class or become part of a dance community, you're not just learning the steps; you're entering a supportive and inclusive space [8]. Dance brings people together from all walks of life, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. The connections you forge on the dance floor can extend beyond the studio walls.
Expressive Outlet:
Loneliness often comes with a whirlwind of emotions. Dance provides a creative and expressive outlet for releasing and channeling those emotions [6]. Whether it's through fluid movements or powerful leaps, dance allows us to express ourselves fully, letting go of pent-up feelings and finding emotional release.
Shared Experiences:
In a dance class or performance, you're part of something bigger than yourself. The shared experience of dancing in synchrony with others creates a profound sense of connection [1]. You'll find yourself immersed in a collective energy, united by a common passion for movement and music.
Mindful Movement:
Dance requires us to be present in the moment, fully engaged with our bodies and the music [6]. As we become more mindful of our movements, we develop a deeper connection with ourselves. This self-awareness can extend to our interactions with others, allowing us to form more authentic connections.
Celebrating Individuality:
In the world of dance, each person's unique style and expression are celebrated. There's no judgment, only appreciation for the individuality that each dancer brings to the floor [8]. Embracing our uniqueness fosters self-acceptance and empowers us to connect with others from a place of authenticity.
In a world where loneliness seems to be on the rise, dance offers a powerful remedy. It brings people together, creating a sense of connection, joy, and belonging. So let's lace up our dance shoes, find a local dance class, or create a dance party in our living rooms. Let's use the universal language of dance to alleviate loneliness, forge meaningful connections, and dance our way towards a happier, more connected world.
Sources
[1] https://www.npr.org/2023/05/02/1173418268/loneliness-connection-mental-health-dementia-surgeon-general
[2] https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/communications-matter/202109/the-pandemic-epidemic-loneliness
[3] https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2021/01/feature-the-loneliness-pandemic
[4] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-mentality/201807/what-you-need-know-about-the-loneliness-epidemic
[5] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-new-discontents/202111/the-epidemic-loneliness
[6] https://evidencebasedliving.human.cornell.edu/blog/the-epidemic-of-loneliness-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/
[7] https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2022/11/loneliness--unpacking-the-silent-epidemic-damaging-our-health
[8] https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/loneliness-an-epidemic/
[9] https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
April Dance Opportunities
February 2nd: Ballroom College is excited to continue its twice monthly donation based Community Class.
April 6th: Ballroom College is excited to continue its First Thursday donation based Swing Community Class. The first Thursday will focus on swing dance forms to Blues music. Find more here:
April 10th: Ballroom College is excited to extend its second Monday donation based Ballroom Community Class. Find out more here:
April 20th: Ballroom College is back with their Third Thursday donation based Latin Community Class of the month which will feature a Latin Dance Class. Find more here.
April 22nd: Ballroom College presents Ballroom on Broadway. Ballroom Dance has been a major part of Broadway musicals since the beginning of musicals. We at Ballroom College want to celebrate all the amazing dancing with a day dedicated to some classic Broadway numbers and dances. Learn more here.
April 22nd: Ballroom Dance Chicago is back with one of our favorite events, Wedding Showcase. This is a space where people who are working on their wedding dances have a chance to show off their moves and practice what they got in front of the most supportive group you can find. Check out more here.
April 28th: Ballroom College is excited to party. We’re throwing our Fourth Friday Party. We’ll start the night with a Hustle dance lesson and then have an open dance floor for you to show off you dance moves. Cost is $10 and we start at 7:30pm.
April 29th: Ballroom Dance Chicago brings an exciting event Spring Swing! Enjoy live music from the The Gina Marie Swingtet (@ginastream) and the evening will be captured by Doug McGoldrick (@dougphotodotcom), so come dressed to impress & ready to dance.
We’ll kick off the party with a swing class taught by owner, Matthew Sove, before opening up the dance floor to foxtrot, waltz, and of course, swing dancing all through the night. There will be a few surprises throughout, so make sure you stay till the end! Check out more here.
Join Us For Ballroom on Broadway!
Join us for a Saturday of Ballroom on Broadway!
In the Heights
Ballroom Dance has been a major part of Broadway musicals since the beginning of musicals. We here at Ballroom College want to celebrate all the amazing dancing with a day dedicated to some classic Broadway numbers and dances.
As Winter melts away to Spring and the grass starts to grow we’re waking up from our cold winter's nap. On Saturday, April 22nd Ballroom College is incredibly excited to offer a selection of classes that will pump up your energy and leave you singing in the streets! No dance experience, No problem!
We’re offering four different classes from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Come to one, come to all!
