Take The Lead Dance Studio

Waltz is known for its elegance and grace with constant movement around the dance floor. It is generally seen at more formal affairs and is often a first dance at weddings because many love songs from yesteryear to today have the Waltz tempo. Most people, after learning the Waltz have the tendency to stand taller and walk and talk with more confidence because of what is taught along the way. It gives dancers the chance to practice balance and to move lightly with ease. Many of the variations learned in Waltz can be used in Rumba and Foxtrot.

One of the most fascinating of all dances, Tango is a sensual ballroom dance that originated in South America in the early twentieth century. Tango is usually performed with an element of romance in synchronized movements. Several different styles of tango exist, each with its own individual flair. It has often been called ‘The Dancer’s Dance’ because of the strong relationship between the two people who dance it correctly. Tango has become very popular in recent years, as evident by the various movies developed around the dance. Although Tango is a dance with its' own, unique technique, learning Foxtrot is a good way to get a feel for the basic fundamentals. Even non-dancers are familiar with the Tango dance – what it looks like, the music style it is danced to, and the mournful air which surrounds it. Tango is an altogether more sensual and deep dance which carries with it a brooding air. Perhaps it is this sensuality which makes it one of the most popular dances worldwide. The lead and follow element of Tango is one of the things which makes the dance so distinctive from others – with a particularly fierce lead and follow embrace.

Swing is widely used in all types of places with all types of music; from a wedding to a nightclub or county and western bar. The music can be Big Band, upbeat Jazz, pop songs, even today’s songs on the radio. As a result of the wide variety of music, there are many varieties of Swing from East Coast Swing or West Coast Swing to Jitterbug , Jive , Lindy Hop , and Bop . With its variety of spins and turns, it becomes great exercise and puts everyone in a great mood. Swing brings forth a buoyant personality and the enthusiasm of the dance becomes contagious.

Salsa is a Latin dance that evolved from Cha Cha and Mambo and other Afro Caribbean and Afro Cuban dances. Some believe the term came about because salsa dancing and music is a mixture of different styles, just like salsa or “sauce” in Latin American countries is a mixture of different ingredients. No matter where Salsa derived from, it is currently one of the most popular club dances being done today around the world.

Rumba is a sexy, romantic dance that is a very popular way to dance with the person you care about. It has been danced countless times as the first dance of the bride and groom. It is also very popular in clubs when the music slows down and the floor gets crowded. With a Latin feel in the music, the Rumba sharpens your sense of rhythm, timing and muscular control. Many of the Rumba steps can be applied to the Waltz and Cha Cha. The body movements will also help your Bachata.

The quickstep is a light-hearted dance of the standard ballroom dances. The movement of the dance is fast and powerfully flowing and sprinkled with synchopations. The upbeat melodies that quickstep is danced to make it suitable for both formal and informal events. The Quickstep is a progressive and turning dance moving along the line of dance, utilizing walks and chasse movements. Rise and fall, sway, and bounce actions are the basic characteristics of Quickstep.

A heels class is a dance class where participants learn choreography and technique while wearing high-heeled shoes. The style combines elements from various dance forms, such as jazz, contemporary, and burlesque, to create a dynamic and expressive movement experience.

Foxtrot is one of the easiest dances to learn and most versatile in the wide variety of possibilities to use. From a formal affair where couples float around the floor to a simple slow dance in a crowded night club, Foxtrot can be applied. Music varies from the Big Band era through Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble to and includes many of the love and country songs popular on the radio today. Basic social Foxtrot is fun and simple to learn, an excellent dance for beginners. It is the foundation for all dances and is often referred to as the ‘get acquainted’ or ‘first impression’ dance. Many of the techniques learned in Foxtrot will be used in the Waltz and Tango and the timing is the same as Swing.

