What to Expect

Your first social dance

1. Arrive a few minutes early. Someone from the chapter will greet you, answer questions, and make sure you feel welcome.
2. Free group lesson. The evening opens with a lesson on the featured dance — a perfect warm-up and a great chance to meet people.
3. Open dancing begins. The DJ plays variety music: ballroom, Latin, and swing. You'll recognize some from the lesson and can sit out any you don't know yet.
4. Partners rotate. Our community is friendly and inclusive. It's normal to ask and be asked to dance — and it's always OK to politely decline.
5. Refreshments and conversation. Light refreshments are usually available, and there's plenty of time to chat between songs.
6. You'll leave with new friends. That's how most of our regulars got started.

Your first group lesson

1. Warm-up and introductions. Quick review of the dance's rhythm, timing, and basic posture.
2. Footwork solo. You'll learn the basic steps on your own, without a partner — everyone does this part together.
3. Partner practice with rotation. You'll pair up and rotate every few minutes. You'll dance with everyone in the class by the end.
4. Put it to music. The last portion is open practice — a low-pressure chance to try the new steps with real songs.

What to bring

• Business casual attire — pants and a shirt, or a dress. Nothing formal required.
• Smooth-soled shoes that stay on your feet. Leather soles are best; rubber soles stick to the floor.
• Water — dancing is great exercise and you'll warm up quickly.
• An open mind — and we'll handle the rest.

What you don't need

• A partner — we rotate during every class
• Prior experience — beginners are at every event
• Dance shoes — a regular pair of smooth-soled shoes is fine
• To know every dance — sit out what you don't know yet