DANCING IN CHICAGO


A guide to places to dance in the greater Chicago area (Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country & Western). Information on locations, prices, schedules, directions, and general description of establishments.
This page is no longer actively maintained.

Contents:

* Short List

* Long List

* How to find the information you need?

* About this page


For additional dance related information, see Aria's Dance Page.


Short List

(in alphabetical order)

Dance Spot

Address

Telephone

Ambassador Ballroom Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 N State, Chicago, IL 60610 312-644-5722
Aragon Entertainment Center 1106 W Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773-561-9500
Asi es Columbia Restaurant 3910 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 773-348-7444
Ballroom City 207 S. Villa Park Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181 630-834-7994
Ballroom at Wonderland 310 E Chicago St, Elgin, IL 60120 847-697-2255
Barracuda's Corner of Bloomingdale and Army Trail, Glendale Hights, IL 630-539-6150
Barrington Banquets 135 Kelsey Rd # A, Barrington, IL 60010 847-381-0310
The Beat Kitchen 2100 West Belmont, Chicago, IL 60618 773-281-4444
The Bop Shop Out of business
Bossa Nova Restaurant Out of business
Buffalo Bar & Grill 1760 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048 847-362-8202
Burnett's Ballroom 260 E Kenilworth, Villa Park, IL 60181 630-782-6770
Cabaret Dance Club (6637 Kennedy Ave,Hammond) Cedar Lake, In 219-374-7636
Cairo changed to club 720
Cadillac Ranch 1175 W. Lake Street (by Rt 59), Bartlett, IL 60103 630-830-7200
Casanova 2421 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 773-271-3661
Chevy Chase 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling. 847-537-0362
Chicago Argentine Tango Society 7117 Lexington Ln.,Fox Lake, IL 60020 847-587-2445
Chicago Dance 3660 W Irving Park, Chicago, IL 60618 773-267-3411
Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club Centre at North Park, 10040 W. Addison, Franklin Park, IL 60131 773-549-1528
The Chicago Swing Dance Society
The Chicago Swing Half Breeds 2010 W Carol St, Chicago, IL 312-409-0039
Chicago Windy City Jitterbug Club (CWCJC) P.O. Box 713, Franklin Park, IL 60131 708-456-600
La Classique Ballroom 4146 Elston Ave. 312-463-9373
Club 720 720 N. Wells 312-397-0600
Concord Plaza 401 W. Lake St, Northlake. 708-562-7700
The Copa Now called "Voodoo Lounge"
Dance Connection 3047 N Lincoln # 210, Chicago, IL 60657 773-404-0006
Dance Time 981 W. Wise Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60193 847-891-4771
Dance World at Elks Club, 262 Golf Road, Arlington Hights, IL 847-885-8748
Dancer's Delight Studio 1623 W. Melrose, Chicago, IL 60657 773-935-4767
The Diplomat 5600 W. Fullerton 800-675-9878
Dumas Walker's 1799 S. Busse Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 847-593-2200
Excalibur 632 N Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60610 312-266-1944
Faces 225 W. Ontario, Chicago 312-337-8080
Frankies Blue Room 16 W. Chicago Av., Naperville, IL 630-416-4898
Glendora Ballroom 10225 S. Harlem Ave, Chicago Ridge. 708-425-3686
Golden School of Dance 1825 W. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60194 847-885-8511
The Greater Chicago USABDA chapter
The Green Mill 4802 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640 773-878-5552
Honeybee Swing . .
House of Blues 300 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 312-527-2583
Inta's 157 W. Ontario, Chicago, IL 60610 312-664-6880
Irish American Heritage Center 4626 North Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 773-282-7035
El Jardin 3401 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60657 773-935-8133
Jukebox Saturday Night 1227 Maple Ave. Lisle, IL 60532 630-971-8730
Julie's Country Western Saloon Has closed
Kasper Dance Studio 3201 N. Long, Chicago, IL 60641 773-545-0222
Kawliga's Country Western Outpost Out of business .
Klub KDron 3336 N Milwaukee 725-9826
Liquid 1997 N. Clybourne, Chicago, IL 773-528-3400
Mad Bar 1640 North Damen, Chicago, IL 60647 312-227-2277
McDuffees Lodge 3300 W 111th St (Two blocks W of Kedzie), 312-779-3033
Mclean Country Dance Center 510 E Washington St, Bloomington, IL 61701
Nashville North 101 E Irving Park Rd, Bensenville, IL 60106 630-595-0170
Northwest Brewery 925 W Chicago Ave .
The Note 1565 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60622 773-489-0011
The Olive Out of business
Patterson School of Ballroom Dance 1240 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 847-501-2523
Pheasant Run Country Club 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174 630-584-6300
Rockin Armadillo out of business .
Rockin Ranch 1035 Summit Street, Crown Point, Indiana 46307 219-663-0133
Salsero 1860 N Elston Ave. 773-276-4846
Schuba's Tavern 3159 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657 773-525-2508
Silver Saddle 152 W. Higgins (Near Roselle Rd), Hoffman Estates, IL 60195 847-490-1666
South Beach 2251 N. Lincoln, 312-327-2300
Star Dust see note below 312-421-4686
Sundance Saloon 2061 W Maple Ave, Mundelein, IL 60060 847-949-0858
Swing 'N' Country Dance Club 702 South Auburn Circle Schaumburg, IL 69193 847-524-7462
Swing-Out Chicago 1658 N. Milwaukee #395, Chicago 60622 773-782-1927
Tango... Nada Mas 6137 N. Northwest Hwy, Chicago 773-792-2099
Tania's Restaurant 2659 N. Milwaulee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 312-235-7120
Tropicana De Cache 2047 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647 773-489-9600
University of Chicago Ballroom Dancing Social Club University of Chicago 773-702-6238
La Village Cafe 510 N. Western, Chicago, IL 60612 312-455-9253
Vinyl 1615 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 773-587-8469
The Voodoo Lounge 601 Mall Dr., Schaumburg IL 60173 847-969-1602
Whiskey River 1997 N. Clybourne, 773-528-4300
White Eagle Banquet Halls 6845 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, Illinois 60714 847-647 0660
Willowbrook Ballroom 8900 S. Archer Ave, Willow Springs. 708-839-1000
Windy City South Side Jitterbug Club Alsip 708-385-7257



