
Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios
Address
380 Western Avenue
South Portland, Maine 04106
Opening Hours
- Monday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
About Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios
Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios, a premier dance destination nestled in South Portland, Maine, welcomes dancers of all levels to explore a rich and diverse curriculum. Recognized as The Best Dance Studio in South Portland, Aquarius offers comprehensive instruction across a wide array of dance styles, from the foundational rhythms of Latin dances like Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue, to the elegance of Ballroom styles such as Waltz, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. The studio also extends its offerings to popular social dances including Kizomba, Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, and Swing variations like East Coast and West Coast Swing, alongside specialized classes in Nightclub 2-Step, Bolero, Mambo, and Samba. Rooted in the traditions of Dancesport and International Style, Aquarius provides instruction in both fundamental and advanced techniques. Embracing a unique approach, their "Movement Fundamentals" program, inspired by the Feldenkrais Method, is specifically designed for Ballroom and Latin dancers to deepen their understanding of the human skeleton and its role in producing beautiful and efficient dancing, teaching principles of dynamic alignment and functional movement. Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios utilizes the DVIDA (Dance Vision International Dance Association) Syllabus, a recognized and internationally recognized system for structured progression and skill development, ensuring a clear and organized path for students to advance through skill levels with an emphasis on correct technique and repetition. Whether you're looking to learn for social enjoyment, prepare for your first wedding dance with a fun and stress-free approach, or aspire to competitive aspirations, Aquarius provides the resources and a vibrant community atmosphere to cultivate skilled and passionate dancers. They welcome learning with or without a partner and offer private lessons to cater to individual needs, ensuring a rewarding experience for every student.
Styles offered at Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios
Programs from Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios
92 programs available
Classes
60-Minute private lesson for an individual or a couple
Personalized dance instruction tailored to your individual needs and goals. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, private lessons offer focused attention and rapid improvement.
60-minute private lesson for one or two persons (American Style)
A 60-minute private lesson for one or two individuals focusing on American Style dances. This personalized session allows for tailored instruction to improve technique, learn new steps, and address specific dance goals.
Private lessons
Private lessons are available for individuals or pairs to focus on specific dance skills and techniques. These lessons offer personalized instruction tailored to your learning pace and goals.
International Style Standard
Standard, Modern, and Smooth all represent ballroom dances where the man holds the lady and they move around the floor. "Standard" is the current term for International Style dances, including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep.
International Style Latin
Latin American dances are danced to a Latin American beat. "Latin" is the term for International Style, while "Rhythm" is the term for American Style. This category includes dances like Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.
Single Time Swing
Single Time Swing is similar to East Coast Swing but without the triple step. It is taught to beginners for quick dancing and is also used when the music is too fast for East Coast Swing.
Country Western
Country Western encompasses many dance forms or styles typically danced to country-western music and stylistically associated with American country and/or western traditions.
Hustle
The Hustle (Disco) is a member of the Swing family, similar in pattern to West Coast Swing. It has a distinct flavor, utilizing Disco style music and revived partner style from the 70s. It is a fast, smooth dance.
Salsa
The word Salsa means sauce, denoting a “hot” flavor, and is best distinguished by defining it as the New York sound developed by Puerto Rican musicians. The dance structure is associated with mambo type patterns and a particular feeling linked to the Clave and Montuno.
Night Club Two-Step
One of the most practical and versatile social dances, designed for contemporary soft rock music. The rhythm is simple and rarely changes, filling a gap where other ballroom dances don't fit, allowing for expression without rigid technique.
Argentine Tango
A beautiful, improvisational social dance that has developed over the last century in the City of Buenos Aires. It is a true dance of leading and following, using slower music and progressing counter clockwise.
Viennese Waltz
This dance originated in Mid-Europe some 400 years ago. The music is fast in tempo and sends the couples whirling around the floor–first one way and then the other.
Foxtrot
The Foxtrot remains the most popular social dance in the world today, originating from Harry Fox's trotting on a New York stage in 1913. It is the foundation for many social dances and is enjoyed for its ease of movement and smooth style.
Tango
The American Style Tango is a progressive dance moving along the line of dance using body movement. A staccato movement of the feet and flexed knees highlight the dramatic style of the Tango.
