12 Wedding Dance Lessons in DC for Marriers to Explore

Dazzle in the DC area with the help of these dance studios.
lindsay tigar the knot
by
Lindsay Tigar
lindsay tigar the knot
Lindsay Tigar
Wedding Planning Contributor
  • Lindsay contributes articles to The Knot Worldwide, with a specialty in honeymoon travel and creating wedding planning.
  • Lindsay owns a content agency, Tigar Types, to help businesses of all sizes grow their digital footprints.
  • Lindsay freelances for a plethora of publications, covering many topics, ranging from wedding advice and planning to travel, health and more.
Updated Jun 26, 2024

Getting married in Washington, DC offers a unique blend of history, culture and style. From iconic landmarks like the National Mall to elegant venues steeped in tradition, DC weddings are known for their sophistication and charm. To make their first dance unforgettable, many couples take wedding dance lessons in DC and surrounding areas. This not only enhances their wedding but also provides a memorable experience leading up to it.

To help you get started, we found 12 studios to check out in and around DC. For more on how to find dance lessons in your area, head over to the Washington DC dance lesson section of The Knot Vendor Marketplace where you can filter by location.

Elegant Dancing in Fairfax, Virginia

Elegant Dancing in Fairfax, Virginia, offers comprehensive wedding dance lessons near DC tailored to each couple's needs. This women-owned studio provides a welcoming environment for everyone, including the couple, wedding party members and parents. They specialize in various dance styles, such as salsa, tango and waltz, and offer packages that include private lessons and group classes. Each package is designed to fit your schedule and ensure you feel confident on the dance floor.

  • Years of Experience: 15 years
  • Dance Style: Salsa, tango, waltz and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples appreciate the personalized instruction, flexible scheduling and a friendly atmosphere.

Fenix Dance in Bethesda, Maryland

Fenix Dance in Bethesda, Maryland, specializes in creating first dance experiences—from the moment you step into the studio until you grace the dance floor to perform your number. This LGBTQIA+-friendly studio offers dance lessons for couples, wedding party members and parents. Their packages include private lessons tailored to your song and dance preferences, ensuring a unique and memorable routine. Fenix Dance covers various styles, including Latin, ballroom, contemporary and more.

  • Years of Experience: 10 years
  • Dance Style: Latin, ballroom, contemporary and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples give high marks for the inclusive environment and the professional, patient instructors.

Arthur Murray Chevy Chase in Chevy Chase, Maryland

While Arthur Murray is a well-known institution with locations all over the country for the past 100+ years, the Chevy Chase location offers top-notch couples dance classes near DC, specializing in a wide range of styles from swing to tango. This woman-owned franchise location boasts a talented team of instructors dedicated to sharing the joy of dancing. Their mission is to offer professional lessons in a fun and welcoming environment, from group, duo and individual dance lessons to suit any dance need. You'll feel confident throughout the process—and especially on your wedding day.

  • Years of Experience: 20 years
  • Dance Style: Swing, tango, foxtrot and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples like the experienced instructors and high-quality instruction.

Chevy Chase Ballroom in Washington, DC

When you think of your wedding day, do you imagine twirling like royalty or stepping out of the screen of Bridgerton? If so, Chevy Chase Ballroom can provide expert wedding dance lessons in Washington, DC in a range of styles, including Latin, swing and waltz. Established in 1968, this studio is led by professional ballroom dancers Dmytro and Alina Churchun. As they put it, they are "committed to showcasing the spirit and joy of dancing." They are open six days a week for flexible scheduling, so couples, the wedding party and loved ones can polish their moves. Their skilled instructors assist with basic steps and choreographed routines, making your dance a fun and memorable part of your celebration.

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  • Years of Experience: 25 years
  • Dance Style: Latin, swing, waltz and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples rave about the professional, friendly instructors and the enjoyable, effective lessons.

RJ Dance Company in Alexandria, Virginia

Couple on a cloudy dance floor
Photo: RJ Dance Company

RJ Dance Company, a woman and LGBTQIA+-owned studio in Alexandria, Virginia, offers wedding dance lessons near DC to create magical moments. As they put it, their first wedding dance lessons help couples unlock graceful movements and heartfelt connection, transforming couples into confident performers. Dances are tailored to each couple's style, from waltzes to tangos, and no experience is needed, as lessons build confidence and technique from scratch. The studio offers one-on-one focus and flexible scheduling options, including private lessons and group sessions, to create lifelong memories and bonding experiences.

  • Years of Experience: 12 years
  • Dance Style: Ballroom, Latin, contemporary and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples love the personalized approach and the expertise of the instructors.