Long List

/Ballroom/
** Ambassador Ballroom
Ambassador West Hotel 1300 N. State, Chicago, IL 60610
312-644-5722

Ambassador ballroom dances used to be held monthly, but now are less regular. Call for more information. Live music, usually a small dance contest, and sometimes a performance. The dances are on a weekend, usually Friday or Saturday evening. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Has dress code.

/Latin/Swing/
** Aragon Entertainment Center
1106 W Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60640
773-561-9500

Formerly known as Aragon Ballroom. Opened in Chicago in 1926, hosting big band dances. These days, whenever it is not hosting rock concerts, it offers Salsa nights and blues nights. Arrangements vary, call for schedules and details.

/Latin/
** Asi es Columbia Restaurant
3910 N. Lincoln Ave , Chicago, IL 60613
773-348-7444

Salsa/Merengue on Wednesdays.

/Ballroom/
** Ballroom City
207 S. Villa Park Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181
630-834-7994

Owned by Norm and Heidi Lucky. Beginners through advanced classes in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Hustle, and Argentine Tango. Saturday night dances, sometimes with live bands and/or pro shows. Sunday night dances on the second Sunday of every month. Tea dances every Sunday afternoon 3-5pm. Dances are $6 and up, depending on the events (e.g. live music, etc.) for calendar of events, call the studio number given above.

One of the teachers in this studio is Diana Conroy, who also teaches at Golden's School of Dance.

/Ballroom/Swing/
** Ballroom at Wonderland
310 E Chicago St, Elgin, IL 60120
847-697-2255

This location no longer sponsors ballroom dancing.

/Swing/
** Barracuda's
Corner of Bloomingdale and Army Trail, Glendale Hights, IL
630-539-6150

Formerly known as Stampedes. For a brief period of time between June 97 and 31 October 97, Stampedes was a country dance place. They changed format in November to a retro (60's - 70's) dance place. They play music suitable to WCS and Hustle, but you probably need to go with partner.
773-235-3232

The bop shop has gone out of business.

