Caring for Your Dance Shoes

Posted on September 15, 2022September 29, 2022 by catsballroom

The first thing a lot of people will tell you about caring for your dance shoes is, never wear them anywhere other than a clean dance floor. Frankly, I’m usually not that precious about my shoes, and have worn them in some pretty gnarly places. You may, however, want to dedicate a pair for outdoor events and sticky nightclub floors, and reserve the others for more pristine environments.

Caring for your dance shoes properly will help you get the most out of them.

Maintenance

Regardless of the surfaces you frequent, you will occasionally need to refresh the sued on the soles. Giving them a few swipes with a stiff wire brush is usually enough to rough up the surface and restore traction. If you’ve treated your shoes especially egregiously (think beer-soaked honky-tonk floor), you can take them to a shoe repair shop and have them run over a grindstone, and they’ll look like new. That will wear out the soles quicker though, so use it only if they’re irredeemably matted and slick. And when the soles do wear out completely, that same shop can replace or recover them to give you a few more miles.

Heel tips also experience a lot of wear and tear and may wear out long before the rest of the shoe. Fortunately, it is relatively inexpensive to have them replaced, and even cheaper if you learn to do it yourself. Alternately, if you don’t mind the look of them, you can use heel caps to protect the tips. Either way, if you plan to wear a long dress or flowing pants, you should use an emery board to smooth any sharp burrs on the edges of the heel prior to dancing in order to avoid getting your heel caught in the fabric.

Wire Brush | Heel Tips | Heel Caps

Storage

Dance shoes usually come with a simple cloth drawstring bag. I’ve always found that to be sufficient, but there are a couple of extras you might want, especially if you’ve invested in high-end shoes. Adjustable shoe trees fit inside the shoes and help them maintain their shape. They come in a variety of materials, but ones made of cedar also absorb odor and repel pests. Shoe boxes offer more protection than cloth sacks, and clear stackable versions might be worthwhile if you have several pairs and want to be able to spot them easily. Large empty lettuce boxes work well too if you want to save money and aren’t too fastidious about appearances.

Shoe Bag | Shoe Trees | Shoe Boxes

Cleaning

A simple shoe-shine kit will contain almost everything you need to keep your shoes looking good. You can periodically touch up any scratches on leather shoes with shoe polish, and when necessary, clean them with a soft cloth and saddle soap. Suede shoes will need to be buffed with a soft brush regularly to remove dirt and maintain the nap. Satin shoes are very hard to keep clean. Your best bet is probably a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, which also works for spot cleaning leather and vegan leather.

Basic Shoe Shine Kit | Magic Eraser

Ultimately caring for your dance shoes is not a big deal, and you shouldn’t let it stress you out. Do the best you can and don’t worry about the inevitable scuffs they’ll acquire. Shoes that are starting to look a little seedy are a sign that you’re dancing a lot, and that’s a good thing!

Caring for your dance shoes won’t make them last forever, and that’s okay. 😉

Update

One of our students recently shared a method for cleaning satin shoes that she found on the Bella Belle website, and based on her before and after photo, I’d say it’s a winner.

You can save your satin shoes!

And if you want to see real people dancing in the wild, then our Gallery blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

Visit our Lessons page.

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

Schedule Your Consultation

Dance Weekend in Hot Springs

Posted on August 18, 2022August 18, 2022 by catsballroom

Memphis doesn’t offer very many opportunities to hit the hardwood to a live orchestra, so we decided to organize a dance weekend in Hot Springs.

Saturday

A weekend away was just what the doctor ordered. Upon arrival at the Arlington, some of us hit the pool and some hit their pillows, but we all went into relaxation mode!

We kept that laid-back vibe going with dinner, drinks, and great conversation on the roof of the Waters Hotel. Not only was the food good, but it turned out to be an ideal place for everyone to get acquainted better.

After dinner we ambled down the street in search of music and dancing. Our intended destination turned out to be small and crowded, so on a tip from a passerby, we headed to Fat Jack’s. Jesse went in first and reported that there was live music. Turned out to be karaoke, but hey, we can dance to anything.

Sunday

There was time Sunday morning for folks to explore the park, historic bathhouses, and shops of downtown Hot Springs before we rendezvoused for brunch at the Arlington Hotel. So much food!