Cha Cha is arguably the most popular of all Latin dances in the U.S. Cha Cha is the dance where you can relax and let your personality show. You will dance to music from the 70’s all the way to today that has a strong beat, up tempo personality, and a party feel. The rhythm is so infectious that ‘sitters’ become dancers. Being able to dance Cha Cha enhances your style and self-confidence when dancing ‘freestyle’ with someone who does not know how to dance with a partner. Many variations learned in Cha Cha will also be seen in Salsa and Rumba.

The Bachata is a playful, sometimes sensual, Latin dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is typically danced socially at clubs or events alongside dances such as Salsa and Merengue. Bachata is danced with soft hip motions, turns and side-to-side footwork. The music of Bachata is very recognizable for its predominant use of the electric guitar combined with Caribbean and Latin musical influences.

Waltz is an elegant and graceful dance that'll take around the dance floor. It is generally seen at more formal affairs and is often a first dance at weddings.

Viennese Waltz is similar in structure to Waltz, but travels much faster down the floor.

Tango is a sensual ballroom dance that originated in South America and is performed with an element of romance in synchronized movements.

Swing is a versatile dance compatible with all types of music, including Big Band, upbeat Jazz, pop songs, even today’s songs on the radio.

Salsa is currently one of the most popular club dances being done today, and you'll be able to dance this just about anywhere.

Rumba is a sexy, romantic dance that is a very popular way to dance with the person you care about. It has been danced countless times as the first dance of the bride and groom. It is also very popular in clubs when the music slows down and the floor gets crowded.

The quickstep is a fun (but fast) ballroom dance. The movement of the dance is fast and powerfully flowing and sprinkled with synchopations.

A heels class is a dance class where participants learn choreography and technique while wearing high-heeled shoes.

Foxtrot is a ballroom dance where you can travel around the room with attitude.

Cha Cha is a dance where you can relax and let your personality show. The dance has a strong beat, an up-tempo personality, and a party feel.

Bachata is a sensual dance often played at clubs, built around a three-step with Cuban hip motion, followed by a tap including a hip movement on the 4th beat.

Our most popular classes (Salsa 1, Introduction to Social Dance, etc.) are generally always going on, and if you missed the start of a session, another one will be available in a few weeks.

Our most popular classes (Salsa 1, Introduction to Social Dance, etc.) are generally always going on, and if you missed the start of a session, another one will be available in a few weeks.

Every Friday in 2025, we're having a special 1h30m "Try a New Dance" class. Each session focuses on a different dance, and you don't need to have any dance experience at all. We'll cover the basics of dancing in general, that dance in particular, and give you a couple moves that you can use.

Friday nights, we have a special Try a New Dance class that doesn't require any kind of recurring commitment. Each session is standalone and covers a different dance each time.

Held the second Friday of each month, our Friday Night Latin Nights, hosted by Living in Rhythm @ Take The Lead, feature guest DJ's playing a mix of Salsa and Bachata with the occasional Cha Cha, Merengue, or Kizomba. The party starts with a free lesson around 9:15pm, followed by dancing from 10pm-1am.

Held the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month, our ballroom dance socials play a mix of Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Swing, Rumba, Cha Cha, and more. The party starts at 7pm with a free 30-minute lesson. Dancing is from 7:30pm-10pm.

Held the fourth Saturday of each month, our Saturday Night Swing dances feature guest DJ's playing a mix of West Coast Swing and Hustle with a variety of other Swing dances sprinkled in. The party starts with a lesson at 7:30pm, and dancing is from 8pm until 11pm.

Held the fourth Sunday of each month, our Sunday Night Latin Nights feature guest DJ's playing a mix of Salsa and Bachata with the occasional Cha Cha, Merengue, or Kizomba. The party starts at 7pm and goes until 11pm. There is no lesson on Sunday nights.

Introduction to Social Dance is an 8-week class that will teach you the basics of lead/follow, which you'll need in all of the partnered dances, and it will introduce you to slower dances like Foxtrot and Rumba, as well as more upbeat dances like Cha Cha and Swing.