SOCIAL & CLUB DANCING

Dancing provides an ideal social climate in which to meet new people. And since learning to dance is a skill that stays with you for the rest of your life, the benefit of being able to continuously meet new people will never disappear. Chicago Dance is the perfect stop to meet a new group of friends. The students at our school are warm, friendly and enthusiastic, and are the most important part of the Chicago Dance experience.

All the dances can be danced for the simple social pleasure of people moving to the music together. Some people may also have the desire to do competitive dancing, where the partners are trying to meet a high standard of technical and artistic goals.

Most of the group courses we teach at Chicago Dance are geared towards social dancing (except for those, such as International Style or Formations, which are specifically focused on performance and competition). Several dances are taught more "club style" because they are danced at nightclubs: Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, West Coast Swing, Hustle and Argentine Tango.

We try to provide an atmosphere for men and women to gather together and develop friendships. Dance is a great excuse to dress up and have a good time. The physical exertion and fun of partner dancing combine to create one of the most effective stress releases available. Going out dancing and taking dance CLASSES allows you to forget about your everyday problems and focus on fun, flirting and friendship. And best of all, you can dance at any age and feel great.

Most people are not fortunate enough to grow up dancing. But you’re never too young or too old to start dancing. The initial learning process tends to occur best in a structured way. We will teach you a series of steps and moves because it is more meaningful to you as a student and more productive for us as instructors. Since repetition is essential to learning any physical activity we work on a consistent vocabulary of steps.

The more advanced students have the opportunity to develop their dancing style and acquire more skill in lead/follow techniques. Social dancing, along with formal instruction, is essential to learning how to dance. It helps you to solidify what you learn in classes while perfecting your technique, lead/follow skills, frame, connection, and more. Besides, it's a great way to meet new people who share your interest in dance, and - most importantly – it is fun! To help people practice and perfect the skills being learned in class, we offer a weekly party where the staff of Chicago Dance is available to help. We also encourage you to take your new found ability to the many wonderful clubs and social events in and around Chicago.

The rhythm of the music and the movement in partnership make social dancing one of the most satisfying experiences you’ll ever have.

Here are some basic tips about social dancing, whether at Chicago Dance or any of the clubs and dance events around the city:

• A couple of basic steps, done correctly and on tempo are more fun for your partner than a complicated pattern done badly and off-time. Smooth is better than fancy!


• One needs to have good technique and lead/follow. You don't need to have years of experience, but rather learn to dance in a relaxed manner and with confidence.