Moulin Rouge
12:00pm - Tango
We’ll begin our afternoon, at noon, celebrating a dance that sets up some of the most tense Tango scenes from Broadway history. We’ll be dancing to pieces from Chicago, Moulin Rouge, and Rent.
$20/Person
12:45pm - Latin
Next we head south of the border for the latin beats that keep us moving all night. At 12:45pm we’ll hold our Latin on Broadway Class featuring music from In The Heights, West Side Story, and Get on Your Feet.
$20/Person
West Side Story
Crazy For You
1:30pm - Ballroom with Gershwin
After that we pay homage to one of the best to ever do it, George Gershwin. At 1:30pm we’ll spin and dip to a bevy of his songs from Crazy for You, An American in Paris, and Porgy and Bess.
$20/Person
2:15pm - Swing
Finally, at 2:15pm we dance one of the most joyous American dance forms in Swing. We’ll be featuring music from Chicago, Hairspray, and Sweet Charity.
$20/Person
Hairspray
Locate The Fun!
Ballroom College is located at:
4011 N. Ravenswood Ave #101, Chicago, IL, 60613
There is free parking out front
February Dance Opportunities
February 2nd: Ballroom College is excited to continue its twice monthly donation based Community Class.
February 2nd: Ballroom College is excited to continue its twice monthly donation based Community Class. The first Thursday will focus on swing dance forms to Blues music. Find more here:
February 13th: For all you Valentine’s go-getters, why not start your day of romance a day early. Sign up for a Private Valentine’s Dance session for you and your cutie. Check it out here.
February 14th: At Both Ballroom Dance Chicago and Ballroom College we have a swath of fun and romantic classes for you to experience with the one you love. Check out the Ballroom College classes here. Think through Ballroom Dance Chicago events here.
February 16th: Ballroom College is back with their second donation based Community Class of the month which will feature a Salsa Class. Find more here.
February 25th: Ballroom Dance Chicago is back with one of our favorite events, Wedding Showcase. This is a space where people who are working on their wedding dances have a chance to show off their moves and practice what they got in front of the most supportive group you can find. Check out more here.
Why Dance On Valentines Day?
There are so many options for Valentine’s Day fun.
There are so many options for Valentine’s Day fun. For example, the usual suspects: candlelight dinner, romantic movie, cards professing your love with beautiful poetic language. Each and every idea wonderful in its own respect.
They’re great. Seriously.
Also, they’re old standbys that over time can feel stale.
I have a fresh fun alternative. Do some dancing with the person you love.
Here are a bunch of reasons:
1. Beginners Mind is Sexy
Beginners mind (or Shoshin in Japanese) is a concept from Zen Buddhism that refers to an open eagerness when approaching something new. Going out for some dance lessons gives you the perfect opportunity to show your cutie how much fun you can be doing something new.
And here’s the thing…
Dance can be scary.
You’re in a room doing movement that’s new to you. Looking at your body in a mirror. It can be a big ask for some. Luckily, in partner dancing you’re never alone. You literally have someone holding you the entire time, sharing a vulnerable moment. Where else will you have a night where you can try something new, prove you can be open to fun new things, and share a vulnerable moment all in the same night?
2. Dancing will get your Blood Pumping
It’s no wonder the symbol for Valentine’s Day is the heart. Getting your heart rate up is a wonderful idea when you’re on a date. The exercise will release some neurotransmitters such as endocannabinoids and dopamine. Endocannabinoids function as the “don’t worry, be happy” chemical. After these molecules are released our bodies do a better job regulating stress or anxiety. Perfect if you're nervous for the date. Dopamine is released through physical activity and is one of the chemicals responsible for happiness. Dancing hard creates a feedback loop that rewards you with happiness simply by engaging.
3. The Simple Act of Touch will make you want to be Closer
When you touch another person your body produces a hormone known as Oxytocin. This hormone is also known as the love hormone. This chemical has been linked to feelings of connection. One of the main times you are pumped with Oxytocin is during your birth. It is one of the reasons that Mother’s and babies have such a strong bond. Just think of it… the mere act of touching someone during dancing bonds you more deeply.
4. Dance Lessons make a Great Surprise
Unless your partner has been pushing for dance lessons they won’t have a clue what you’re up to. Surprises make people feel cared for deeply and add a spark to the relationship. Valentine’s day is once a year, so why not go with something out of your ordinary? Who knows, you may find something new that you both love.