Waltz
The Waltz appeared as a fashionable dance in Bohemia, Austria, Bavaria and other parts of Europe in the late 1700’s. Danced in 3/4 timing, the recurring, even beats of music send the dancers whirling around the floor.
Bachata
A style of dance that originated in the Dominican Republic and is now danced worldwide. While styles vary, they share the same basic step. Partnering can be in open, semi-close, or close position, with increasingly complex turn patterns being incorporated.
Merengue
A popular and lively Latin dance originating from Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The dance's characteristic limp-like movement is said to have been born to avoid embarrassing a hero who had a wounded leg.
West Coast Swing
This dance consists of six and eight count patterns performed in a slot. Unlike East Coast swing, the woman walks forward on count one. It is usually danced to medium tempo swing music and has a very smooth feel with no bounce.
East Coast Swing
Frequently referred to as Triple Step swing due to its basic rhythm, this dance consists of six and eight count patterns. It begins with a rock step back and is a circular dance with a bounce, keeping the dancer grounded.
Mambo
The Mambo we know today grew out of the Danzon (national music of Cuba) and gained popularity after World War II. Fast Swing-Jazz and upbeat Latin music contributed to its updated form. It is a spot dance with compact steps.
Bolero
Originally a Spanish dance in 3/4 time, it was changed in Cuba into 2/4 and then 4/4 time. It is now presented as a very slow type of Rumba rhythm with Spanish vocals and subtle percussion.
Samba
A lively Brazilian dance adopted as a ballroom dance in 1930. The style involves bouncing steadily and smoothly in 2/4 meter and is sometimes referred to by different names depending on the tempo.
Rumba
The Rumba was originally a courtship, marriage, and street dance that was African in origin. Its characteristic feature is to take each step without initially placing the weight on that step, creating a swaying hip motion known as "Cuban Motion."
Cha Cha
An exciting, syncopated, Latin dance that originated in the 1950s as a slowed-down Mambo. It gathers personality, character, rhythm, basis, and charm from two major dance sources: Latin music and a 1-2-3 step rhythm derived from Swing.
60-Minute private lesson for an individual or a couple
A personalized one-on-one dance instruction session tailored to the specific needs and goals of an individual dancer or a couple, held at the Fox Run Road location.
Disco Free-Style or Hustle
One 60-minute private lesson for one or two persons in Disco Free-Style or Hustle. The lesson is offered at 380 Western Ave., South Portland, ME 04106.
Casino de Rueda Style
One 60-minute private lesson for one or two persons. The lesson is offered at 380 Western Ave., South Portland ME 04106. Please call us at (207) 671-7644 to schedule your lesson.
Salsa Los Angeles Style
One 60-minute private lesson for one or two persons. The lesson is offered at 380 Western Ave., South Portland ME 04106. Please call us at (207) 671-7644 to schedule your lesson.
Kizomba
One 60-minute private lesson for one or two persons (Kizomba). The lesson is offered at 380 Western Ave., South Portland, ME 04106. Please call us at (207) 671-7644 to schedule a lesson.
Kizomba
Kizomba is a genre of dance and a musical genre originating in Angola in 1984. Kizomba means "party" in Kimbundu, a Bantu language spoken by Ambundu in Angola. The word kizomba is also used as an umbrella-expression to include several other dance styles that derived from the original dance (s.a. Urban Kiz, Kizomba Fusion).
West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is a partner dance with roots in the Lindy Hop. It is characterized by an elastic look that results from its extension-compression technique of partner connection and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor.
East Coast Swing
East Coast Swing is a form of social partner dance. It belongs to the group of swing dances. It is danced under fast swing music, including rock and roll and boogie-woogie.
Argentine Tango
One 60-minute private lesson for one or two-persons (Argentine Tango)
Argentine Tango
The Argentine Tango is a beautiful, improvisational social dance that has developed over the last century in the City of Buenos Aires. It is a true dance of leading and following. Many find Argentine Tango quite challenging, commanding an advanced knowledge of dance skills for partner dancing.
Argentine Tango
Argentine tango dancing consists of a variety of styles that developed in different regions and eras, and in response to the crowding of the venue and even the fashions in clothing. Even though the present forms developed in Argentina and Uruguay, they were also exposed to influences re-imported from Europe and North America.
