DANCING IN DALLASMetropolitan area, including Ft. Worth and ArlingtonA guide to places to dance in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth metropolitan area (Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country & Western). Information on locations, prices, schedules, directions, and general description of establishments.
Contents:
For additional dance related information, see Aria's Dance Page. Please send comments, additions and corrections to aria@ece.rice.edu. Please read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) before sending any questions.
Short List(in alphabetical order)
Long List
777 Club
Country and Western Bar. Live bands once a month. Call to enquire.
Arthur Murray Dance Studio
Ballroom Dance by Bud & Rita
Billy Bob's Texas
Blue Moon Cafe & Club
Variety of C/W partner dances, as well as one line dance, are taught each Tuesday night starting at 8pm.
Collage Inc.
Country 2000
Country and Western nightclub and dance hall. Cover charge varies.
Country 2001
Huge Country and Western Nightclub. Variety of shows and dances. Variety of dance lessons. Can purchase tickets online at the link above. Note Country 2001 closed in March 1998. It is scheduled to be re-opened shortly with a Latino format (perhaps under a different name).
Cowboys Arlington
Dance lessons: Thursday 7pm-8pm West Coast Swing, Friday 7pm-8pm C/W (varies), Sunday 4:30-8:00pm Fort Worth Shuffle (beginner and intermediate classes).
Cowboy's Red River
Until late 1997, this venue was known as "Red River Saloon". It is now operated by the owner of "Cowboy's Arlington", and the name has changed accordingly. Dance lessons are held on Wednesday evenings 6-8pm. Call for more information.
Continental Ballroom Dance Club
Crystal Ballroom
Dallas Push Club
Dallas Push Club meets at DanceMasters on Sundays at 2pm and Mondays at 8pm. On Sundays, a practice session often follows after the class in a local jazz club (varies).
Dallas Sokol Ballroom
Dances are held from 8:30 to 11:30 on the second and fourth Saturdays. The entertainment is provided by a Big Band Orchestra. In 1998 there will be nine different orchestras. The cost of the dance is between $10 or $12 dependent upon who is playing. The dancing is mainly Foxtrots and slow swing but there are a few Cha Cha's and Tangos interspersed in each set. It is reported to have mostly an older crowd, but is also enjoyable for younger dancers. Everyone is welcome with a special reserved area for singles. The lighted parking area is adequate for the 200 - 300 that attend. The dress code is formal (see the article "Elements of Dance Etiquette" for a detailed description of dress codes). Refreshments are: Set-ups, Beer and Snacks are available, BYOB. Directions: Sokol is located at Greenville Ave. and Wallnut Hill Ln., immediately behind Gershwin's Restaurant. The easiest way to get there is to take Hwy 75 to the Walnut Hill exit and travel east on Walnut Hill past Greenville and turn right just past Gershwin's.
Dallas Swing Dance Society
The Dallas Swing Dance Society is a non-profit organization whose objective is to preserve and promote East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop in North Texas and to educate the general public in these dance forms.
The Dance Connection Club
This club holds monthly dances with live bands at various locations in the Dallas area. The dances are open to the public, couples and singles both welcome. They are held from 8:30 - 11:30 PM with a cost of $11 for non-members and $9 for members. The dress code is formal; some gentlemen exceed the requirements and wear tuxedos (for a complete description and meaning of dress codes, see this article). The Club requests that the bands play many Latin tunes as well as Fox Trots, Swings, Waltzes, and an occasional Polka. The cost to join the Club is $30 which includes a $10 initiation fee and $20 for yearly dues. Locations: Most of the places have entries within this page. Look them up for addresses, except: (a) Knights of Columbus Hall (214-348-7940) 7333 E. Northwest Hwy between Abrams and Buckner Blvd. and (b) Sweeney Hall (St. Rita Catholic Church) (972-934-8388) 12521 Inwood Rd at Harvest Hill. Enter parking lot from Harvest Hill Rd.
Dance Tyme Dallas
Open Monday-Friday 1-10pm. Variety of ballroom dance classes; some c/w dance classes as well. Weekly "dance parties," although it is unclear if they are open to the general public. Call to enquire.