5. Learn to Read Your Partner’s Body Language
At the center of the idea of Leading and Following is the ability to listen and understand physical cues from your partner. Both the leader and follower need to be sensitive to their partner’s movements in order to dance together. The more you dance together, the more you’ll start to know when your partner s about to do something, like going right or left. You’ll know when they feel a certain way, like tenses or relaxed. As this process deepens your ability to adjust on the fly to your partner’s needs deepen. With practice, you’ll be able to see their mannerisms off the dance floor and know how they are feeling.
6. Dance is Something that Stays with you
So yes technically that foil swan that your server made out of your leftovers does count as something that stays with you, but eventually that food will spoil. Dance, unlike your leftovers, doesn’t good bad. Actually, the more you dance the smarter your body becomes. Valentine’s Day is an amazing time to create new memories with people that you love. Dance classes will not only engage an experience that will be fun and frivolous for you and your partner, but it also engages your ability to learn something in your body also known as muscle memory. Muscle memory is best exemplified in the old phrase, “It’s like riding a bike.” The reason the type of balance you need to ride a bike stay with you is because of your bodies ability to remember. Even one night of dancing has the ability to stay with you forever.
So what are you waiting for?
Plan your Valentine’s Dancing here.
How to pick your Wedding Dance Song
Weddings make up an incredible amount of choices. Locations, invitations, flowers, food, and SO MUCH MORE…
Photo Credit: Olivia Leigh Photographie
Weddings make up an incredible amount of choices. Locations, invitations, flowers, food, and SO MUCH MORE. Now someone is asking you what song you’re going to dance to for that all important first dance. And you are drawing a blank. Good news! We’ve put together a handy guide to help you in the process.
1. Pick something that you can both dance to
But how do we figure that out!?!
Great question everyone!
Like finding the right dress, you're going to have to try some music on… by dancing to it.
Here is a way to do this…
Start a shared playlist of wedding songs on your favorite streaming service. Once you’ve got a few (let’s say 5) on there start taking the time every night to have a sweat little dance session with your cutie. Dance through the whole of at least one song (swaying is totally fine!). Not only will this be a way to start getting comfortable moving together, but you’ll also start to figure out what’s important to you in a song that you will dance to.
2. Don’t be afraid to be yourself
We are all, each and every one of us, yes even you, a unique human being. And if you’re getting married, you are pairing yourself with another quirky person. Don’t shy away from yourselves. You want to dance to your shared favorite TV show theme…amazing. You both have to dance every time the B52’s Rock Lobster comes on…I love it. Are you going to do minimalist movement to John Cage’s 4’33’’…how avant-garde. Remember that this is a celebration of you and your amazing partner as one.
3. Call your mom and ask
She looks forward to your calls, loves being included, and might have some good ideas.
4. Write out a story of you and your loves journey
How did you meet?
Were you nervous?
Who asked who out?
What was your first kiss like?
What was your first fight about?
What was the moment like when you knew you were in love?
As you answer these questions and write out other important parts of your relationship see what songs come to mind. What themes speak loudest to you?
Photo Credit: Arden Studio
5. Check out some covers
Do you love a song that you feel is a little to cliché? That’s totally alright. If something is cliché it likely means someone has also created fresh versions with qualitative shifts that make the whole thing feel brand new. For this reason don’t rule out those fast songs that you love. There might be an acoustic version just your speed.
6. Get someone dear to you to perform
Is a friend of yours an amazing Cello player? Is your sister amazing an incredible bassoonist? It’s time to call in the favor from that time you took them to, or picked them up from the airport. Live music is incredible at a wedding. It can enhance the romantic experience and make it so it’s not just you in the spotlight.
7. Location location location
Are you at the point where you know where you’re getting married, but haven’t quite picked your song? Try thinking about the setting and themes of your wedding for inspiration. Is it going to be fancy or casual? Are you dancing outside or inside? Answers to all of these questions can help steer you towards a genre for inspiration.
8. Start with the dancing
Go out and start taking some lessons in a form that you or your partner have always wanted to try. Taking some classes will start to build your dancing talent and open you up to a lot of new music. While you’re at it… ask the teacher of the class? They might have some gems you’ve never heard.
Kicking off 2023 - January Offerings
January 5th Ballroom College is excited to start its twice monthly donation based Community Class. The first Thursday will focus on swing dance forms to Blues music.
January 19th Ballroom College is back with their second donation based Community Class of the month which will feature a Bachata Class.
January 28th Ballroom Dance Chicago will kick off its 15th year with a night to remember at our Winter Formal. A live band will play all night as we waltz, foxtrot, and swing the night away. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased here.
SummerDance Chicago 2022 - What You Need to Know
Chicago SummerDance series returns this summer! Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part (rain or shine!) in introductory dance lessons by professional instructors for free at parks throughout the city. Kicking off the festival starting in June, the summer event goes through July, August, and September with an end of the SummerDance Celebration on Sat. Sept 17th. Each event you will show up at a park, take a class, then dance the rest of the night away with live music!