60-minute private lesson for one or two persons (International Style)
null
International Jive
The Jive is a very fast, acrobatic, lively dance made popular during World War II by the swing music of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller.
International Paso Doble
The Paso Doble is a theatrical Spanish dance that characterizes the man as the matador and the lady as his cape. Based on Flamenco dancing, the character of the dance is arrogant and passionate.
International Rumba
The Rumba is Cuban in origin and is often referred to as the dance of love. Sultry and romantic, the music is a mixture of African and Latin rhythms.
International Cha Cha
During the 1950s, the Cha Cha was made famous by many Latino bands such as Xavier Cugat and Prez Prado. Cuban in origin, the Cha Cha rhythm is found in much of today’s popular music.
International Samba
The Samba originated in Brazil and, unlike the other Latin dances that are stationary, it has a traveling action around the floor with lots of spins and controlled bounces.
International Quickstep
As the name implies, the Quickstep is a very quick and lively dance, comprised of hops, skips and kicks. The dance began as a quick version of Foxtrot mixed with the Charleston, and musical “Jazz” influences.
International Slow Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is one of the most deceiving dances. It looks very easy, but is one of the most difficult dances to do. The dance originated in 1913 when a vaudeville performer by the name of Harry Fox performed a little trot which appealed to the social dance teachers in New York and thus the Foxtrot was born.
International Viennese Waltz
The Viennese Waltz is a fast Waltz which originated in Austria. Joseph Lanner and Johann Strauss wrote the first waltzes in the early 19th century. In the middle of the 20th century, the German, Paul Krebs choreographed the Viennese Waltz style to which we dance today.
International Tango
The Tango originated in the bordellos of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is done in a slightly different manner than other dances. The hold is very different, with the lady’s arm under the man’s, which creates a tighter hold for a quick staccato action and stylized poses (not to be confused with Argentine Tango).
International Waltz
Danced in European courts in the mid 1700s, the romantic Slow Waltz is an offspring of the faster Viennese Waltz in 3/4 time. The rhythm was gradually slowed down over time as songwriters of ballads and love songs chose to compose in a slower and more comfortable tempo.
Ballroom dance
Ballroom dance is a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television.
International Style
International Style Latin American dances are danced to a Latin American beat. “Latin” is the term for International Style, “Rhythm” is the term for the American Style. International Style Standard: You may hear the terms Standard, Modern and Smooth in relation to the Ballroom dances and wonder how they differ. They all represent the dances with the man holding the lady in his arms and moving around the floor.
LEARN TO DANCE
DANCESPORT
MOVEMENT FUNDAMENTALS (MOVE LIKE A CHAMPION)
MOVEMENT FUNDAMENTALS (MOVE LIKE A CHAMPION) is an all new revolutionary training program designed for Ballroom and Latin dancers who want to better understand how the human skeleton works to produce beautiful and efficient dancing. Based on Feldenkrais method and created by top teacher Diane Jarmolow and Latin champion Kasia Kozak, this comprehensive course teaches principles of dynamic alignment and functional movement that applies to all Ballroom, Latin and Swing dancing.
60-minute private lesson for one or two persons (American Style)
A private dance lesson for one or two individuals, focusing on American Style dances. This lesson lasts 60 minutes and costs $100.00.
Ballroom Basics (Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing)
Ballroom Basics class focuses on the fundamental steps of Waltz, Foxtrot, and East Coast Swing. This class is ideal for beginners looking to learn the core movements and techniques of classic American Style ballroom dances in a social setting.
Ballroom Basics (Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing)
Learn the fundamentals of Ballroom dances such as Waltz, Foxtrot, and East Coast Swing. Offered on Fridays at 5:45PM in Portsmouth, NH.
Latin Basics I (Tango, Rumba, Cha-Cha)
Latin Basics I introduces the sensual and rhythmic dances of Tango, Rumba, and Cha-Cha. This class focuses on the fundamental steps, posture, and musicality required to enjoy these popular Latin styles. Suitable for beginners seeking to explore Latin rhythms.
Latin Basics I (Tango, Rumba, Cha-Cha)
This class focuses on introductory Latin dances including Tango, Rumba, and Cha-Cha. Available Fridays at 6:45PM in Portsmouth, NH.
