Kalamazoo DanceSport

Welcome to the World of Ballroom Dancing! One of the best ways to get started is with an one hour trial private lesson.

Your own nationally certified professional dance instructor will take you from the edge of the floor all the way to making you comfortable with the couple's dance embrace, basic sway movement and spins for the follower. If you are looking for just social dance basics this is the place. We often have people be surprised that they learn what they need in one lesson!

You may also select any dance you would like to explore in the hour. We can usually get into 2-5 dances based on your previous experience. We teach American style as well as International style Ballroom including:

Swing (East & West Coast, Lindy Hop and Jive), Salsa, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango (Argentine, American and International), Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Bolero, Mambo, Samba, Night Club 2 step, and Bachata

At Kalamazoo DanceSport the is an emphasis on fun and relaxation. Come experience the magic of ballroom dance with us! Thanks.

All instructors at Kalamazoo DanceSport have been certified thru the Silver Level by the National Association of Dance Teachers of America. They regular compete at Pro/Am events with their students as well as participate in teaching local dance clubs and performing at charity events.

Art & Jill also continue their own education monthly with Former Canadian Champion and World Finalist Benoit Papineau and provide access to private coaching with Benoit as well as a regular class.

We offer private lessons, group lessons and practice party opportunities.

The best way to get started is with a $25 one hour trial private lesson. (single or couple)

After you have explored the trial lesson your instructor will make reccommendations based on your likes and skill level.

75% of people choose our Introductory Package which includes 4 -55 min. private lessons and 5 group classes for $250. (single or couple). You will acheive the best results from a combination of private, group and practice party sessions.

After that the rates are $80/ lesson (single or couple) and packages are available.

We also offer a group lesson punch card for $40/ 5 group sessions or you may drop in for $10/ person.

We started teaching ballroom dance at a local studio back in 1996 and knew we had found what we wanted to do.

For the next several years we worked at three other studios and studied with many wonderful coaches growing as teachers as we went.

In 2002 our dream came true and we opened Kalamazoo DanceSport. We had a vision of a beautiful space where people could learn in a casual comfortable atmoshpere and acheive their unique goal.

We have learned alot over the years,but we still get monthy coaching and continue to grow.

Dancers of all ages and skill levels are welcome at Kalamazoo DanceSport!

While the majority of our clientele are 35-80 years old we also teach younger adults, especially those getting ready for a wedding and have also taught children who have had an interest. 

There really is no limit to learning ballroom dancing as long as the student has an interest. No matter your age, body type or level of physical fitness, you will find them dancing.

We have even choreographed a Paso Doble dance routine for a couple's charity organization that donated special bikes for the handicapped. He danced the part of the matador and his wife rode the bike and "danced/ rode" the part of the Bull!

We loved going to the Starlite Ball at the beautiful two story glass walled ballroom right on the river at the Century Center in South Bend in May.

Our students loved dressing up for the day and experiencing the glamour and fun of performing, competing and even just coming and cheering on their fellow dancers.

It was very inspiring to watch dancers of ages, types, and skill levels perform theaterical numbers as well as compete head to head with others in their category.

There were a number of great restaurants right nearby and everyone enjoyed the terriffic meal and discussing the various routines, costumes, and their success in their performance.

The evening show is always spectacular with the gorgeous lighted chandelier and an evening of stunning professional performances and enjoyable social dancing with all our friends, new and old.

We are planning on going again this May. Hope you can join us!

Try everybody out. Most studios offer a free or low cost trial lesson to see the ballroom, get a feel for the atmosphere and teaching style and to see if the communication is a good fit. Some "free" lessons require purchase so ask ahead.

To avoid any studios that require you to sign a contract, especially if it is long term. 

Since lesson times vary do the math so you can figure our how much you are paying per hour.

Consider the facility, especially the floor. The floor should have some type of shock absorption to maintain health of legs and feet and be low impact on the body. Availability to drinking water, restrooms, and possible some snacks are nice amenities. Air conditioning is certainly a consideration, especially in the summer.

A mix of private, group and practice opportunities is important to achieve the best results.

Have the instructors any certification from a nationally recognized organization? Are these credentials displayed?

Will you have to follow a set program or can you choose to work on any dance you want?

Can you schedule your private lesson for a time that is convienient for you?

Are you learning for a special event?

Looking for a hobby? to meet new people? improve your health? date night? to fulfill a long time desire to dance?

Where do you plan to use your dancing?

What type of music do you like?

What got you interested in ballroom dancing?u