6:00PM

Learn to dance basics of the hottest Latin dance on the floor. Course content includes closed and open positions, forward and back steps, side steps, in-place steps (marking), spot turns for leader and follower, hand change variations, head loop or ‘hair comb’, cross-body lead, and more.

7:00PM

Learn the basics of the Ballroom dances. Styles may include Waltz, Tango, Quick Step and Foxtrot. In addition to learning the basic steps of each dance you will learn correct partnering and the character and style of the dance.

Jessica, a Texas native, moved to Chicago in 2008. She studied at The University of North Carolina Charlotte and was a former collegiate varsity women's soccer player, track athlete, and gymnast. Since then she traded in her soccer cleats for the world of ballroom and hasn't looked back since.

Jessica started her career at Chicago Dance with The Ballroom University Program completing her certification. Dance brings her true happiness and joy. Its impossible not to share that with everyone we can. Jessica's favorite part is watching people fall in love all over again whether it's with their partner, someone they meet in class, or just dance. She is inspired each and every day!

Your starting point for Hot Club Dancing!o A special overview program that introduces you to 7 Latin dances: Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba, Cumbia and Samba. Learn the basic patterns of the listed dances and how to feel the Latin beat and move your body. Join the action and have fun at the local hotspots! This class fits the bill! Learn how to feel the Latin beat and move your body while you practice easy leading and following techniques with fun-but-simple patterns. A great class for beginners!

Take your Salsa a step further. Build on the steps and combinations learned in the Intro class. Add exciting turns and variations. Course content in addition to reviewing the basics, crossover break with variations, cross-body lead with variations, and more.

Born and brought up in Pune, India, Uttara has been dancing for more than 20 years. Her family, were a huge fan of fitness and she used to often accompany her father to hikes in The Himalayas.

She started training in North Indian classical dance "Kathak" at the age of 9 under Mr. Mullah. Having a deep interest and passion for different forms of dances, she also pursued Bollywood, Indian Folk, Modern dancing and Rope Malkhamb (Indian sport similar to pole dancing) while continuing to train in Kathak. Uttara continued her classical training for over 12 years until she came to the United States for a Master’s Degree in Computer Science at Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.

While studying for her MS degree she continued to promote Indian classical and Bollywood dancing at IIT. She was the primary choreographer for her dances at the Indian Students Association (ISA) cultural nights and International Fests (IFest) and an Alumni Judge for ISA cultural nights.

Having a good classical base, she continued to quench her thirst by exploring different types of dances which led her to Latin and Ballroom dancing. She has been hooked on dancing anytime and anywhere since then which led her to decide to turn this passion for dance into her career.

Her goal is to promote fitness and stress relief in the form of dancing. She currently teaches Bollywood and Bollywood fitness at various studios and is a student at Ballroom University.

8:00PM

Learn the basics and more of this great sexy style and get ready to heat up the floor!

Vaneza grew up in a family where the love and passion for dance and cultural music was always present. Vaneza started her dance career with the Chicago Dance Ballroom University and was one of the most serious students the program has had. Vaneza completed Ballroom University, getting fully certified. Vaneza brings a cultural and fun flair to her teaching and really makes her students feel confident and comfortable.

Learn more advanced moves of two Ballroom dances that change session to session. Styles may include Waltz, Tango, Quick Step and Foxtrot. Continued work on connecting figures but with emphasis on building the character of the dance.

Lyle Sande Zerkin enjoys sharing his love of moving to music through the techniques of dancing… for he believes that while it is natural to be carried by rhythm, the same study and aid must be made to dance as we once did to learn walking. Lyle did not always dance, but he did throw his body strongly into music. Eventually he discovered a ballet class at Columbia College to begin focusing and disciplining his force. This led him into the lineage of Bronislava Nijinska through ballet master Ed Parrish and on a path away from his acceptance of undergraduate study at the University of Chicago. He then studied with Anna Baker and Barry VanCura, Larry Long, Joel Hall and Homer Bryant.