For more information of Chicago’s SummerDance events, explore here.
Check out the summer schedule below!
Saturday, June 18, 12–4pm
Pullman Park, 11101 S. Cottage Grove
12pm - Salsa / Urbanity Dance Chicago
1pm - Line Dancing / Fre2Dance
2pm - Steppin' / TBA
3pm - Footwork / The Urban Ark
Wednesday, July 6, 4:30–7:30pm
Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
Haki Kino / Hawaiian fitness and dance exercises
4:30pm - Creative activities
5:30pm - Aloha Center Chicago with Lanialoha Lee, Kuma Hula (Master Hula Teacher) of Ke Kula Kupa`a O Ka Pakipika
Friday, July 8, 12–4pm
Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park
12pm - Line Dancing, featuring the Cha-Cha Slide / Janelle E. McGhee
1pm - Steppin’ / Shaun Ballentine
2pm - Polka Hop / TBA
3pm - Footwork / Christopher “Mad Dog” Thomas Music by DJ Mwelwa
Guest emcee Jennifer Billock, author of “Here Are 4 Dance Styles Born In Chicago To Mark The ‘Year Of Chicago Dance’” (Block Club Chicago; April 18, 2022), and Historic Chicago Bakeries (Arcadia Publishing; 2021)
Saturday, July 9, 11:30am–4pm
Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park
11:30am–1pm - A Walkie Talkie Dancey Party! Presented by Chicago Children’s Theatre & The Q Brothers
Followed by 30-minute dance lessons every hour and more music
1pm - Ballroom Basics (for kids and families) / Dancing With Class
2pm - East Coast Swing / May I Have This Dance
3pm - Merengue / May I Have This Dance
Sunday, July 10, 12–4pm
Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park
12pm - Salsa / La Mecca Dance Chicago
1pm - Kizomba / Shafeeha Monae
2pm - Bachata / Chicago Dance
3pm - Afrobeat / Stacy “Jukeboxx” Letrice
Music by DJ Kimani RashadMusic by Pacific Soundz & Friends of Aloha (Music of Hawaii and South Pacific)
Wednesday, July 13, 4:30–7:30pm
Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr.
Latin + Hip Hop
4:30pm - Creative activities
5:30pm - Dance Instructors TBA
6pm - Music Artist TBA
Sunday, July 24, 11am–3pm
Maxwell Street Market, 800 S. Desplaines St.
11am - Bachata / Latin Street
12pm - Salsa / Latin Street
1pm - Rueda de Casino (Cuban Salsa) / Latin Street
2-3pm - Open Dance
Music by Vintage Wed DJ Papi
Wednesday, July 27, 4:30–7:30pm
Palmer Park, 201 E. 111th St.
Neighborhood youth curated programming
Tanji Harper, Artistic Director of The Happiness Club, will lead community engagement with Kids Off The Block, The Urban Ark and Dance and Cheer of Excellence Academy to co-create the content of the overall program.
Wednesday, August 3, 4:30–7:30pm
Levin Park, 5458 W. Kinzie Pkwy
Afrobeat + House
4:30pm - Creative activities
5:30pm - Move Me Soul (Afrobeat, House)
6pm - Music Artist TBA
Wednesday, August 10, 4:30–7:30pm
Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1301 N. Humboldt Dr.
Salsa
4:30pm - Creative activities
5:30pm - Mayambo Dance Company (Salsa)
6pm - Music Artist TBA
Thursday, August 11, 6–9pm
Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.
Cumbia
6pm - Latin Street (Cumbia)
7pm - Quinto Imperio (Cumbia)
Friday, August 12, 6–9pm
Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.
Swing
6pm - May I Have This Dance (Foxtrot, East Coast Swing)
7pm - Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra (1936 Pop Music)
Saturday, August 13, 6–9pm
Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.
Steppin’
6pm - Dawud and Lura Shareef (Steppin’)
7pm - DJ Eric “ET” Taylor (Steppin’)
Wednesday, August 17, 4:30–7:30pm
Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave.
Steppin’
4:30pm - Creative activities
5:30pm - Majestic Gents (Steppin’)
6pm - DJ Myron (Steppin’)
Thursday, August 18, 6–9pm
Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.
Country & Western
6pm - Jeffrey Cannon & Meg Kindelin (Country Two-Step, Waltz, Polka)
7pm - Wild Earp & The Free For Alls (Country & Western)
Friday, August 19, 6–9pm
Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.