/Latin/
** Bossa Nova Restaurant
1960 N. Clybourn, Chicago, IL 60614
773-248-4800

Closure: Bossa Nova has apparently gone out of business.

/Country/
** Buffalo Bar & Grill
1760 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048
847-362-8202

/Ballroom/
** Burnett's Ballroom
260 E Kenilworth, Villa Park., IL 60181
630-782-6770

Parties on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. The studio and floor are well maintained.

/Ballroom/
** Cabaret Dance Club
(6637 Kennedy Ave, Hammond) Cedar Lake
219-374-7636

Parties at Great Oaks After Four Club, Fridays.

/Latin/
** Cairo

Has changed name to Club 720.

/Country/
** Cadillac Ranch
1175 W. Lake Street (by Rt 59), Bartlett, IL 60103
630-830-7200

Restaurant and C/W dance club, located West of Route 59 in Bartlett, IL. Dancing and lessons on a 2500 sq. ft. dance floor. Line dance lessons Monday 7pm, Tuesday and Friday 7:30pm. Couples dance lessons Wednesday at 8pm. Thursday is retro night. Live bands Friday and Saturday starting at 9:30pm. Club hours are 7pm-4am daily. Cover charge is $3 Monday thru Thursday, and $4 Friday and Saturday. Food and drink special on Sunday, call to enquire.

/Latin/Swing/
** Casanova
2421 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
773-271-3661

Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Downstairs is disco, upstairs is Latin.

/Ballroom/Country/
** Chevy Chase
1000 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling.
847-537-0362

NOTE: Chevy chase is closed until 2000 for remodeling.

Large ballroom and live bands. Ballroom dancing every Wednesday evening 8:30-11:00pm on a 6300 sq. ft. dance floor.

Chevy Chase also offers Country and Western lessons and dancing on Mondays and Tuesdays. DJ music is played starting 7pm. Instruction begins at 7:30pm. Cover charge is $4.

Chevy Chase is located just North of the Lake Cook Road. It is resides on the grounds of the Chevy Chase Golf Club.

/Ballroom/
** Chicago Argentine Tango Society
7117 Lexington Ln., Fox Lake, IL 60020
847-587-2445

Janis Kenyon (email: kbrown-foxlake@worldnet.att.net), who used to run the Chicago Swing Dance Club, is now mostly involved with the Aregentine Tango Dance Association. Both the Chicago Swing Dance Club and Chicago Swing and Hustle Dance Club are now defunct.

/Ballroom/
** Chicago Dance
3660 W Irving Park, Chicago, IL 60618
(At the intersection of Elston & Irving Park)
773-267-3411

Owned by Bob and Penny Urbon, this studio specializes in American Style Ballroom instruction. They also offer classes in Salsa, Merengue, and Argentine Tango. They seem to have open dances planned over most weekends, but these are each a separate event (i.e. no regular weekly dance at the same hour). For more information, call, send email to bob@chicagodance.com, or visit the Chicago Dance home page. The dances are held on a 3000 square ft. maple dance floor, and are open to the public.

Directions: From North or South: Take I-90 or I-94 to the Irving Park Exit, the studio is approximately 3.5 blocks to the east on Irving Park. From the West, take I-290 to I-90 and follow directions above.

/Swing/
** Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Dances at: Centre at North Park, 10040 W. Addison, Franklin Park, IL 60131
847-678-4021 (Centre at North Park)
773-549-1528 (Club information)

The Rebels Swing dance club holds dances two Friday nights every month, 8:00pm-12:00am. For more information on schedule, call the above phone number, or by email contact donlavin@ix.netcom.com or Dlpens@aol.com. Admission price is $3 for club members and $6 for the general public.

/Swing/
** The Chicago Swing Dance Society
This is the student dance club of the University of Chicago. They were inaugurated in January 1997, and currently offer swing and Lindy hop lessons.

/Swing/
** The Chicago Swing Half Breeds
2010 W Carol St, Chicago, IL
312-409-0039

This is a for-profit organization founded by four Lindy Hoppers in the city of Chicago. It concentrates on teaching group classes in Swing, mainly Lindy Hop, but also diversifies to other dances. The address given above is not a studio; the group holds classes in various locations, including:

Blue Door Studio, 1809 W. Webster

St. Alphonsus Parish Center, 2941 N. Greenview St.