After pursuing a career performing as a singer, songwriter, musician and band leader in New York, he found a new calling in teaching dance to energetic youth who also yearned for the discipline required to move one’s self in a rewarding expression.

He returned to Chicago in 2004 and began his formal ballroom training at Chicago Dance.  He continued his study with many of the area’s top instructors and has taught at several area dance studios.  He focuses his personal dancing on the International Standard and Latin Styles, and also enjoys the freedom of American Smooth, Mambo and the social dances.

As an original teacher in the CPS’s ‘Having A Ball’ program, he was trained to teach youth by Pierre Dulaine, founder of ‘Dancing Classrooms’ and hero of the movie ‘Take The Lead’.  He continues to volunteer as the Youth and College Network Committee Chairman for the Chicagoland Chapter of USA Dance. He also has studied Flamenco with Edo Sie, Azucena Vega and Dame Libby Komaiko, performed with Soul and Duende Spanish Dance Theater and has studied Taiji and other internal Chinese martial arts for many years.

Move your Salsa up a notch with some great new moves! Set the floor on fire and take your Salsa a step further by adding exciting turn combinations and new step variations! Work on more advanced techniques for leading and following to feel great about your dancing!

Teresa has a BFA in Dance from Western Michigan University as well as a BA in Film from Columbia College. She has been teaching ballroom dancing since 1995. Teresa' s encouraging spirit, enthusiasm and passion of dance is what she loves about teaching.

6:00PM

Take your Salsa a step further. Build on the steps and combinations learned in the Intro class. Add exciting turns and variations. Course content in addition to reviewing the basics, crossover break with variations, cross-body lead with variations, and more.

Laura Vargas grew up in Cincinnati, OH where she started dancing at the age of 7 at Le Dance Studio in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. She found herself front and center at every dance recital leading the way. A few years later while attending the Ohio Star Ball competition and watching the dancers flutter across the dance floor, she felt anxious and emotional and couldn't stop moving her feet. It captured her heart and spirit and she knew from that moment on she needed to dance ballroom. She trained at Best of Ballroom Dance Studio and soon after started Instructing at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Loveland, OH.

She moved to Chicago to attend college and earned a BA in Performing Arts Management at Columbia College of Chicago. During her time in school, she decided to venture onto other genres of dance and took lessons in African dance at Columbia College and flamenco dance at Flamenco Chicago, where she was once again front and center at a student showcase. But Laura has such a deep love for ballroom that she decided to once again teach dance and share her passion with others.

7:00PM

Take your Salsa a step further. Build on the steps and combinations learned in the Intro class. Add exciting turns and variations. Course content in addition to reviewing the basics, crossover break with variations, cross-body lead with variations, and more.

Alesha started dancing at age 3 at a studio in Madison, WI. After high school graduation Alesha attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point earning her BA in Public Relations and Web Design. While at the university she participated in the UWSP dance program, taking classes and performing. Before moving to Chicago Alesha taught ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop at a studio in Madison and performed with their professional company Contempo.

A beginner's class for anyone interested in learning basics from several different types of swing dance. This class is high energy and lots of fun!

Learn to dance basics of the hottest Latin dance on the floor. Course content includes closed and open positions, forward and back steps, side steps, in-place steps (marking), spot turns for leader and follower, hand change variations, head loop or ‘hair comb’, cross-body lead, and more.

Laura Vargas grew up in Cincinnati, OH where she started dancing at the age of 7 at Le Dance Studio in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. She found herself front and center at every dance recital leading the way. A few years later while attending the Ohio Star Ball competition and watching the dancers flutter across the dance floor, she felt anxious and emotional and couldn't stop moving her feet. It captured her heart and spirit and she knew from that moment on she needed to dance ballroom. She trained at Best of Ballroom Dance Studio and soon after started Instructing at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Loveland, OH.