Salsa
6pm - Latin Rhythms (Salsa)
7pm - Afinca’o (Salsa)
Saturday, August 20, 6–9pm
Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.
A Dance Party for Every Body!
6pm - Desueño Dance and MOMENTA Dance Company (No Limits Latin/Fusion Adaptive Dance)
7pm - Calculated Discomfort (Disability-Led Fusion Grooves)
** Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) live captioning and ASL offered.
Wednesday, August 24, 4:30–7:30pm
Davis Square Park, 4430 S. Marshfield Ave.
Cumbia + House
4:30pm - Creative activities
5:30pm - Dance Instructors TBA
6pm - Music Artist TBA
Thursday, August 25, 6–9pm
Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.
Global Music and Dance Traditions
6–9pm - Dance lessons and music by Surabhi Ensemble (Global Fusion)
Dance styles to be taught throughout the night: Kinnari Vora (Indian Classical Hharatanatyam); Leticia Aravena (Flamenco); Phaedra Darwish (Dabke); Lorena Iniguez (Mexican Folk)
Friday, August 26, 6–9pm
Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.
House
6pm - DJ Wayne Williams (House)
Wednesday, August 31, 4:30–7:30pm
Ada Park, 11250 S. Ada St.
House
4:30pm - Creative activities
5:30pm - DJ Sundance (House)
Wednesday, September 7, 4:30–7:30pm
Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave.
Rueda de Casino (Cuban Salsa)
4:30pm - Creative activities
5:30pm - Edson de Cuba (Rueda)
6pm - Orquesta Charangueo (Salsa, Guaracha, Son Montuno)
Wednesday, September 14, 4:30–7:30pm
Jackson Park, Grove 6B, 1700 Columbia Dr. (south of Museum of Science and Industry)
Swing
4:30pm - Creative activities
5:30pm - Louie Stallone & Susan Fox (East Coast Swing)
6pm - Sam Fazio Quintet (Jazz)
Saturday, September 17
Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.
National Dance Day – SummerDance Celebration
Daylong celebration of free performances and activities.
You can look at the summer schedule on their website as well.
Ballroom Dance Terminology - Ballroom College
Learn some basic terminology for ballroom, Latin and swing dance.
You might be surprised to discover that the vocabulary for learning, teaching and communicating ballroom, Latin and swing dance is quite vast. At Ballroom College, we have six words we use regularly to teach and learn these partners styles. Our most important vocabulary words are: rhythm, musicality, partnering, footwork, technique and floorcraft. Read further to learn specific definitions for these terms.
Rhythm
Rhythm is exactly what it sounds like - the beat of a song, usually produced by the drum and/or bass guitar. This seemingly simple concept is quite complicated when we start talking about “meter,” “tempo,” and “time signature.” For our basic purposes in partner dance, we talk about “slows,” “quicks,” and “ands.” A “slow” is twice as long as a “quick” - a “quick” usually being one beat of music. These terms reference a weight change that takes place in the amount of time noted - one or two beats. The “and” denotes a an action (not a weight change) that takes one beat of music.
Rhythm is often the focus of teaching partnering dancing because it grounds footwork to the music. Unfortunately, some teachers teach rhythm and not rhythm’s cousin, musicality. Dance with rhythm and without musicality has an inauthentic, practiced, disjointed, unemotional look/feel. For us at Ballroom College, musicality is vital to partner dancing.
Musicality
Balanchine famously said, “dance is music made visible [through the dancer’s body].” Another way of understanding this is to say that the way a dancer expresses music with the body and movement is musicality. This concept of “becoming one with the music” is vital to beautiful partnering dancing as it envelops the partnership in music and each other. We do not use words to communicate in partner dancing. We simply listen to the music and our partner’s movement and craft beautiful conversations that last the length of a song.
Partner dance without musicality often looks like a conversation would sound if someone were crafting sentences despite what the conversation was actually about.
Two people talking about dance:
Person 1: I just love the way ballerina’s float about the floor! I’m dying to see Misty Copeland!
Person 2 (without “musicality”): I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox and which you were probably saving for breakfast.
Person 1 (looking quizzically at Person 2): I didn’t have plums in the icebox! I’m planning on going to see American Ballet Theater next weekend to see Misty. Want to go?
Person 2: Forgive me. They were delicious, so cold and so sweet.