Liquid, 1997 N. Clybourn
The locations are subject to change, so you are advised to get in touch with them before going for any classes. You can also contact them at howmuch@earthlink.net.

/Swing/
** Chicago Windy City Jitterbug Club (CWCJC)
P.O. Box 713, Franklin Park, IL 60131
708-456-6000

CWCJC has dances on the first and third Saturday of each month from 8:00pm to 12:30am. The dances are held in Franklin Park at an American Legion Hall located at 9757 W Pacific Ave. Entry fee is $4.00 for members and $7.00 for non-members. The information hotline is 708-456-6000. They also offer Jitterbug dance lessons; the dance lesson hot line is 312-696-6939.

/Ballroom/
** La Classique Ballroom
4146 Elston Ave.,
312-463-9373

Mainly international style dancing. Instructors are Dank Kanosak (a former Thai champion) and Mary Ann Carter.

/Latin/
** Club 720
720 N. Wells, Chicago
312-397-0600

Formerly known as "Cairo", Club 720 is located on the corner of N. Wells and Superior. Salsa dancing with free lessons every Tuesday and Friday. Live Salsa band on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Chicago Tango club meets at Club 720 every Tuesday night, 7:00pm-10:00pm on the third floor. Admission $5 but sometimes as much as $15. Some patrons have complained about the valet parking as well as the admission price.

/Ballroom/Latin/
** Dance Connection
3047 N Lincoln #210, Chicago, IL 60657
773-404-0006

International and contemporary latin dancing (cumbia, salsa, etc). Classes on weekday evenings, parties every other Saturday evening. Good instructors. Young crowd. This studio opened in the last few years and has a nice modern floor. Recommended instructors include Ron Ford (modern) and Dale Pizzitola (latin). Allen Desterhaft teaches American smooth and rhythm.

/Ballroom/
** Dance Time
981 W. Wise Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60193
847-891-4771

American and International style dance instruction. Group and private lessons. Open dances on second and fourth Saturdays of each month, starting at 8pm. There is a lesson before the dance, starting at 7pm. Studio manager is Hugh McGarvey.

/Ballroom/Country/
** Dance World
at Elks Club, 262 Golf Road, Arlington Hights, IL
847-885-8748

DANCE WORLD is a not-for-profit membership based organization promoting all forms of dance, including but not limited to Ballroom, Hustle, Swing and Country Western. The Club promotes exposure to Education and aims to provide a safe and enjoyable social atmosphere. Dances are held monthly on a Saturday, 8:00pm until Midnight, at the Elks Club, 262 Golf Road(1/2 block east of Arlington Heights Road), Arlington Heights, Il. Cost is $5 for members and first time guests.

/Ballroom/
** Dancer's Delight Studio
1623 W. Melrose, Chicago, IL 60657
773-935-4767

International ballroom and Latin dancing, various levels. Classes on weekday evenings: Latin dancing on Mondays and Tuesdays, Standard (modern) on Wednesdays, and Tango on Thursdays. Parties every other Saturday. Occasional shows/clinics with world class dancers. Relatively young crowd. The owner and latin instructor, Jay Jarquin, is very friendly.

Dance Connection and Dancer's Delight are a couple of blocks away from each other. They used to be one studio which split into two.

/Latin/
** The Diplomat
5600 W. Fullerton
800-675-9878

Salsa/Merengue music on Fridays, well recommended, two floors.

/Country/
** Dumas Walker's
1799 S. Busse Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
847-593-2200

This is a restaurant and C/W dance club, about 45 minutes drive from downtown Chicago. Some of the dancers that used to hang out at Whiskey River seem to have taken to Duma's, after Whiskey River closed. This is the sister club of Cadillac Ranch.

Dumas Walker's offers Country Western dancing Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to DJ music. Hours are as follows: Wednesday & Sunday 6 pm - 1 am, Friday & Saturday 6 pm - 2 am. Dance floor size is about 2000 square feet. Dance lessons start at 7:30 Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Cover charge is $3.