Latin Basics I (Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba)
Latin Basics I includes Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba. These dances are energetic and rhythmic, offering a comprehensive introduction to various Latin dance styles for beginners. Participants will learn the fundamental steps and techniques.
Latin Basics I (Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba)
This class covers the basics of Latin dances including Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba. It is offered on Mondays at 6PM in South Portland, ME.
Ballroom Basics I (Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing)
Ballroom Basics I covers fundamental steps in Waltz, Foxtrot, and East Coast Swing. This class is designed for beginners to learn the elegance and flow of classic ballroom dances. Focus is on posture, rhythm, and basic partner work.
Ballroom Basics I (Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing)
Learn the fundamentals of Ballroom dances such as Waltz, Foxtrot, and East Coast Swing. This class is held on Mondays at 7PM in South Portland, ME.
Ballroom & Latin Dance Basics (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing)
This comprehensive class covers a wide array of Ballroom and Latin dance basics, including Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, and East Coast Swing. It provides a well-rounded introduction to various dance styles and fundamental techniques for social dancing.
Ballroom & Latin Dance Basics (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing)
A foundational class for Ballroom and Latin dances, covering Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, and East Coast Swing. Offered Saturdays at 7PM in South Portland, ME.
Aquarius Dance Party (All rhythms)
An Aquarius Dance Party featuring all rhythms, providing a social atmosphere for dancers to practice and enjoy various dance styles. This event is designed for community building and open dance practice.
Christmas Dance Party (All rhythms)
A festive Christmas Dance Party open to all rhythms, encouraging dancers to showcase their skills and enjoy the holiday spirit. This event is a great opportunity for social dancing and community interaction.
Aquarius Dance Party (All rhythms)
Join the Aquarius Dance Party, featuring all rhythms of dance. This event costs $10 per person and takes place on Saturdays from 8-10PM in South Portland, ME.
Christmas Dance Party (All rhythms)
A festive dance party for all rhythms, perfect for celebrating the holiday season. Admission is $10 per person. Available on December 20th from 8-10PM in South Portland, ME.
Ballroom & Latin Basics (All rhythms)
Learn the fundamental steps and rhythms of various ballroom and Latin dances. This class is suitable for beginners looking to explore different dance styles.
Ballroom & Latin Basics (All rhythms)
Ballroom & Latin Basics class covers all rhythms, providing a foundational understanding of both dance styles. This class is designed to introduce dancers to a wide variety of steps and techniques suitable for social dancing.
Ballroom & Latin Basics (All rhythms)
An introduction to the fundamental steps and movements of various ballroom and Latin dance styles, suitable for all levels of experience. This class provides a foundation for exploring different rhythms and techniques within these popular dance genres.
Ballroom & Latin Basics (All rhythms)
An introductory class covering all rhythms of Ballroom and Latin dances. Available Sundays at 1PM in Newington, NH.
Intermediate Rhythm (East Coast Swing)
Focuses on intermediate techniques for East Coast Swing, a lively and versatile dance. This class builds upon basic swing steps and introduces more complex patterns.
Intermediate Rhythm (East Coast Swing)
Intermediate Rhythm class focuses on advancing skills in East Coast Swing. Dancers will refine their technique, learn more complex patterns, and improve their connection and musicality in this popular swing dance style.
Intermediate Rhythm (East Coast Swing)
This intermediate class focuses on developing skills in East Coast Swing, a lively dance characterized by its triple step rhythm and circular movements. Dancers will learn more complex patterns and techniques within this energetic swing style.
Intermediate Rhythm (East Coast Swing)
This intermediate class focuses on East Coast Swing, a popular rhythm dance. Offered Sundays at 2PM in Newington, NH.
Intermediate Latin (Cha-Cha)
An intermediate class dedicated to mastering the Cha-Cha, an exciting Latin dance. Develop intricate footwork and styling for this popular rhythm.
Intermediate Latin (Cha-Cha)
Intermediate Latin class delves deeper into the Cha-Cha. This session is designed for dancers looking to enhance their understanding of rhythm, styling, and partner work in this energetic Latin dance.