She moved to Chicago to attend college and earned a BA in Performing Arts Management at Columbia College of Chicago. During her time in school, she decided to venture onto other genres of dance and took lessons in African dance at Columbia College and flamenco dance at Flamenco Chicago, where she was once again front and center at a student showcase. But Laura has such a deep love for ballroom that she decided to once again teach dance and share her passion with others.

8:00PM

Move your Salsa up a notch with some great new moves! Set the floor on fire and take your Salsa a step further by adding exciting turn combinations and new step variations! Work on more advanced techniques for leading and following to feel great about your dancing!

Vaneza grew up in a family where the love and passion for dance and cultural music was always present. Vaneza started her dance career with the Chicago Dance Ballroom University and was one of the most serious students the program has had. Vaneza completed Ballroom University, getting fully certified. Vaneza brings a cultural and fun flair to her teaching and really makes her students feel confident and comfortable.

Learn to dance basics of the hottest Latin dance on the floor. Course content includes closed and open positions, forward and back steps, side steps, in-place steps (marking), spot turns for leader and follower, hand change variations, head loop or ‘hair comb’, cross-body lead, and more.

A special overview program that introduces you to 8 dances: Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot, Swing, Salsa, Tango, and Merengue. The basic patterns of the listed dances are covered.

Teresa has a BFA in Dance from Western Michigan University as well as a BA in Film from Columbia College. She has been teaching ballroom dancing since 1995. Teresa' s encouraging spirit, enthusiasm and passion of dance is what she loves about teaching.

6:00PM

Continue your study of the ballroom styles with an advanced look at styling, technique and partner work while learning advanced moves in the various styles. Styles may include Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Tango.

Born in Oakland, California, Gregory grew up swimming and playing soccer and volleyball. He also learned to figure skate with his father and grandfather.

Originally trained in ballet and many forms of modern dance, particularly Graham and Cunningham, he danced with the San Francisco Ballet, the Milwaukee Ballet, the American Folk Ballet, and many other smaller ballet and modern dance companies. As a French and British citizen, he had the opportunity to live and dance in Paris and in Lyon. While living in the San Francisco Bay Area, he also studied Flamenco and African Dance. In ballet he was trained in both the Ceccheti style and the Vaganova style. Gregory is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, which he attended on scholarship. In college, he studied acting and singing in addition to dance and technical stagecraft.

Gregory Day and Tommye Giacchino started their partnership in 1996 and were almost immediately succesful as two-time United States Champions (defeating the then US & World Champions) and capturing the World Invitational Exhibition title at the British Open (Blackpool).

7:00PM

A special overview program that introduces you to 8 dances: Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot, Swing, Salsa, Tango, and Merengue. The basic patterns of the listed dances are covered.

Vaneza grew up in a family where the love and passion for dance and cultural music was always present. Vaneza started her dance career with the Chicago Dance Ballroom University and was one of the most serious students the program has had. Vaneza completed Ballroom University, getting fully certified. Vaneza brings a cultural and fun flair to her teaching and really makes her students feel confident and comfortable.

Social Tango Smooth, romantic, sensual and sophisticated. Learn your basic patterns and timing of this passionate dance.

Jessica, a Texas native, moved to Chicago in 2008. She studied at The University of North Carolina Charlotte and was a former collegiate varsity women's soccer player, track athlete, and gymnast. Since then she traded in her soccer cleats for the world of ballroom and hasn't looked back since.

Jessica started her career at Chicago Dance with The Ballroom University Program completing her certification. Dance brings her true happiness and joy. Its impossible not to share that with everyone we can. Jessica's favorite part is watching people fall in love all over again whether it's with their partner, someone they meet in class, or just dance. She is inspired each and every day!

Advanced latin technique and styling. The class focuses on two latin styles during the session.

Born in Oakland, California, Gregory grew up swimming and playing soccer and volleyball. He also learned to figure skate with his father and grandfather.