/Latin/
** Excalibur
632 N Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60610
312-266-1944

Salsa and Merengue dancing every Thursday night, beginning at 9pm with a free dance lesson. Music by DJ Juan Carlos and live Salsa and Merengue bands. Admission $5 before 11pm, $7 after. Excalibur is a large three-tiered dance club; three dance floors under one roof. The crowd is generally over 25.

/Latin/Swing/
** Faces
225 W. Ontario, Chicago
312-337-8080

Faces is a nightclub and bar adjacent to (and owned by) Magnum's Steakhouse. Nice 30x30 sq. ft. dance floor, with seating on two sides of the floor and a long bar along the two other sides, offering a chic atmosphere. Faces is located at the corner of Ontario and Franklin.

Salsa and Merengue dancing every Wednesday night starting at 6pm. Music is DJ every week, with live bands once a month. Admission is complimentary, except when live bands play, call for details. Small dance floor. This event is run by the same management as Excalibur. The crowd is classy and generally over 30.

Also West Coast Swing dancing on Sunday nights. No cover charge.

/Swing/
** Frankies Blue Room
16 W. Chicago Av., Naperville, IL
630-416-4898

Big band swing on Wednesdays. As of 1997, the Big Swing plays live music on Wednesdays. The band has some of the former members of Mighty Blue Kings. Their music is very dancable. Free swing dance lesson starting at 7pm, then open dancing 8pm-1am. Frankie's also has dance lessons on Thursdays, call to enquire.

/Ballroom/Country/
** Glendora Ballroom
10225 S. Harlem Ave, Chicago Ridge.
708-425-3686

Similar to Willowbrook. Dancing on Fridays to various big bands, and taped music on Sundays. Admission $10.

Country Western dancing Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 7:30pm. Admission $5.

/Ballroom/
** Golden School of Dance
1825 W. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60194
847-885-8511

Ballroom group classes four days a week (Friday through Monday) 7:30-8:30pm, in Standard, Latin, Swing and Hustle, by Diana Conroy. Regular Saturday night open dances (starting Jan. 98) 8:30-11:00pm, $5 admission.

/Ballroom/
** The Greater Chicago USABDA chapter
Organizes dances every two or three months. Call 708-469-6028 for information. The Chicago chapter president is Jeanine Tobin, 773-237-8217. You can contact the Chicago USABDA via email at nriley@mediaone.net.

/Swing/
** The Green Mill
4802 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
773-878-5552

Tuesday nights used to belong to the Mighty Blue Kings, but since July 1997, the Big Swing plays Tuesday nights at the Green Mill every Tuesday at the Green Mill starting at 9pm. The place is usually packed and the dance floor is small. (the full name of the place is ``Green Mill Cocktail Lounge'').

/Swing/
** Honeybee Swing

Dance instruction group. They sponsor dance classes and Swing dance parties. Dues payable on the first class. For more informaiton , contact them at barbbee1@aol.com.

/Swing/
** House of Blues
300 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
312-527-2583

/Latin/
** Inta's
157 W. Ontario, Chicago, IL 60610
312-664-6880

Lessons on most Tuesdays, general dancing all nights of the week. Dancing on a 1000 sq. ft. floor which looks somewhat smaller because of the posts in the middle of the floor. The crowd is usually older and more sophisticated, and the average level of dancing is very good. Strict dress code (no jeans or sneakers). Cover charge can vary according to the type of music, but is generally $5 for weeknights and DJ music, more for weekends and live music.

Inta's is located on Erie close to the intersection with Franklin. It is within easy walking distance of Club 720.

/Ballroom/
** Irish American Heritage Center
4626 North Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
773-282-7035

Open dances two Saturdays every month, starting at 7:30pm. Large wooden floor. Dances sponsored by Vito Bertucci.

/Latin/
** El Jardin
3401 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60657
773-935-8133

Thursday nights they have a Salsa night; all other nights, they are a post-collegiate sports/dance bar.

/Swing/
** Jukebox Saturday Night
1227 Maple Ave. Lisle, IL 60532
630-971-8730

Swing Lessons Every Tuesday Starting at 7pm followed by DJ Music. $3 Cover with food and drink specials.

/Country/
** Julie's Country Western Saloon
21611 N Milwaukee Ave, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
847-465-8799

Note: Julie's has gone out of business.

