Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find the answer to your question here, please drop us a line!

What does "social dance" mean? 
It means what it sounds like -- ballroom dancing is a social event. Many couples attend, but they don't necessarily dance with each other all evening. Many singles attend, and they dance with everyone else at the dance. The age, skill, and "coupled" status of the dancers matters less than the fact that everyone enjoys dancing and will rarely say no if you ask them to dance. (See etiquette rules for more on this).

I've heard of "ballroom etiquette." What are the rules? 
We encourage you to learn more about ballroom etiquette. If every situation in life had such nice simple rules designed to keep everyone happy and safe, this world would be a much nicer place to live in.

What kind of dance music will be played at the ballroom dances?
East coast wing, foxtrot, cha cha, waltz, rumba, tango, merengue, west coast swing, mambo, salsa, samba, bolero, Viennese waltz, hustle, quickstep, night club 2 step, country 2 step and an occasional polka.

What can I expect when I come to a dance? 
While all dances are different, most have these things in common: You will find people of all ages and from all walks of life who love to dance. The environment will be clean, pleasant, free of smoke and alcohol, and the atmosphere will be very civilized. If you are single, this is a nice way to meet other people, but it is nothing like going to a "singles event" where the goal at the end of the evening is to leave with someone's phone number. The goal at these dances is to have fun dancing! There are refreshments served, and lots of seating for when you want to relax and watch others dance. The regular dancing is interrupted once or twice during the evening for brief announcements, and there are usually two mixers each evening.

What's a mixer? 
We enjoy mixers because it allows us to dance for a short amount of time with many different people we may not otherwise dance with. Men line up on one side of the dance floor, and women line up on the other. The couples that meet up at the front of the line dance down to the far end of the ballroom and get back in line. Mixers are generally 10 minutes long, and are an easy traveling dance like waltz or foxtrot, but swing mixers (performed in a circle) are becoming increasingly popular.

What do people wear? 
Dressy casual is what you'll find most of, but don't be surprised to see the occasional pair of jeans. Shoes should stay on a ladie's feet while she's walking backwards (mules are a bad choice) and should not have marking or rubber (gripping) soles. Shoes should have clean soles. It's best to bring a pair to change into at the dance.

Do I need to bring a partner? 
No. Attend our dances and meet your new friends who also like to dance!

Can I attend the dances at the Rochester Senior Center if I'm not a "senior"? 
Yes. Dancers who attend the dances are from all age ranges.  The Senior Center is just another of the local places that we hold dances. 

Do I have to be a member to attend? 
Everyone is welcome to attend. Membership has its benefits (see below) but is by no means required.

What are your admission prices? 
Ballroom dances are $6 for members, $8 for non-members, and $5 for high school students, $25 annual membership.  These prices include the lesson which is taught prior to the dances. Occasionally throughout the year, there are special dances (i.e. Formal Ball) where a lesson will not be taught in advance and the admission will cost more.

I want to learn how to dance. What should I do? 
There are lessons for everyone -- from the free ones offered prior to the dances, to the quality but inexpensive offerings through Community Education, to the more expensive private lessons at the local dance studios. For more details, see our Lessons page.

Should I become a member? 
Membership is optional. The membership fee is $25 per year. If you join at one of the chapter dances, you will receive free admission that evening (excluding special event dances). You will also receive discounted admission to USA Dance dances, and the National USABDA Chapter's bi-monthly magazine. Membership is also required if running for office.

Where can I buy those nice shoes I see so many of the dancers wearing?

• Celebrity Dance Shoes - a Twin Cities store if you prefer to buy your shoes in person.
• Showtime Dance Shoes
• Very Fine Shoes
• Dance Shoes Store

I still have questions!
If you can't find the answer to your question here, please drop us a line!