Originally trained in ballet and many forms of modern dance, particularly Graham and Cunningham, he danced with the San Francisco Ballet, the Milwaukee Ballet, the American Folk Ballet, and many other smaller ballet and modern dance companies. As a French and British citizen, he had the opportunity to live and dance in Paris and in Lyon. While living in the San Francisco Bay Area, he also studied Flamenco and African Dance. In ballet he was trained in both the Ceccheti style and the Vaganova style. Gregory is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, which he attended on scholarship. In college, he studied acting and singing in addition to dance and technical stagecraft.

Gregory Day and Tommye Giacchino started their partnership in 1996 and were almost immediately succesful as two-time United States Champions (defeating the then US & World Champions) and capturing the World Invitational Exhibition title at the British Open (Blackpool).

8:00PM

Dancing for Weddings, Corporate Functions, Proms and Parties - Here is your chance to prepare for those upcoming social events! Learn the popular dances that will get you on the floor and keep you dancing at any event: weddings, black tie affairs, gala evenings, company functions and more. This is a class of Beginning social dancing covering the dances most commonly seen at formal affairs, offering an introduction to various popular dances: Foxtrot, Rumba, Swing and Waltz.

Jessica, a Texas native, moved to Chicago in 2008. She studied at The University of North Carolina Charlotte and was a former collegiate varsity women's soccer player, track athlete, and gymnast. Since then she traded in her soccer cleats for the world of ballroom and hasn't looked back since.

Jessica started her career at Chicago Dance with The Ballroom University Program completing her certification. Dance brings her true happiness and joy. Its impossible not to share that with everyone we can. Jessica's favorite part is watching people fall in love all over again whether it's with their partner, someone they meet in class, or just dance. She is inspired each and every day!

Dancing for Weddings, Corporate Functions, Proms and Parties - Here is your chance to prepare for those upcoming social events! Learn the popular dances that will get you on the floor and keep you dancing at any event: weddings, black tie affairs, gala evenings, company functions and more. This is a class of Beginning social dancing covering the dances most commonly seen at formal affairs, offering an introduction to various popular dances: Foxtrot, Rumba, Swing and Waltz.

7:00PM

A special overview program that introduces you to 8 dances: Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot, Swing, Salsa, Tango, and Merengue. The basic patterns of the listed dances are covered.

Born and brought up in Pune, India, Uttara has been dancing for more than 20 years. Her family, were a huge fan of fitness and she used to often accompany her father to hikes in The Himalayas.

She started training in North Indian classical dance "Kathak" at the age of 9 under Mr. Mullah. Having a deep interest and passion for different forms of dances, she also pursued Bollywood, Indian Folk, Modern dancing and Rope Malkhamb (Indian sport similar to pole dancing) while continuing to train in Kathak. Uttara continued her classical training for over 12 years until she came to the United States for a Master’s Degree in Computer Science at Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.

While studying for her MS degree she continued to promote Indian classical and Bollywood dancing at IIT. She was the primary choreographer for her dances at the Indian Students Association (ISA) cultural nights and International Fests (IFest) and an Alumni Judge for ISA cultural nights.

Having a good classical base, she continued to quench her thirst by exploring different types of dances which led her to Latin and Ballroom dancing. She has been hooked on dancing anytime and anywhere since then which led her to decide to turn this passion for dance into her career.

Her goal is to promote fitness and stress relief in the form of dancing. She currently teaches Bollywood and Bollywood fitness at various studios and is a student at Ballroom University.

8:00PM

Your starting point for Hot Club Dancing!o A special overview program that introduces you to 7 Latin dances: Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba, Cumbia and Samba. Learn the basic patterns of the listed dances and how to feel the Latin beat and move your body. Join the action and have fun at the local hotspots! This class fits the bill! Learn how to feel the Latin beat and move your body while you practice easy leading and following techniques with fun-but-simple patterns. A great class for beginners!