/Ballroom/
** Kasper Dance Studio
(formerly International Club)
3201 N. Long, Chicago, IL 60641
773-545-0222

Instructors Kris and Ella Kasperowicz. Kris coached a Polish formation team which was third in the world. They specialize in International style, especially Latin. One of the better centers in Chicago for taking technique lessons.

/Country/
** Kawliga's Country Western Outpost
955 Main St, Crete, IL 60417
708-672-2060

Note: Kawliga's closed on January 1, 1999.

/Latin/
** Klub KDron
3336 N Milwaukee
725-9826

Latin dancing Friday and Saturday nights.

/Swing/
** Liquid
1997 N. Clybourne, Chicago, IL
773-528-3400

Features Big Band Swing every night except Mondays. Approximagely 600 sq. ft. dance floor, good music, young crowd, big turnout. Usually no cover charge on weeknights unless there is live music. A Country Western establishment named "Whiskey River" used to reside at this location. It went out of business in early 1997 and came back with this new name and new format. 21 years and older only. Liquid is located at the corner of Clybourne and Racine Ave.

Since mid-1997, the Thursday night gigs at the Liquid are played by the Big Swing. Big Swing is a 10-piece band that plays a lot of Jump Blues as well as Swing and Jazz.

Wednesday nights: swing dancing to DJ music, starting at 9pm. Swing lessons before the dance, starting at 7:30pm.

/Latin/
** Mad Bar
1640 North Damen, Chicago, IL 60647
312-227-2277

Wednesdays, they have some Samba/Salsa music, but it's usually not dancable. The crowd is trendy-chic cigar-smoking, and are more interested in looking cool than music or dancing.

/Ballroom/
** Concord Plaza
401 W. Lake St, Northlake, IL
708-562-7700

Used to be called "Majestic Ballroom," in what used to be the Northlake Hotel. Tuesday night dances 8-11pm. Free dance lessons at 7:30pm. Admission $10. Most Tuesdays live music will be provided by the Steve Cooper Orchestra. You can contact them at SCooper763@aol.com

/Country/
** McDuffees Lodge
3300 W 111th St (Two blocks W of Kedzie),
312-779-3033

Free C/W lessons on M W Th, no cover.

/Country/
** Mclean Country Dance Center
510 E Washington St, Bloomington, IL 61701-4180

/Country/
** Nashville North
101 E Irving Park Rd, Bensenville, IL 60106
630-595-0170

/Swing/
** Northwest Brewery
925 W Chicago Ave
.

Ceroc dancing on Tuesdays starting at 7:30pm.

/Swing/
** The Note
1565 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60622
773-489-0011

The Chicago Jump Company play there every Tuesday with free dance lessons by Big City Swing at 8pm.

/Swing/
** The Olive
1115 N. Northbranch, Chicago, IL 60622
312-280-7997

Closure: The Olive has apparently gone out of business.

/Ballroom/
** Patterson School of Ballroom Dance
1240 Sunset Road, Winnetka, IL 60093
847-501-2523

Tommy and Nancy Patterson teach international style. Lessons are in six week sets, and you'll need a partner.

/Ballroom/
** Pheasant Run Country Club
4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174
630-584-6300

Note: The following information has not been verified.

he Pheasant Run Country Club in St. Charles, Illinois, is sponsoring a SWING DANCE every Friday evening. The dance starts with a lesson at 8 p.m., followed by dancing to a live band from 9 to midnight. The cost is only $5, and the crowd is mostly in their 30s.

/Country/
** Rockin Armadillo
260 W. Joe Orr, Chicago Heights, IL
708-756-0600

Rockin Armadillo has gone out of business

/Country/
** Rockin Ranch
1035 Summit Street, Crown Point, Indiana 46307
219-663-0133

Country western dance hall, including line and couples dancing, on a 5000 sq. ft. dance floor. The hours are Wednesdays 7-11pm admission $4 (age 17 and up, no bar), Friday and Saturday 7-12pm (age 21 and up, bar open) admission $4, Sundays are family days 5-8pm admission $4 for adults, $2 for ages 6-12, and free for under 6.

Rockin Ranch offers country western dance classes. Beginner classes on Tuesdays, Beginner II on Thursdays, Intermediate on Mondays. The classes are 6 weeks long for each level. Contact them for more details.