And finally, the main reason for our trip – the Stardust Big Band in the Crystal Ballroom. The orchestra was fabulous, and the other dancers were friendly and welcoming. Being their first time on a large floor filled with experienced dancers, there may have been a few fleeting looks of panic as our students slipped into the flow, but they soon got the hang of it and comported themselves admirably.

Humorous side note: At one point a fire siren started blaring, and for quite a while, the band continued to play. It was a very Titanic moment. Fortunately, it was a false alarm and we quickly got back to dancing.

So, our dance weekend in Hot Springs was a stellar success, and the only question I heard when we got back was, “Where are we going next?”

We’d love to have you join in the fun, so be sure to check our New & Events page regularly. Better yet, sign up for our newsletter, What’s Happening At Cat’s Ballroom, and get information about special events and classes sent right to your inbox.

And remember, your first lesson with us is free, so why not try one today?

Schedule a Lesson

So You’ve Hired a Band for Your Wedding

Posted on July 8, 2022July 8, 2022 by catsballroom

How does hiring a band for your wedding affect your first dance?

Live music is wonderful, and hiring a band that reflects your tastes can really set the tone for your reception. It does make choreographing your first dance (or father-daughter/mother-son dances) a little trickier though because you need to know ahead of time exactly how the song will be played. Here are three ways to handle it so that get the most out of both your band and your dance lessons.

Working With the Band

Our preferred method is for us to edit the original song and have you send it to the band. Most bands are fine with this as long as you give them enough time to practice the arrangement, and some even prefer it because they can give you exactly what you want. Choreography and practice can proceed with the edited version while the band works on the live version. If there’s enough time they may even send you a demo when it’s ready so there won’t be any surprises on the big day.

Another option is to ask the band to send you a recording of what they plan to play. Make sure they know you’d like it to be about a minute and a half long. It’s great to have the version that you’ll actually be dancing to, but keep in mind that good bands are busy , so they might be slow in sending what you need.

Using a Recording Instead

And finally, whether it’s because you love the original artist or just don’t want the uncertainty of live music, there’s nothing wrong with dancing your first dance to a recorded version and letting the band play everything else.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to your first dance, and the most important thing is that you enjoy yourselves. Just remember that whichever way you decide to go, timely and clear communication with the band and your instructor is key.

Some Bands Our Couples Have Loved

Jeffrey and The Pacemakers – British Invasion

Jeremy Shrader – Jazz & Big Band

Leif Pederson Trio – Big Band

The Party Jammers – Motown & Top 40

The Soulsations – Motown & Top 40

Twice on Sunday – Top 40, Hip Hop, 80’s, Country

And if you want to see real couples preparing for and performing their first dances, then our Wedding Stories blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three easy ways to find out how we can help you with your first dance.

Visit our Lessons page.

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

Schedule Your Consultation

Chesney & Stephen’s First Dance | Tennessee Whiskey

Posted on May 25, 2022 by catsballroom

So beautiful together.

Creating Chesney and Stephen’s first dance was a lot of fun because they somehow managed to be both playful and focused. So how lucky were we that we also got to choreograph their ceremony exit, mother-son dance, and fathers-daughter dance. That’s right, fathers. Chesney honored all three of her father figures with a dance, and it was awesome.

Always having fun.

Listen to her heart.

The three amigos.

Putting this lift in Chesney & Stephen’s first dance really wowed the crowd!

Perfection at the Pink Palace.

The perfect balance of fun and hard work.

Fun with Dads.

Don’t forget Mom.

Chesney & Stephen’s sassy first dance.

(Please excuse the choppy video – we got so excited watching it that we forgot to pay attention to the camera!)

Exiting with style.

Thanks to the dream team!

Venue: The Pink Palace Museum

Photographer: Katrina Yarbrough

DJ: Deep Blu Entertainment

Day of Coordinator: Michael Doyle of Lynn Doyle Flowers

Three easy ways to find out how we can help you with your first dance.

Visit our Lessons page.

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

Schedule Your Consultation

Ballroom Dance Shoes

Posted on April 29, 2022 by catsballroom

So you’re ready to buy ballroom dance shoes, but you’re not sure where to start? Relax, I’m going to walk you through it.