10:00AM

A beginning ballet/creative movement class. Students will learn balance, how to point and flex their feet and simple ballet steps including “plie” and “tendu”.

Alesha started dancing at age 3 at a studio in Madison, WI. After high school graduation Alesha attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point earning her BA in Public Relations and Web Design. While at the university she participated in the UWSP dance program, taking classes and performing. Before moving to Chicago Alesha taught ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop at a studio in Madison and performed with their professional company Contempo.

Kids will learn the basics working on rhythm, timing and learning the music. They will learn fun turn patterns, tricks and footwork.

Teresa has a BFA in Dance from Western Michigan University as well as a BA in Film from Columbia College. She has been teaching ballroom dancing since 1995. Teresa' s encouraging spirit, enthusiasm and passion of dance is what she loves about teaching.

10:45AM

Learn the basic street moves of this fun and energetic dance style. Students learn body isolations, alignment, and fast footwork using traditional clean hip-hop music.

Alesha started dancing at age 3 at a studio in Madison, WI. After high school graduation Alesha attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point earning her BA in Public Relations and Web Design. While at the university she participated in the UWSP dance program, taking classes and performing. Before moving to Chicago Alesha taught ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop at a studio in Madison and performed with their professional company Contempo.

11:30AM

Technique, terminology & musicality will be the main focus of the class. Each week will include ballet & either jazz or modern giving students a solid dance base.

Alesha started dancing at age 3 at a studio in Madison, WI. After high school graduation Alesha attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point earning her BA in Public Relations and Web Design. While at the university she participated in the UWSP dance program, taking classes and performing. Before moving to Chicago Alesha taught ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop at a studio in Madison and performed with their professional company Contempo.

ZUMBA is a fusion of Latin and International music - dance themes that create a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system! The routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. Zumba utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning and total body toning. It is a mixture of body sculpting movements with easy to follow dance steps.

Vaneza grew up in a family where the love and passion for dance and cultural music was always present. Vaneza started her dance career with the Chicago Dance Ballroom University and was one of the most serious students the program has had. Vaneza completed Ballroom University, getting fully certified. Vaneza brings a cultural and fun flair to her teaching and really makes her students feel confident and comfortable.

12:30AM

This class focuses on basic movements and easy Latin and ballroom dance patterns that can be used either socially or competitively.

Teresa has a BFA in Dance from Western Michigan University as well as a BA in Film from Columbia College. She has been teaching ballroom dancing since 1995. Teresa' s encouraging spirit, enthusiasm and passion of dance is what she loves about teaching.

1:00PM

Learn to shake your booty and swivel your hips!

Vaneza grew up in a family where the love and passion for dance and cultural music was always present. Vaneza started her dance career with the Chicago Dance Ballroom University and was one of the most serious students the program has had. Vaneza completed Ballroom University, getting fully certified. Vaneza brings a cultural and fun flair to her teaching and really makes her students feel confident and comfortable.

2:00PM

Part 2 of a solid foundation in West Coast Swing. You’ll increase your dancing fun while improving leading and following skills. Learn technique for individual movement, easy lead and follow...AND how to create the leverage and compression connections that make your West Coast Swing feel good to your partner. Prerequisites: West Coast Swing Basics

Vaneza grew up in a family where the love and passion for dance and cultural music was always present. Vaneza started her dance career with the Chicago Dance Ballroom University and was one of the most serious students the program has had. Vaneza completed Ballroom University, getting fully certified. Vaneza brings a cultural and fun flair to her teaching and really makes her students feel confident and comfortable.

3:00PM

Your starting point for Hot Club Dancing!o A special overview program that introduces you to 7 Latin dances: Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba, Cumbia and Samba. Learn the basic patterns of the listed dances and how to feel the Latin beat and move your body. Join the action and have fun at the local hotspots! This class fits the bill! Learn how to feel the Latin beat and move your body while you practice easy leading and following techniques with fun-but-simple patterns. A great class for beginners!