Partnering
Partner dance without a partner is, well, not possible. “Partnering” refers to the relationship between the lead and follow (to use traditional language). At Ballroom Dance Chicago and Ballroom College, instead of “leader and follower,” we prefer to say “initiator and responder” because we think it more clearly captures the relationship between partners on the dance floor. The leader or initiator is the one who starts the movement - communicates to the follower or responder where and how to move. The responder interprets this initial lead and performs what they think the initiator intended for them. The initiator then senses the responder - how they’ve interpreted the initial movement - and then follows the responder to wherever they go on the dance floor (so really the leader is a follower too!). Another way of saying this, using the traditional terms, is that the leader initiates movement, the follower responds in the way they see fit, and the leader then follows the follower to their place on the dance floor. Good partnering looks like two people moving perfectly in sync with the other, having a conversation with their bodies and the music.
The opposite of good partnering is often what we see connected to the old language of leader and follower. The leader dictates the movement, forcing the follower to go exactly where they want them to go (the follower is “wrong” if they interpret the lead in any way that wasn’t intended). This type of partnering leads to clunky movement - partners throwing each other off balance, not being gracious, not saying, “yes, and” - partners worrying more about themselves rather than their partner.
Footwork
Footwork is the most basic concept in partner dancing; it is the patterning your feet make on the floor. Think about those old diagrams for teaching partner dance:
That’s a diagram for Waltz. Yes, if we think about Waltz in terms of footwork, that diagram is the Waltz. One of the most common misconceptions is that dance is footwork (or dance figure or dance step, as it’s often referred to) is the most essential part of learning a dance. In fact, the footwork is really only there to teach us concepts and techniques. Eventually, when a dancer understands a dance (say Waltz, since that’s what we’ve already mentioned), they aren’t every really thinking footwork, but, rather, technique, partnering and musicality. Footwork is a byproduct of these things. For example, an initiator would take a forward step in Waltz because in Waltz we would be attempting to move our responder backwards down the floor. We do not take a forward step just because we take forward steps in Waltz - the forward steps is there for reasons outside of itself.
Technique
Technique is what helps differentiate dances. For instance, a box step can be danced in Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba and Salsa. Technique is what makes these box steps look like a specific style of dance. Technique relates to how we hold our bodies, how we connect to our partner, how we connect to the floor.
In regards to partnering, technique also helps us better communicate with our partner. Technique helps us find balance and positioning that leads to fluid movement.
Floorcraft
Floorcraft can be understood as how we need to manipulate our dancing to work on a floor with other dancers (i.e., what do our surrounds permit?). Dances like Waltz and Foxtrot (progressive dances) that travel extensively require a lot of weaving in and out of and around other couples. Salsa and swing, which are much more stationary dances (spot dances), are often danced on very crowded dance floors, requiring much more control while spinning or rotating.
Rules for Both Progressive and Spot Dances
Beginners have much less control than experienced dancers and, thus, have priority on the dance floor. Unless we know everyone on the floor, we cannot assume anyone’s level and should make the assumption that everyone is a beginner unless they prove otherwise. Give everyone space. Don’t cut them off. If you do bump into someone, stop and apologize.
The only space that is yours on a dance floor is the space that is right under you and your partner’s feet.
Don’t invade another couple’s space.
Get a sense for the flow of the floor before you send your partner into a new spot. Another couple may be vying for the same space.
Never feel like you have to complete a step. Stop moving if you’re about to collide with someone.
Make sure to us compact frame and small steps when dancing on a crowded floor.
Use minimal or no arm and leg styling. If you’re randomly throwing arms and legs around, you’ll definitely hit someone.
“Tricks” - lifts and flips - are often not appropriate for a social dance floor.
The social dance floor is not an appropriate place to practice. If you need to work on a move or two, do it off the floor.
Don’t try to squeeze between other dancers.
Sometimes social floors fill up quickly. If it’s too crowded for you to dance comfortably, take a seat and wait for the next song.
An initiator and responder should protect each other from collisions.
Always walk forward onto a dance floor so you can see what’s coming.
Avoid walking across a dance floor.
Food and drink should be kept off of the dance floor.
Check the quality of the floor. Is it slick or sticky? Are there cracks and divots? You may need to limit what you do in order to avoid injury.
Rules for Progressive Dances
Keep moving along the line of dance. Don't stop suddenly unless you’re about to collide with someone. If you need to stop dancing, move off the floor.
The outside “lanes” of the dance floor is used by the more experienced dancers who can travel efficiently.
The inside “lanes” of dance floor is used by less experienced dancers who may move more slowly.
The center of the floor is used for stationary or spot dances.
Don't travel through the center of the dance floor.
Avoid quickly overtaking another couple. Either slow your movement down or switch to another “lane” to pass them.
Don't stress out other couples by dancing too close to them (especially behind)..
It’s is completely appropriate to dance to the center of the floor if you want to switch from progressive to spot dancing, or vice a versa.
