ballroom dance lessons - recommendations? (home, wedding, price)

[JennL]

I'm looking for a good place for an 18 year old to take ballroom dance lessons. Looked at a variety of places on the web - Elan DanceSport, Dance with Me, Dance Factory, Alliance Dance, Lioudmila, etc. Can anybody make any recommendations, or have any opinions on these places or others? Any help is much appreciated.

[DC Oldtimer]

OMG is Dance Factory still around? I can't believe it! I used to dance there before everyone was born. The owner was a very nice guy named Dennis. It was generally a fun place and I think it had a lot of satisfied customers.

People who became really serious about their dancing, however, often moved on. At the time Dance Factory was primarily a disco and American style ballroom place. American style is the dumbed down version for people who want to learn how to dance at their wedding. Really serious folks go on to what is called International Style. The place for that at the time was Danceland II on Wisconsin Avenue. I think that might be what is now called the Dance Sports Center or something like that. Some of the biggest names taught there.

There was also a place called the Virginia Ballroom where the serious dancers hung out on the weekend. I think they gave lessons too.

Of course this was all a very very long time ago.

If the issue is private lessons, personal chemistry with the teacher is likely to be a big factor. So trial and error may be the only way to find the best longterm fit. If OTOH this is just a short-term pursuit to pick up a few skills, I suspect any place in the area will be fine.

[dcjd2b]

I take classes with Latin Dancer in Tyson's. It is reasonably priced. The instructor teaches both private and group lessons and you get the opportunity to learn salsa, tango, merengue, bachata, milonga, rumba, etc. The atmosphere is fun and friendly. The studio is operated from her home so there is a certain comfort to it as well. It is a good place to learn the basics. Instructor is Susana Lizzaraga - (703) 734-0004.