Get ready for your first ballroom dance class

Your first class comes with practical questions. What should you wear? Do you need to bring a partner? What should you check before booking? Start with a few questions for your studio.

Questions to ask before booking

Fig. 1 Box step, leader’s part: forward, side, close; back, side, close

Five questions

Before you book

A short conversation with the studio can clear up the details that a class name does not tell you.

Questions to ask a studio before booking a first ballroom class
Number Ask the studio What to clarify
01 Is this class suitable for a complete beginner? Check the starting level and whether you can join partway through a course.
02 Do I need to bring a partner? Ask how pairing and partner rotation work, and discuss any preferences before you arrive.
03 What does the price include? Confirm the lesson length, whether the price is per person or per couple, and any extra charges.
04 Which shoes are allowed on your floor? Check the studio’s policy before choosing shoes or buying a new pair.
05 What happens if I need to cancel? Ask about notice periods, package expiry and any charges.

Keep these questions handy when you contact a studio.

How these guides are researched

Ballroom Dance Planet is an independent publication for adult beginners. The editor is not a dance instructor. Each guide links to its sources and identifies details that depend on a particular studio, maker or event.

Find an error or an unclear explanation? Send the page address and the detail you would like us to check.