Directions: From Chicago: take 80-94 east to I-65 South in Indiana. Make exit to Rt 30 west. Go west 1 mile to Rt 53. Go South on Rt 53 for 3 miles to Summit St. Turn right (West) and the clib is located approximately 1/2 mile on the right.

/Latin/
** Salsero
1860 N Elston Ave.
773-276-4846

Open until 4am on weekdays, 5am on weekends.

/Swing/
** Schuba's Tavern
3159 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657
773-525-2508

This is a restaurant with a dance floor. Lessons are sometimes offered before the band, at about 7:00, but it's not consistent; call before showing up for lessons. There is usually a sizable crowd of regulars who one can dance with. They used to have the Chicago Jump Company on Tuesdays and the Chicago Record Hop every other Sunday, but not any more. But still this is a good venue for live music.

/Country/
** Silver Saddle
152 W. Higgins (Near Roselle Rd), Hoffman Estates, IL 60195
847-490-1666

Small dance floor. Open 7 days a week with Country Western dancing. Lessons most evenings. Sunday is family day and Sunday night is Teen night. Call for lesson starting times vary. Call for latest schedule.

/Latin/
** South Beach
2251 N. Lincoln,
312-327-2300,

Salsa music, any day, but cement floor.

/Latin/
** Star Dust
440 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60622
312-421-4686

Apparently Star Dust has either moved to another location or gone out of business. If you know about the fate of this club, please let me know.

/Country/
** Sundance Saloon
2061 W Maple Ave, Mundelein, IL 60060
847-949-0858

Country Western dancing Monday through Saturday with lessons at 7:30pm Doors open at 7pm.

/Swing/Country/
** Swing 'N' Country Dance Club
702 South Auburn Circle Schaumburg, IL 69193
847-524-7462

From intro to their web page: ``Swing'N'Country is a Not For Profit organization whose purpose is to promote couple-style Country Western dancing and Swing dancing in a non-competitive atmosphere and to provide opportunities for growth through instructional programs and community involvement.''

Swing'N'Country organizes dance events, see their web page for details. Membership dues are $20 per year. They also publish a newsletter reflecting Country Swing news, comps, events, and related issues.

/Swing/
** Swing-Out Chicago
1658 N. Milwaukee #395, Chicago 60622
773-782-1927

Swing-Out Chicago branched out of Chicago Swing Half-breeds, and is now a separate organizations. It has a variety of swing classes and dance events at various Chicago locations. Call to enquire.

/Ballroom/
** Tango... Nada Mas
6137 N. Northwest Hwy, Chicago
773-792-2099

Tango... Nada Mas is a studio devoted solely to Argentine Tango. Milongas every Saturday night, starting with an introductory class 8:30-9:00pm, and dancing from 9pm. Admission $10. Also practica (dance practices) on Mondays and Thursdays, open to public, starting at 9:30pm, admission $5.

Directions: From the Edens Expressway (I-94), take the westbound Touhy Ave. exit. Travel 3 miles to Harlem. Turn Left on Harlem, and go one mile south to Northwest Highway. The studio is located 1/2 block from the metra commuter train station (Norwood Park stop on the Chicago/Harvard line).

/Latin/
** Tania's Restaurant
2659 N. Milwaulee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
312-235-7120

Salsa/Merengue music.

/Latin/
** Tropicana De Cache
2047 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647
773-489 -9600

Formerly known as Los Rosalles. Fridays and Saturdays, classy place with a good-sized floor. Highly recommended. They usually have two live Salsa/Merengue bands on the weekends, and their dance floor is large with an open ceiling (2 floors) to keep it cool.

/Latin/
** University of Chicago Ballroom Dancing Social Club
University of Chicago
773-702-6238

This club offers beginning, intermediate, and advance classes. Contact person is Joshua Bennet.

/Latin/
** La Village Cafe
510 N. Western, Chicago, IL 60612
312-455-9253

Latin dancing. The ambience is much like Inta's, with older, more sophisticated crowd. But the music is hot and the dancing is great.

/Latin/
** Vinyl
1615 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
773-587-8469

Wednesdays they have a DJ spin Salsa/Merengue downstairs and a Latin Jazz band upstairs; however, the band does not play good dance music.