Art of Movement in Washington, DC

Woman-owned and operated, Art of Movement provides wedding dance lessons in DC with a focus on creating beautiful, memorable routines. They offer lessons for the couple, wedding party members and parents, specializing in a variety of styles including hip-hop, jazz and contemporary. Their packages include private and group classes, depending on what you prefer and what makes you feel the most at ease. They also try to emphasize the mood of the music and the couple's strengths, so nothing is too complicated or feels out-of-character. For beginners, this studio can help couples organize a straightforward plan or design something spectacular that will be memorable for years.

  • Years of Experience: 8 years
  • Dance Style: Hip-hop, jazz, contemporary and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples like the creative choreography and the supportive teaching environment.

The Wedding Dance Specialists in Alexandria, Virginia

In 2000, Deborah Joy and Brian Block, while planning their own wedding, noticed a lack of dance studios focused on helping engaged couples prepare for their first dance. So, they founded The Wedding Dance Specialists, the nation's first wedding-focused dance instruction company. Since then, they have become premier national experts for wedding dance, working with engaged couples, wedding professionals, celebrity clients and the media. They've worked with more than 10,000 couples, including many celebrities, offering everything from individual, private classes to group experiences for the wedding party and much more.

  • Years of Experience: 15 years
  • Dance Style: Ballroom, Latin, swing and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples like the personalized instruction and high-quality choreography.

Strictly Ballroom Dance Studio in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Strictly Ballroom Dance Studio offers expert ballroom wedding dance lessons in a variety of styles, including tango, salsa and foxtrot. Combining a couple's special song with custom choreography, dynamic duos will appreciate the hands-on, personalized attention. The studio also offers semi-private and group classes for the wedding party and family to dance at the reception. Understanding the importance of a smoothly run wedding, the team at Strictly Ballroom ensures the first dance fits seamlessly into the day. Every detail is considered, including the dance floor size, chosen shoes and music selection. Also, since we know it's all for the 'gram, choreography is designed with the photographer and audience in mind for a picture-perfect moment.

  • Years of Experience: 18 years
  • Dance Style: Tango, salsa, foxtrot and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples like the professional instruction and the supportive learning environment.

Take the Floor Event Choreography in Alexandria, Virginia

Take the Floor is owned by veteran Becca Vourvoulas Szymanski, a professional choreographer and dance instructor with more than 20 years of experience. Whether couples are seeking a fully customized dance for a wedding day or a show-stopping performance of the whole wedding party, she offers something for every dance goal. She prides herself on being affordable and giving the option of convenient in-home instruction for any dance style and experience level.

  • Years of Experience: 7 years
  • Dance Style: Swing, salsa, contemporary and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples like the creative choreography and the patient, friendly instructors.

Put A Swing On It in Washington, DC

Put A Swing On It specializes in wedding dance lessons in Washington, DC with a focus on swing and jazz styles. Female-owned and operated by Nikki White, she's spent the past 15 years in the DC metro area throwing charity dance-a-thons, teaching Zumba, dancing in flash mobs, swing dancing in the park and providing private wedding dance lessons. She describes her teaching style as low-pressure adapted to your pace, taking into consideration individual personalities and unique couple dynamics. She offers lessons for the couple, wedding party members and parents. Also, if to-be-weds want to add a jazzy spin to their bach party, she has something for that, too.

  • Years of Experience: 15 years
  • Dance Style: Swing and jazz
  • What Couples Love: Couples like the energetic instruction and the enjoyable, effective lessons.

Dance Factory in Alexandria, Virginia

Since 1976, Dance Factory has been teaching ballroom and wedding dance lessons near DC, helping couples create memorable first dances whether they have a few days or many months to put together a routine and vision. Couples can learn simple, elegant steps or opt for fully choreographed routines, with lessons available in-person, online or offsite. Founded by professional dancer Dennis Schroeder, Dance Factory has instructed half a million students in ballroom, Latin, swing, salsa and wedding first dances. Plus, this studio has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX, held weekly TV lessons on WJLA and broadcast internationally on Voice of America.

  • Years of Experience: 20 years
  • Dance Style: Ballroom, Latin and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples like the experienced instructors and the personalized approach.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Frederick, Maryland

Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Frederick, Maryland, offers exceptional dance lessons for weddings in Washington, DC tailored to each couple's needs. They specialize in a wide variety of dance styles, including ballroom, Latin and swing, giving you and your soon-to-be-spouse plenty of options. The studio provides lessons for couples, wedding party members and parents, offering both private and group classes to fit any schedule. Their talented group of dance instructors can make the routine as simple or as complicated as you would like—most importantly, they just want your first dance dreams to come true.

  • Years of Experience: 30 years
  • Dance Style: Ballroom, Latin, swing and more
  • What Couples Love: Couples like the professional, friendly instructors and high-quality, personalized instruction.
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