Characteristics of Ballroom Dance Shoes

There are two main features that distinguish ballroom dance shoes from regular footwear. The first is a steel shank for maximum support and durability, and the second is a suede sole. Suede has the perfect amount of grip. Too much grip (think tennis shoes) and your foot won’t turn freely. Too little grip and you’ll slip and slide. Either can result in injury, so if you need to justify the cost of dance shoes, just think of them as safety equipment.

Beyond the basics, shoes are categorized by the type of dancing they’re intended for. For men the choices are pretty straightforward. A classic black 5-holed oxford, while designed for standard/smooth dancing, is a good choice for all around use. They usually come in leather or patent leather, but otherwise there isn’t much variation. If you plan to do mainly Latin/rhythm dancing (or if you want to add a bit of height), you’ll want a Latin shoe which will have a softer, less structured design and a Cuban heel. Smooth leather or suede is fine, but as with the oxford, they should be black.

Women’s shoes are categorized similarly. Where they differ is in the wide variety of styles, colors, and embellishments available. A classic pump, in either leather or satin, is the norm for standard/smooth dancing. Some come with a strap across the instep (which I highly recommend) to decrease the chance of you stepping out them. Shoes for Latin/rhythm dancing are strappier and often open-toed. They are probably the best choice for general dancing. For your first pair you can’t go wrong with a nude or tan color which matches everything, blends with the floor, and elongates your leg line. Sadly, it is still difficult to find shoes that match darker skin tones, so if you can’t find a good match, you may want to have them dyed. Your second pair will probably be black, followed closely by red, silver, leopard, rhinestone… You’ll see.

A third category, for both men and women, is practice shoes. Basically they’re a less stylish (but comfier) all-purpose shoe that you may appreciate if you dance a lot.

Materials

Leather is a good choice for both men’s and women’s shoes. It’s classic, durable, and will mold to your foot somewhat over time. It’s also the easiest to keep clean.

Patent leather may look snazzy, but it sticks to itself, so if you’re brushing your feet as you should be, you can easily trip yourself up. It also scuffs up pretty easily and doesn’t have much give.

Suede has a nice look and feel. Because it’s softer than leather it molds nicely to the foot, but that also means it’s a little harder to maintain.

Satin doesn’t have much give and it’s hard to keep clean. It does however come in an amazing array of colors and can even be dyed to match your attire.

Cost

Don’t waste your money on a cheap pair of dance shoes. They won’t be comfortable, and they won’t hold up. Expect to pay from $100 – $200 for a decent pair from a reputable brand. Oh, and those higher end brands usually come with double padding – sigh.

Fit

Sizes will vary some from brand to brand, so you may have to experiment a bit, but generally you’ll wear your usual size. One exception is with ladies open-toed styles where the toe should come all the way to the front edge (or even slightly beyond), in which case you might need a half size smaller. The shoe should feel snug and supportive. Don’t even think about trying to live with a heel that slips or a toe that binds. You’ll be putting a lot of miles on these bad boys, so they better be comfy. If in doubt, bring them to your next lesson and let your instructor check the fit.

Unfortunately, most dance shoes only come in a medium width. This is particularly problematic for the guys since they have fewer style options. For ladies with a narrow or wide foot, styles that lace or have adjustable buckles may be a good solution. Be careful of very strappy styles however, as they can dig in or allow toes to escape in weird ways. Styles with mesh panels can offer a similar look while still providing good support.

Finally, many companies can accommodate a certain degree of customization, such as two different sizes or different heel heights, but it will cost extra and the sale is final.

Heels & Closures

Men’s heel heights are usually 1 inch for standard/smooth and 1 ½ inches for Latin/rhythm. For ladies the default is a slender 2 ½ inch heel, but fortunately these days there are a lot of other options. Heights from ¾ – 4 inches are usually available, as are varying degrees of flare (how wide it becomes at the bottom) and much chunkier Cuban heels.

Men’s shoes generally just lace up, but because ladies shoes have a strap (or many straps) that can be adjusted, the types of attachments are also more varied. As mentioned before, laces can be helpful in getting a good fit, but they do run the risk of coming untied. Buckles are the most secure, but a faux-buckle clasp is pretty good too, and it’s quicker to take on and off. My favorite is snaps, but they’re not as widely available.

Where to Buy Ballroom Dance Shoes

Unless you live in a large city with a lot of dance studios (Hello NY and LA), you’re probably going to have to order online. Make sure to check return policies before you order, and when you try them on, stand on a towel to keep the suede clean. And remember, custom orders cannot be returned.

