Where to Take Classes
At The University of Maryland
The Art and Learning Center, in conjunction with Ballroom at Maryland offers several group dance classes Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, as well as summer breaks. Instructors teach International Style Latin and Standard, American Style Rhythm and Smooth, Merengue, and Salsa.
For more information on class schedules, locations, prices and dates, see the Art and Learning Center’s website. We highly recommend these classes because they are cheaper than similar classes at most dance studios and because taking these classes is a great way to meet fellow UMCP students. We have selected some of the best professionals in the area to teach the classes including:
Art and Learning Center Class FAQ
At Local Studios
There are many local ballroom dance studios that offer classes. For a complete list click here. The two most popular studios for UM students are Chevy Chase Ballroom and The Promenade DanceSport Facility.
Chevy Chase Ballroom holds group classes every night of the week. Particularly helpful are the international style classes that focus on one dance at one level for an hour. The bronze classes are held Tuesday nights, the silver on Wednesday nights, and the gold classes are on Thursday nights, from 8 until 10 pm. (8 - 9 pm is latin, 9 - 10 pm is standard).
The Promenade DanceSport Facility offers group classes during the week, and social dances on weekends. They have a 5500 square foot dance floor and a private practice room. The types of classes vary from ballroom syllabus to hula dancing.
For complete schedules and information see the studios’ websites.
At Other Universities
George Washington, Georgetown, American, and Catholic University are all local universities that offer group dance classes though their ballroom clubs. There are two main benefits to attending classes at another university:
- It is an excellent way to meet more people who dance (especially if you are looking for a dance partner).
- It will expose you to different dance instructors and different styles of teaching. If you have been having a problem with a step or some technique, hearing it explained in a different way can make a world of difference.
Traveling to a nearby school may seem like a hassle, however, the schools are all Metro-accessible and there are usually other members of BAM you can carpool with.