Dancemakers of
Texas
Private lessons Monday-Saturday, group lessons Monday-Thursday evenings. As of late 1998, private lessons are $35 and group lessons are $5 per lesson. The studio offers ballroom, country western and swing instruction. Open dances: Swing on Thursday 9pm-12am (East and West Coast, Push), Fridays 8:30pm-12am ballroom dancing. Both nights to DJ music, admission $3. Ballroom dancing on Saturday nights, $10 on select nights with live music, and $5 otherwise. The open dances are held on a 1900 sq. ft. dance floor, but the studio also has two other smaller floors. Soft drinks and setups available for sale during dances, BYOB. The dance evenings are geared as family events where children are also allowed. Directions: Dancemakers is located on the northwest corner of Las Vegas Trail and Hwy 80 W (Spur 580).
DanceMasters Dance Studio
Ballroom, swing and salsa dancing and instruction. Practice dances on Thursdays. Beginner and intermediate dance lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Advanced classes on Wednesdays. Also dance workshops on Saturdays. Additionally, Dallas Push Club meets at DanceMasters on Sundays at 2pm and Mondays at 8pm.
Dancer's Workshop
Danstar Dance Center
This studio is located North of Downtown Dallas, at the corner of Webb Chapel Road and Royal Lane, South of 635 between 35E and the Dallas North Tollway. The Dance Center is located in the Webb Royal Plaza, Suite #148. The studio is due to open soon, call for more information.
Four Seasons
Every Wednesday night (check dates) they host a dance with a live band. Primarily attractive for older, more mature dancers. Admission $9, 8-11pm. Note: the name has changed to Check Club (sp?)
Fun Ed
Country Dance Club
``The Fun/Ed Dance Club is a non-profit social organization for individuals who like to dance with others and want to improve their dancing skills.'' The organizers of this group are Chris Westbrook (caw@tornadotech.com) and Don Chesshire (dchesshi@tornadotech.com). The dances and classes of this group are held at Top Rail and sometimes other places. Call to enquire.
I Dance 2
This ballroom is located at the corner of Mockingbird and Greenville, on the second floor. Free parking under the building. Semi-formal open dances every Friday night, with a live band every other week. Excellent floor and good atmosphere for both young and mature dancers. Several independent instructors work through this studio, including Gocha Chertkoev & Shorena Gachechiladze, Ia & Raza, Vince & Alicia Duhan, Sandy Trent (owner), etc. Group as well as private lessons. Also Argentine Tango groups dance here.
JTM Studio
Lava Lounge
Rockabilly bands & Wed. nite group swing lessons.
Lee's Silver Fox
KC Dance Studio
C/W swing party every Friday night starting at 8:30pm, admission $5 ($3 with club membership). 2600 sq. ft. dance floor. Group classes every Sunday afternoon. This studio is the home of "Showdown Country Western Dance Team" and "Dancing and More" social dance club.
Kempi's
Every Wednesday night they have Swing Dancing and one hour of free instruction before dancing starts. Located at a popular night club, great floor and young energetic crowd. All sorts of other nightclub dancing happen on other nights.
Let's Dance Country
Longhorn Saloon
Lover's Lane United Methodist Church
The New Horizons and New Visions singles groups of the Lovers Lane United Methodist Church hold monthly dances with big band orchestras, on Sunday evenings from 7-10pm in Asbury Hall. The music genre is from the 20's through 60's. Admission price is $5 per person, and includes refreshments. The dance floor is very large and easily accommodates the 300 - 400 who attend. Singles or couples are welcome. This is an alcohol and tobacco free environment. The dress code is formal (see the article "Elements of Dance Etiquette" for a detailed description of dress codes). Scheduled dances: February 15th (Valentine Day Dance, Chuck Arlington Band) March 15th (St. Patrick's Day Dance, Gary Lee Band, semi-formal Irish attire acceptable, see the article above for explanations), April 26th. Special Valentine's Day Dance on Feb. 14 to support the Lover's Lane Jazz band, semi-formal dress code, free child care, $10 per person. Country Dance lessons Jan. 30 through Feb. 27 in Asbury Hall, $4 per person.
Metroplex International Ballroom and Dancesport Club
The Metroplex Ballroom and Dancesport Club is currently inactive. They hope to attract more interest and become active again. For more information, contact mibdc@waymark.net.
Red Jacket
Group swing lessons Thursdays starting at 8pm, followed by a lounge/swing band. Patrons report that the instruction is very good, but the dance floor is very small. Usually a good sized crowd shows up; friendly atmosphere. Admission $6.