If the floor is very crowded, stop trying to progress and make your dance more stationary.
Don't enter onto the floor unless your lane is clear. Just like merging into traffic, wait for a clearing and then starting moving right away.
Rules for Spot Dances
The most important thing with a spot dance is to do is decide where you want to dance. Find a spot that is open enough so you don’t invade someone else’s spot.
Don't unintentionally drift around on the floor. If you want to move to a new spot, do so, but make sure you have control/
Avoid drifting into another couple’s space.
Leave enough space between you and other couples so you can all take a few steps without colliding.
Adapt and orient to what’s already happening on the floor. This is especially important for slot dances like west coast swing.
Wedding Dance Lessons On a Budget - Chicago, IL
Ballroom College offers wedding dance lessons at budget friendly rates!
Dance lessons are notoriously expensive. And this makes sense. Many dance studios, like our parent studio, Ballroom Dance Chicago, have extremely experienced dance instructor who can charge a steep fee for their expertise. But where does that leave brides and grooms who are a little more budget savvy?
At Ballroom College, we’re delighted to offer wedding dance lessons, at our studio in Chicago, at more budget friendly rates than any other dance studio in the city.
How do we do this? We are a ballroom teacher training school that offers private and group dance lessons. Essentially, our teachers-in-training teach the lessons (supervised by a lead teacher who is focused on quality control). This is the equivalent of going to The Aveda School for a haircut or The New School for Massage, Body Work and Healing for a discounted massage.
If you’ve ever received a “discounted” service, then you know that you can get a lot of bang for your buck. The big difference between a “student service” and a more traditional experience is that you’re also participating in the education of your service provider.
The way this works at Ballroom College is that the lead teacher is, in the end, responsible for every lesson in the space. This means that they meet with every teacher to go over planning and prep. They also supervise every lesson to ensure a quality experience where the wedding couple’s goals remain the focus and a beautiful first dance is the result.
We can provide you with the whole spectrum of dances - a basic first dance learned in a couple of lessons to a fully choreographed first dance that takes months to perfect. Let us know what you’re thinking and we’ll be honest with you about how long we think it will take.
Contact us today to schedule your first lesson!
Styles of Dance We Teach
We teach 12 of the common dances used both socially and for wedding dances.
We’re mainly a social/wedding dance studio, so we focus on the dances that work best for those situations. In total, our syllabus has 12 dances:
Bachata
Cha cha
Country Western Two-Step
East Coast Swing & Lindy Hop
Foxtrot
Hustle
Night Club Two-Step
Rumba
Salsa
Tango
Waltz/Viennese Waltz
West Coast Swing
Below, you’ll find short descriptions of each of the dances.
Bachata
Bachata, as a dance, originated from the musical style in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s. It was danced primarily in the bars of brothels of the countryside, which made many consider it an art form of low standing; however, in recent years, Bachata has grow and thrived all over the world, and has finally reached a place where it is widely accepted.
Originally, the basic step of the Bachata was danced forwards and back; however, the basic is now more commonly danced from side-to-side. It is counted one, two, three, four, five, six, seven eight, with an accentuated hip action (especially for the follower) on the “4” and “8.” This hip action is one of the most notable characteristics of Bachata.
Cha Cha
Cha Cha evolved in Cuba as a variation of Mambo and was used for slower version of Mambo music; shuffle steps were inserted between the forward and back breaks of the Mambo to fill the time in the slower music. Cha Cha supposedly received it’s name from the sounds of the women’s feet shuffling across the floor.
Cha Cha came to the United States in the early 1950s and promptly sparked a dance craze.
After Cha Cha arrived in the U.S., the traditional violins and flutes of the Cuban music were often exchanged for the popular big-band instruments of the era, such as trumpet and trombone.
Cha Cha is a flirtatious and lively dance. Like most other Latin dances, it is non-progressive and emphasizes Cuban motion and rhythmic body expression.
The dance is usually counted as 1-2-3-4-and, or 1-2-3-cha-cha
Country Western Two-Step
Country Two-Step is primarily danced to country music and is a variation of Foxtrot. I got its various names, like Texas Two-Step and Country Two-Step, when it separated from Foxtrot in South.
Two-Step skyrocket in popularity in the 1980s after the release of the Travolta movie, Urban Cowboy, which takes place in Texas at a bar called Gilley’s that’s famous for Two-Step.
While the choreographers for the Hollywood film integrated a few Foxtrot movements into the performances, they got rid of the usual rise, fall and brushing of the Foxtrot. This gave the Two-Step a shuffling characteristic. The flat-footed technique of the Two-Step makes it quite distinct from its “smooth” Foxtrot ancestor.