7:00PM

Move your Salsa up a notch with some great new moves! Set the floor on fire and take your Salsa a step further by adding exciting turn combinations and new step variations! Work on more advanced techniques for leading and following to feel great about your dancing!

Vaneza grew up in a family where the love and passion for dance and cultural music was always present. Vaneza started her dance career with the Chicago Dance Ballroom University and was one of the most serious students the program has had. Vaneza completed Ballroom University, getting fully certified. Vaneza brings a cultural and fun flair to her teaching and really makes her students feel confident and comfortable.

Learn to dance basics of the hottest Latin dance on the floor. Course content includes closed and open positions, forward and back steps, side steps, in-place steps (marking), spot turns for leader and follower, hand change variations, head loop or ‘hair comb’, cross-body lead, and more.

Lyle Sande Zerkin enjoys sharing his love of moving to music through the techniques of dancing… for he believes that while it is natural to be carried by rhythm, the same study and aid must be made to dance as we once did to learn walking. Lyle did not always dance, but he did throw his body strongly into music. Eventually he discovered a ballet class at Columbia College to begin focusing and disciplining his force. This led him into the lineage of Bronislava Nijinska through ballet master Ed Parrish and on a path away from his acceptance of undergraduate study at the University of Chicago. He then studied with Anna Baker and Barry VanCura, Larry Long, Joel Hall and Homer Bryant.

After pursuing a career performing as a singer, songwriter, musician and band leader in New York, he found a new calling in teaching dance to energetic youth who also yearned for the discipline required to move one’s self in a rewarding expression.

He returned to Chicago in 2004 and began his formal ballroom training at Chicago Dance.  He continued his study with many of the area’s top instructors and has taught at several area dance studios.  He focuses his personal dancing on the International Standard and Latin Styles, and also enjoys the freedom of American Smooth, Mambo and the social dances.

As an original teacher in the CPS’s ‘Having A Ball’ program, he was trained to teach youth by Pierre Dulaine, founder of ‘Dancing Classrooms’ and hero of the movie ‘Take The Lead’.  He continues to volunteer as the Youth and College Network Committee Chairman for the Chicagoland Chapter of USA Dance. He also has studied Flamenco with Edo Sie, Azucena Vega and Dame Libby Komaiko, performed with Soul and Duende Spanish Dance Theater and has studied Taiji and other internal Chinese martial arts for many years.

Social Tango Smooth, romantic, sensual and sophisticated. Learn your basic patterns and timing of this passionate dance.

Laura Vargas grew up in Cincinnati, OH where she started dancing at the age of 7 at Le Dance Studio in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. She found herself front and center at every dance recital leading the way. A few years later while attending the Ohio Star Ball competition and watching the dancers flutter across the dance floor, she felt anxious and emotional and couldn't stop moving her feet. It captured her heart and spirit and she knew from that moment on she needed to dance ballroom. She trained at Best of Ballroom Dance Studio and soon after started Instructing at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Loveland, OH.

She moved to Chicago to attend college and earned a BA in Performing Arts Management at Columbia College of Chicago. During her time in school, she decided to venture onto other genres of dance and took lessons in African dance at Columbia College and flamenco dance at Flamenco Chicago, where she was once again front and center at a student showcase. But Laura has such a deep love for ballroom that she decided to once again teach dance and share her passion with others.

8:00PM

Take your Salsa a step further. Build on the steps and combinations learned in the Intro class. Add exciting turns and variations. Course content in addition to reviewing the basics, crossover break with variations, cross-body lead with variations, and more.

Vaneza grew up in a family where the love and passion for dance and cultural music was always present. Vaneza started her dance career with the Chicago Dance Ballroom University and was one of the most serious students the program has had. Vaneza completed Ballroom University, getting fully certified. Vaneza brings a cultural and fun flair to her teaching and really makes her students feel confident and comfortable.