Red Onion Club
Dancing Country Western 7 days a week on a 35x35 sq. ft. dance floor to recorded music. Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Cover charge depends on the band, and there is no minimum drink.
Post Time
Push and Swing dancing Sunday nights beginning at 7pm to DJ music. Generally one finds a good sized group of dancers there almost every week. On the first and third Sundays of the month there is live music starting 5:30pm. Admission is $3. West Coast Swing lessons every Sunday 3-4pm (basics) and 4:30-5:30pm (advanced). Admission $5 for a class, or $8 for both.
Rodeo Exchange
Sambuca
Every Monday night (at the Addison location -- there's another Sambuca's in Elm St.) they bring in a big band/orchestra and play swing, latin and ballroom music. Cement floor, but great crowd of dancers and great music - especially if Vicho Vicencio is playing! There is a bar on the premises and restaurant, but you can't sit down without buying food.
Sand Castle
Swing dancing (east coast swing and Lindy Hop) in a club atmosphere five days a week, Tuesday thru Saturday. Live bands as well as dance classes. Cigar Lounge atmosphere.
SMU Ballroom Dance Club
The student dance club of the Southern Methodist University. Although organized primarily for the students, staff and faculty of SMU, the club welcomes the community of Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex into its membership. Membership dues are $10 per semester. The club offers dance classes at beginner through advanced levels, and also organizes dance outings to local dance spots. For more information, contact kehollan@post.cis.smu.edu.
Southern Junction
Spotlight Dance Studio
Beginner thru advanced Country Western and Push/Swing classes. 5-week courses. Call for more information.
Stampede
C/W Bar and nightclub. Open Monday thru Friday 5:00pm-2:00am, Saturday 6:30pm-2:00am. Happy hour 5:00-7:30pm, Monday thru Friday (no cover charge). Due to legal technicalities and local alcohol laws, everyone must have a membership card, which is issued to the residents of Dallas and Ft. Worth for $3. Out of town visitors will be allowed without charge upon showing their hotel key. Cover charge varies according to time and day, consult the club web page or call for details. Dance lessons are offered on most days of the week at both beginner and advanced levels.
Swing
Set
Swing set is a group of volunteers interested in swing dancing, and active in promoting swing in the Dallas area. Their activities include promoting (or organizing) dance classes and dance parties. For more information, contact Brian Hurley.
Strictly Ballroom
5000 sq ft. dance floor. variety of dance lessons. No open dances to the public.
Texas
Classic Push Club
Texas Classic is dedicated to the promotion of Push, Whip and Swing in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. It sponsors a variety of activities, including swing competitions. For more information, contact gkuhn@startext.net.
Top Rail
Country Western partner and line dance classes starting at 12:00pm on Sundays and continuing into the afternoon and evening. Also evening dance classes on Mondays and Wednesdays. Call for more details. In addition to the regular program, there are also occational all-day dance parties and dance seminars on certain Saturdays by Don Chesshire (see this link.) 13.00 Cover/$4.00 party only, $10.00 for Fun Ed Dance Club members.
Trail Dust Steakhouse
Trail Dust Steakhouse
Velvet Hammer
Every Friday & Saturday night they host live Swing bands that play lindy-hop, jitterbug, swing and some jive. Nice floor, great music and enthusiastic dancers. Ages are varied, but on the younger side. Velvet Hammer is a nightclub, but is very clean and if you arrive early you can get a table as well as a swing lesson before the dancing begins. It comes highly recommended by dance regulars.
W. W. Fairfield's
Fairfield's is a restaurant and dance club. Various Country partner dance classes Sunday through Wednesday. Beginner-level classes on Sundays 6:30-10pm, and Mondays at 7pm. Intermediate-level classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7pm.
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:
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.If you would like to have a studio or dance spot listed in this page, contact me at aria@ece.rice.edu. Any new information on the listed items (including change of schedule, location, or owner) will be appreciated by your fellow dancers who visit this page. Finally, if any of the establishments make a strong impression on you in any way (positive or negative), I'd like to hear about it from you. Thanks are due to Allison Rowberg, Chris Westbrook, Amber Brown, Garth Richards, Kirsten Allen, Becky Hyden and TJ Lepore for the contribution of information to this page. The material in this page constitutes no express or implied endorsements. Last Modified 2 December 1998 Back to Aria's Dance Page Back to Aria's Home Page
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