Shoe (and dress) vendors also set up booths at large competitions, so if you hear of one coming to your area, it may be worth checking out. I got one of my favorite pairs of all time on clearance at an event.

Alternatives to Buying Ballroom Dance Shoes

If you’re not ready to invest in a dedicated pair of ballroom dance shoes, it’s perfectly fine to dance in shoes you already own. A few simple modifications might be helpful though. If they won’t stay on securely, you can buy shoe bands to put around your instep. They’re basically wide rubber bands that come in colors (black, nude, clear, etc.) to match your shoes. Some are even adjustable. Another option to prevent slippage is double sided shoe tape. I haven’t tried it, so I can’t attest to its comfort or efficacy, but it’s worth a try. And finally, you can buy sued pads with adhesive backs, stick them to the bottoms of your shoes, and voila, your favorite kicks now have a dancing sole.

Time To Shop!

Here are a few links to get you started. I’ve purchased shoes from most (but not all) of these companies and been happy with them.

Elegance Shoe Company

Very Fine Shoes

American Classic Ballroom Dance Shoes

Supadance

Fun final note – In the eighties male competitors often dyed their outfits to match their partners, so somewhere in Jesse’s stash of memorabilia is a pair of purple satin Cuban-heeled dance shoes.

And if you want to see real people dancing in the wild, then our Gallery blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

Visit our Lessons page.

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

Schedule Your Consultation

Carla & Loray’s First Dance | Here and Now

Posted on March 25, 2022August 8, 2022 by catsballroom

Imagine a gorgeous couple gliding and twirling through pink-tinged fog to the romantic sound of Luther Vandross. Yeah, Carla and Loray’s first dance was dreamy.

I promise to love faithfully

They even look good practicing!

This couple had a lot of pluses starting out. They’re both really sweet, both have lilting Caribbean accents (love that), and are both in the military. Why should that last part matter? In my experience military couples are super easy to work with. They pay attention, take instruction incredibly well, and don’t seem to know the word can’t. Plus, they practice!

Carla & Loray’s First Dance Was Pure Romance

The key to progressing quickly (and having fun doing it) is to learn from your mistakes, but to not take them too seriously. Laughter loosens the mind. Extra props to Loray for being the first person I’ve ever seen get the suave over the head move on the first try!

Laughing and learning together

Smooth Move

Like dancing on a cloud

Thanks to the dream team!

Venue: Imperial Design Hall

Photographer: Hundreds of Moments

Videographer: Luminary Wedding Videos

DJ: DJ Johnny of Blue Chip Entertainment

Dress: The Dressing Room Celebration

Three easy ways to find out how we can help you with your first dance.

Visit our Lessons page.

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

Schedule Your Consultation

Your Song Is Not Too Fast And Other Things You Need to Know About Wedding Music

Posted on February 18, 2022February 18, 2022 by catsballroom

Set the mood with the right wedding music

Choosing wedding music is an emotional decision. We often meet couples that are worried that their song isn’t “danceable”. Let’s put that to rest right now. Your song is not too fast. Or too slow, too obscure, too weird, too racy, or too anything else. Your song is your song. If you love it, we can make it work.

Your song is too long though. Sorry, but the average song is 3-4 minutes long, and the average attentions span is much less. The good news is that most songs can be edited down to about a minute and a half (the sweet spot) while keeping the best parts.

Don’t forget your exit music

The song determines the dance. There are dozens of dances that are fun and appropriate for weddings, and which one you end up doing will depend on the tempo and rhythm of your music. Also, keep in mind that covers and remixes can change the mood of a song completely. Think Beyonce’s original Crazy in Love versus the Fifty Shades of Grey remix.

Can’t decide between slow or fast? Do both. Medleys can be fun (if they’re not too long) and are a nice surprise for your guests. They can also be a good compromise if you have wildly different tastes. So go ahead and mix his country ballad with your nineties hip-hop, and don’t worry what anyone else thinks.

Beyond the bride and groom

Dad’s cry too. In fact, many of them bawl like babies during the father-daughter dance. If that’s your jam, then by all means use that sentimental slow song that you both love. But if you prefer not to turn on the waterworks mid-dance, pick something fast and fun. Maybe even something silly, like a medley of his favorite disco tunes.