East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop
This description could be a whole book unto itself, so we’re gonna keep it short and give a little history.
Swing is a group of dances that developed with jazz music in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Like with other styles of dance, “swing” refers to the style of music (jazz and big band in this case) that inspired the dance. During the “swing era,” countless styles of swing dancing were developed. Not many of these styles survived over the decades, with just a couple - Lindy Hop and the Charleston - still commonly danced today. The most popular swing dance, even to this day, is the Lindy Hop, which originated in Harlem in the early 1930s.
The term “swing dancing” is a late 20th Century term and includes other dances that don’t have certain characteristics shared in traditional swing dances such as the Carolina Shag, East Coast Swing, Jive, and West Coast Swing.
Foxtrot
Foxtrot, along with dozens, if not hundreds of dances (to name a few: Turkey Trot, Monkey Dance, Horse Trot, Grizzly Bear, Bunny Hug and Kangaroo Dip), popped up in the early 20th Century as a response to the syncopated ragtime music of the era. Most of these dances had a characteristically jerky motion.
In 1914, Harry Fox came up with his version of trotting and it quickly became a hot dance in New York City. When the Foxtrot finally made it to England, it was codified and smoothed out (as the brits did with many dances) and became more reminiscent of a Waltz. Foxtrot now is a characteristically smooth dance with controlled movement and a very leisurely look. Modern dancers mainly dance the Foxtrot to big band music, like Frank Sinatra’s, “The Way You Look Tonight.”
Hustle
Hustle was developed during the Disco era of the 1970s. It’s generally an upbeat, rhythmic dance similar to the swing dances. But unlike East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, Hustle doesn’t have “bouncing” or rise and fall. It’s actually quite smooth and rotational. In fact, at Ballroom Dance Chicago and Ballroom College, we refer to Hustle as “Smooth Swing.” We also don’t listen to much Disco music, so we’re often dancing Hustle to contemporary pop songs like “Uptown Funk,” by Mark Ronson, or “Get Lucky,” by Daft Punk. Hustle is an extremely versatile dance that anyone looking to dance at events (like weddings and charity balls) should learn.
One last note: the Hustle should not be confused with it’s line dance cousin “The Hustle.” While they share names and were originally danced to the same music, the partner dance has lived on while the line dance has faded into history.
Nightclub Two-Step
Nightclub Two-Step was developed in the 1960s for slow to mid-tempo ballad music in 4/4 timing. At the basic level, Nightclub Two-Step is a perfect dance for those wanting to take their slow partner dancing beyond a simple sway.
Some songs we use for Nightclub Two-Step include:
“Just a Kiss,” by Lady A
“You’re Still the One,” by Shania Twain
“Home,” by Michael Buble
“Who You Love,” by John Mayer
“Thinking Out Loud,” by Ed Sheeran
“Let’s Get It On,” by Marvin Gaye
“I’m Not the Only One,” By Sam Smith
Salsa
Whether talking about the “spicy” movement style or the blend of forms in its creation, Salsa is an incredibly fun dance. Salsa’s roots come from Cuba in the late 19th century, the dance forming in tandem with the popular music style with which it is paired. Salsa’s unique style comes from a combination of elements from Son of Cuba, troubadour music from Spain (flamenco and others), Rumbas coming from Africa through the slave trade, and Haitian immigrants.
Salsa’s basic step moves forward and back with dancers stepping on 1, 2, 3 and 5, 6, 7 counts, with rests on the 4 and 8 count. As this form became popular in night clubs Salsa has the ability to be danced in smaller spaces with plenty of people. This style is highly improvisational allowing both the lead and follow to have both a sense of dancing with another person and being self expressive.
Our Dance Studio
Our dance studio doesn’t look or feel like the usually ballroom studio!
We love the openness and warmth of our studio (especially the beautiful skylight)! Our founder, Matthew, didn’t want the studio to feel like your normal dance studio with a drop ceiling and florescent lighting. “Our surroundings have a direct impact on our ability and desire to learn,” he said. “And we want the studio environment to be a net positive, not a distraction.”
We absolutely love the vibe of the space and we think you will as well!
We took over the space from a pilates studio that was expanding (good vibes!). We removed the carpeting and basically gutted everything to start fresh. As you can see, we laid a beautiful new wood floor and added a couple of touches here and there to make the space functional.
The building, located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, was once a factory (we’re not entirely sure what was produced"), so it still has those industrial touches - exposed brick, beams, and a timber ceiling.
If you want to check out the space for yourself, you’re welcome to stop by anytime. Just shoot as an email give us a call so we know to expect you!