Intermediate Latin (Cha-Cha)
An intermediate class delving into the Cha-Cha, an exciting and syncopated Latin dance with roots in the 1950s. Participants will refine their technique and learn more intricate steps in this dynamic and engaging dance style.
Intermediate Latin (Cha-Cha)
An intermediate level class focusing on the Latin dance, Cha-Cha. Available Sundays at 3PM in Newington, NH.
Ballroom & Latin Basics (Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue)
This comprehensive class covers both Ballroom and Latin styles, including Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. It's an excellent opportunity for dancers to gain exposure to a wide range of foundational dance techniques and styles.
Ballroom & Latin Basics (Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue)
Learn to dance the basics of Ballroom and Latin dances including Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. This class is suitable for all levels and partners are not required. Private lessons are also available.
Ballroom & Latin Basics
Learn the foundational steps and movements for popular Ballroom and Latin dances including Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. This class is designed for beginners to build a solid understanding of these versatile dance styles.
Ballroom & Latin Basics (Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue)
A comprehensive basics class covering both Ballroom and Latin styles, including Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. Available Thursdays from 6-8PM in Wells, ME.
Ballroom & Latin Basics I & II (Foxtrot, Salsa, East-Coast Swing)
Learn the fundamental steps and techniques for Ballroom and Latin dances including Foxtrot, Salsa, and East-Coast Swing. This class is suitable for beginners looking to explore the basics of these popular dance styles. No partner is required to attend.
Ballroom & Latin Basics I & II (Foxtrot, Salsa, East-Coast Swing)
This class combines Ballroom and Latin Basics I & II, focusing on Foxtrot, Salsa, and East-Coast Swing. It offers a blended learning experience for dancers to explore foundational steps in both American Smooth and Rhythm categories, suitable for various skill levels.
Ballroom & Latin Basics I & II (Foxtrot, Salsa, East-Coast Swing)
Learn the fundamentals of Ballroom and Latin dances including Foxtrot, Salsa, and East-Coast Swing. This class is suitable for beginners and those looking to refresh their basic steps. Come with or without a partner. Private lessons are available upon request.
Ballroom & Latin Basics I & II (Foxtrot, Salsa, East-Coast Swing)
An introductory class covering both Ballroom and Latin basics, including Foxtrot, Salsa, and East-Coast Swing. Available Tuesdays at 7PM in Harrison, ME.
Nightclub Dance Basics (West Coast Swing, Nightclub 2-Step, Hustle)
Nightclub Dance Basics introduces essential steps in West Coast Swing, Nightclub 2-Step, and Hustle. These versatile social dances are perfect for contemporary music and various social settings, emphasizing fluidity and connection between partners.
Nightclub Dance Basics (West Coast Swing, Nightclub 2-Step, Hustle)
Focuses on Nightclub dances such as West Coast Swing, Nightclub 2-Step, and Hustle. Offered on Wednesdays at 5PM in Brunswick, ME.
Latin Basics (Salsa, Bachata, Merengue)
Latin Basics class covers foundational steps in Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. This class provides a lively introduction to popular Latin dances, focusing on rhythm, hip movement, and basic partner communication for an enjoyable social dance experience.
Latin Basics (Salsa, Bachata, Merengue)
This class introduces basic Latin dances including Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. It takes place on Wednesdays at 6PM in Brunswick, ME.
Workshops
5-hour wedding dance lesson special for two persons
The lessons are offered at 380 Western Ave., South Portland, ME, Please call us at (207) 671-7644 to schedule your lessons
THE FIRST WEDDING DANCE
Your easy, fun, stress-free wedding dance. Get started with the basics and how to move together as one. Create a plan for getting on and off the dance floor. Learn how to adjust the moves to work with your wedding dress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios?
Call Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios at (207) 671-7644 or visit https://aquariusplayground.mailchimpsites.com/dancesport_american_style.
Does Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios have Saturday classes?
Yes, Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios is open Saturdays: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM.
Does Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios have a website?
Yes, you can find Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios online at https://aquariusplayground.mailchimpsites.com/dancesport_american_style.
What is Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios's phone number?
Dial (207) 671-7644 to speak with Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios.
What city is Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios in?
Aquarius Ballroom Dance Studios is in South Portland, Maine.
More studios near this location
Discover other dance studios around South Portland, Maine.