Did your mom or dad sing to you when you were little? Those catchy ditties are often real songs, and they make great choices for father-daughter or mother son dances because they’re funny and have meaning for you. Ting tang walla walla bing bang anyone?

Editing Makes It Perfect

Occasionally your song will be perfect as is, but more often than not, it will need some editing. Here are a few things that a good sound person can do for your song: shorten it (imperative), slow it down or speed it up to make it more comfortable, add or remove vocals, mix it with another song, add sound effects. If you can dream it, it can probably be done.

And if you want to see real couples preparing for and performing their first dances, then our Wedding Stories blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three easy ways to find out how we can help you with your first dance.

Visit our Lessons page.

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

Schedule Your Consultation

Community Dance Classes in 2021

Posted on January 5, 2022 by catsballroom

Wow, what a year it was. We offered more free community dance classes in 2021 than ever before!

Beautiful people and gorgeous sunsets.

The Downtown Memphis Commission and Memphis River Parks Partnership kindly let us use Fourth Bluff Park to offer a community salsa class in April, and the response was so amazing that we quickly set up three more. The Latin Dance Series (merengue, bachata, and another salsa class) made the hot these hot summer evenings even hotter.

Salsa | Fourth Bluff Park | April 17, 2021

Merengue | Fourth Bluff Park | April 22, 2021

Bachata | Fourth Bluff Park | June 19, 2021

Salsa | Fourth Bluff Park | July 24, 2021

We also partnered with The Brooks Museum to offer a merengue class during an outdoor exhibit by Ball Nogues Studio. Dancing in and among those fantastical creations was a real delight.

Merengue | Brooks Museum | May 1, 2021

And let’s not forget the crazy weekend that was Fieldaze, when downtown Memphis turned into a playground for adults. Salsa at Wiseacre Brewery and Swing in Fourth Bluff Park were our contributions to the mix.

Push-Pull Swing | Fourth Bluff Park | November 6, 2021

The Fallback Fall Dance Series rounded out the year, pairing fun social dances with old school music. It got a little cold towards the end, but as soon as the dancing began everyone was feeling fine.

Nightclub Two-Step | Fourth Bluff Park | October 9, 2021

Push-Pull Swing | Fourth Bluff Park | December 11, 2021

If you missed out on the fun last year, don’t worry, we’ll be back at it again soon. Although, maybe not in July or December. 😉

We’d love to have you join in the fun, so be sure to check our New & Events page regularly. Better yet, sign up for our newsletter, What’s Happening At Cat’s Ballroom, and get information about special events and classes sent right to your inbox.

And remember, your first lesson with us is free, so why not try one today?

Schedule a Lesson

Cat Tracks No. 2

Posted on December 15, 2021 by catsballroom

With the Cat Tracks series we want to celebrate three things: 1) Memphis places and spaces, 2) our amazing students, and 3) the abundant variety of ballroom dance styles.

Pocket Garden

Tucked in an alley in Overton Square is a magical little world of murals, sculptures, and gardens. John is a car guy, so a mural of a vintage vehicle seemed like the perfect place to leave some Cat Tracks.

Our Hoopty Hoop

Colleen started dancing in college, and now John is happily along for the ride. They are smart, kind, and lovely to work with. At the time of this video, they had been dancing with us for about a year. West coast swing is just one of many dances they enjoy, which goes to show what you can accomplish with a little hard work and practice.

West coast swing is a laid back and playful dance that’s perfect for blues and funk. Danced in a “slot” (like an old mechanical bank), it was supposedly developed in Hollywood in the early days of film.

Showing out in Overton Square

Experienced dancers will notice that this demonstration doesn’t contain any whips (a staple of WCS). That’s because they learned this dance over Zoom during lock-down! Whips are tricky to teach by video, but since we’ve resumed in-person lessons, we’ve definitely added them to their repertoire.

West coast swing (sans whips)

Just in case you’ve never seen an antique mechanical bank

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

Visit our Lessons page.

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

Schedule Your Consultation

4 Reasons Why Dance Lessons Make a Great Gift

Posted on November 19, 2021November 19, 2021 by catsballroom

Trying to think of the perfect gift for that hard to shop for person? Dance lessons make a great gift for almost anyone on almost any occasion.