/Swing/
** The Voodoo Lounge
601 Mall Dr., Schaumburg IL 60173
847-969-1602

Foremerly called "The Copa."

Each week features a diffrent live band that performs Jazz/Big Band/Swing. The band starts at 8:30 and plays untill midnight. The dance instructor Paul Arnold, who specalizes in East Coast Swing, Charlston, Jitterbug, ANd Lindy Hop, starts at 7. 1000 sq ft hard wood dance floor. Food is 1/2 price after 9pm. There is no cover charge. This is a 21+ club.

/Country/
** Whiskey River
1997 N. Clybourne,
773-528-4300

Has changed name to "Liquid" and now is a Swing bar.

/Country/
** White Eagle Banquet Halls
6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, Illinois 60714
847-918-8855

Two dance floors, with two DJ booths, one for beginners and the other for more advanced dancers. Tuesday nights 7:00-10:30pm. Admission is $3 for students and $4 for adults.

/Country/
** Wild West Saloon
25520 S Governors Hwy Monee, IL 60449
708-534 8900

Has changed name to Keggers Night Club and has a hard rock format. No more country dancing!

/Ballroom/Swing/
** Willowbrook Ballroom
8900 S. Archer Ave, Willow Springs.
708-839-1000

Very large ballroom with live bands. Ballroom dancing on Thursdays 8:00-10:30pm and Sundays 2:00-5:30pm, to live big band music. Admission $10. Most Saturdays the Ballroom is used for private parties, but occationally open dances are held on Saturdays as well. Call to enquire. Willowbrook has a dress code (jacket and tie), and you can be turned away if not dressed up.

Swing lessons and dancing on Wednesday nights, 7-11pm, admission $7 with lessons included. Swing Sunday nights 7:30-11:30 with a live band, $10 admission. Willowbrook used to have Country Western dancing on Wednesdays that is now replaced with Swing.

/Swing/
** Windy City South Side Jitterbug Club
Alsip
708-385-7257


Of Related Interest:


How to find the information you need?

This page provides dance information in two main sections. The short list is a glossary of the places to dance locally, including addresses and phone numbers. This section should serve as a quick reference. If you already know where you want to go, and need the address or the phone number, this is the place to look. Because of its brevity, finding an item is often easier here.

If you need more extensive information, then the long list will probably serve you better. This section contains comprehensive information on the times, locations, and prices of dance events. In many cases, directions and maps are also provided.

To facilitate the finding of specific dance venues, dance types are grouped into the following classes:

  • /Ballroom/ American & International style Smooth and Latin, Argentine Tango
  • /Country/ Country & Western
  • /Latin/ Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia
  • /Swing/ East and West Coast Swing, Lindy, Jitterbug, Hustle
Each category is denoted by a tag, appearing on the right side of the screen opposite the name of the establishment (for graphics capable browsers) or flush left before the name of the establishment (for text-only browsers). Note that the tags should not be taken literally; interpret them according to the above legend. For example, the /Latin/ tag refers to Salsa and Merengue, but not to Cha-Cha and Rumba, which are included in the /Ballroom/ description. Some items are described by more than one category. For example, many studios now offer Country Western as well as ballroom dancing, in which case they are marked with both tags.

If you feel that the information you need is not represented here, please read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) before contacting me.


About this page:

Standard Disclaimer: While I make every effort in ensuring validity and timeliness of the information in this page, I cannot be held responsible for any inconvenience that may result from the usage of this information.

Thanks are due to Mark Balzer, Sebastian Musial, Joanne Cohn, Wayne Bartl, Janis Kenyon, Jase Merecki, Amelia (Amy) Hurlock, Young-Jin Kim, Peter Barker, Danny Sniderman, Robert Crowe, Margaret Rodriquez, Regina Maritote, Lilia Breneisen for the contribution of information to this page.

LOS ANGELES TIMES PICK This site was awarded a Times Pick by the Los Angeles Times on 23-Aug-96.

The material in this page constitutes no express or implied endorsements.


Last Modified 12 October 1999

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Aria's dance pages have been accessed times since 2/1/96 .

Copyright (c) Aria Nosratinia 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999