They’re Unique

Chances are if you give someone a gift certificate for dance lessons, you won’t be duplicating someone else’s gift idea. Can you say that about a sweater? Your spouse, boss, sibling, or friend will appreciate that you took the time to choose something original and fun just for them.

Skills Last Forever

It’s like riding a bike. Once someone learns how to dance, they’ll be able to use that ability anywhere and anytime. On a cruise? They know how to dance. At a class reunion? They know how to dance. Wedding reception? That’s right. They know how to dance. And dancing has no expiration date, so they can do it well into old age.

Experiences Are Better Than Things

Classes and lessons of any kind make good gifts. Not only because they won’t end up collecting dust in the closet, but also because, whether good or bad, new experiences almost always leave lasting memories (and often funny stories) in a way tangible gifts rarely do. And let’s face it, most of us already have all the stuff we need.

People Secretly Dream of Learning to Dance

If I had a dime for every time I’ve heard someone say, “I wish I’d done this sooner,” my piggy bank would be full. Gliding across the floor like Fred and Ginger is something many people dream of, but few actually attempt. Give them the gentle push they need to start now and not waste any more time daydreaming. They’ll thank you for it.

And if you want to see real people dancing in the wild, then our Gallery blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

Visit our Lessons page.

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

Schedule Your Consultation

Caring for your dance shoes properly will help you get the most out of them.

Maintenance

Wire Brush | Heel Tips | Heel Caps

Storage

Shoe Bag | Shoe Trees | Shoe Boxes

Cleaning

Basic Shoe Shine Kit | Magic Eraser

Caring for your dance shoes won’t make them last forever, and that’s okay. 😉

Update

You can save your satin shoes!

More Articles That Might Interest You

And if you want to see real people dancing in the wild, then our Gallery blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

Saturday

Sunday

How does hiring a band for your wedding affect your first dance?

Working With the Band

Using a Recording Instead

Some Bands Our Couples Have Loved

More Articles That Might Interest You

And if you want to see real couples preparing for and performing their first dances, then our Wedding Stories blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three easy ways to find out how we can help you with your first dance.

So beautiful together.

Always having fun.

Listen to her heart.

The three amigos.

Putting this lift in Chesney & Stephen’s first dance really wowed the crowd!

Perfection at the Pink Palace.

The perfect balance of fun and hard work.

Fun with Dads.

Don’t forget Mom.

Chesney & Stephen’s sassy first dance.

(Please excuse the choppy video – we got so excited watching it that we forgot to pay attention to the camera!)

Exiting with style.

Thanks to the dream team!

Three easy ways to find out how we can help you with your first dance.

Characteristics of Ballroom Dance Shoes

Materials

Cost

Fit

Heels & Closures

Where to Buy Ballroom Dance Shoes

Alternatives to Buying Ballroom Dance Shoes

Time To Shop!

More Articles That Might Interest You

And if you want to see real people dancing in the wild, then our Gallery blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

I promise to love faithfully

They even look good practicing!

Carla & Loray’s First Dance Was Pure Romance

Laughing and learning together

Smooth Move

Like dancing on a cloud

Thanks to the dream team!

Three easy ways to find out how we can help you with your first dance.

Set the mood with the right wedding music

Don’t forget your exit music

Beyond the bride and groom

Editing Makes It Perfect

More Articles That Might Interest You

And if you want to see real couples preparing for and performing their first dances, then our Wedding Stories blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three easy ways to find out how we can help you with your first dance.

Beautiful people and gorgeous sunsets.

Salsa | Fourth Bluff Park | April 17, 2021

Merengue | Fourth Bluff Park | April 22, 2021

Bachata | Fourth Bluff Park | June 19, 2021

Salsa | Fourth Bluff Park | July 24, 2021

Merengue | Brooks Museum | May 1, 2021

Push-Pull Swing | Fourth Bluff Park | November 6, 2021

Nightclub Two-Step | Fourth Bluff Park | October 9, 2021

Push-Pull Swing | Fourth Bluff Park | December 11, 2021

With the Cat Tracks series we want to celebrate three things: 1) Memphis places and spaces, 2) our amazing students, and 3) the abundant variety of ballroom dance styles.

Pocket Garden

Our Hoopty Hoop

Showing out in Overton Square

West coast swing (sans whips)

Just in case you’ve never seen an antique mechanical bank

More Articles That Might Interest You

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

They’re Unique