GROUP  LESSONS

Group lessons have the advantage of being fairly inexpensive.  Depending on the size of the class you get some individual attention to refine your style.  Generally they're a great way to start learning, but there are faster & slower learners in the group, so try not to judge yourself by them.
Also some instructors are professionals with real competition experience, and some are good social dancers that have been doing this a long time.  Each is different, so check them out & find what's right for you.  Average cost for group lessons seems about $5 to $10 per lesson.
Also, please let us know of any other places that have dance lessons.

COLLEGES

To the best of our knowledge, these classes must be joined at the beginning of a semester.  However sometimes these start later in the year than normal classes, so check with the school.

The MTSU Guys and Dolls Swing Dance Club meets every Monday night (even throughout the summer) in the Murphy Center, Dance Studio A, on the MTSU campus. They have lessons from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, and open dancing until 9:00 pm. Membership is open to everyone, not just students. No partner or experience is required and they dance in a smoke-free, alcohol-free environment. For more information and directions, contact Morgan Kestner, the club president, at mtsuswingdanceclub@gmail.com

The Dance Group at Vanderbilt University offers classes in everything from flamenco to hip hop funk.  These non-credit classes are open to everyone.  They have different level of ballroom, latin and swing classes.  They usually allow you to try a class the first week for a minimal fee without having to commit to the entire course.  We've met some of their instructors and they're both competent and easy-going.  Also they hold a dance at the end of each course so you can have a place to use you new knowledge.  Call for the latest schedule and prices - the number is 615-322-2471 during business hours or check out their webpage  http://www.vanderbilt.edu/sarratt/dance/

The Vanderbilt Swing Club holds a lesson every Thursday night from 8:00pm-9:00pm for beginner lesson and 9:00pm-10:00pm for intermediate/advanced lesson in the Branscomb Rec Room located in the lower level of the Branscomb main lobby on the Vanderbilt campus. This is open to the public, and free to Vanderbilt students, and I believe free to everyone! No partner is needed, no experience required!  Just come ready to have a good time and meet great people.  For more info, check out their web site http://www.vanderbilt.edu/swing/ 

Vol State Community College lists different dances including ballroom, swing, latin, etc.  Most of the dance classes are on the Gallatin campus but sometimes they have courses at other sites.  Contact them at 452-8600, 741-3215, or 1-888-335-8722. Or check out their website at http://www.vscc.cc.tn.us/


ORGANIZATIONS and CENTERS

Generally these classes are a series, progress on the previous knowledge and should be joined at the start.  Check with them though, often you can join late, especially if you have a little knowledge.

The Renaissance Center, located at  855 Highway 46 South in Dickson, TN, offers Beginner & Intermediate lessons in different dances.  For more info, check their web site http://www.rcenter.org/

The Williamson County Parks & Recreation Department sponsors dances from time to time at the The Franklin Recreation Complex at 1120 Hillsboro Rd in Franklin, TN .  I don't have recent information, but they generally run ballroom, swing and/or latin, with excellent instructors at a good price.  For information & registration call 790-5719.

The Global Education Center, located at 4822 Charlotte Ave., hosts dances and lessons for dances from around the world   http://www.globaleducationcenter.net

Most of the Senior Activity Centers provide group classes for members and non-members.  The cost is usually a bargain, and the students are great fun to learn alongside. The centers are: 
Donelson Station 108 Donelson Pike (at Lebanon Road) 883-8375. Kathleen Phillips instructor
Monday nights 6:00 pm - Intermediate Class $36 for members & $48. for non-members (6 classes) Beginner class on Mondays 7:00 pm (possible) 

Hadley Park Center 1029 28th Avenue North  320-5833

Madison Station Center 301 Madison Street (in Madison) 860-7180.   Kathleen Phillips instructor.
Wednesdays 9:30am - Beginner  Class,  and Wednesdays 10:30am - Intermediate/Advanced.  $24 for members and $32. for non-members  (4 classes)

The Friday Night Dance at the Knowles Center has been revamped and re-energized!  The Knowles Center offers a nice new facility, one of the largest dance floors in Nashville, no smoking, and no alcohol, plus excellent security. Every Friday they have a different live band, all playing the music you love for dancing.  All ages are welcome, however, the dress code is dressy casual, no jeans, shorts, or tee shirts.  Cost for the dance is $6.00 for members, or $8.00 for non-members. Dance lessons are available before the dance from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, and cost for the lesson is $6.00 for members, or $8.00 for non-members(dance not included in lesson price).  The Knowles Center is located on the corner of Wedgewood and Rains Avenues across from the Tennessee Fair Grounds. Please call 743-3400 for more information. Their web site is http://www.geocities.com/colosseum/1008/
Kathleen Phillips, an accomplished and respected instructor, is now teaching a combination of beginner through intermediate lessons at the Knowles.  The cost is only $24.00 for 4 weeks, or $48:00 for 8 weeks with one free lesson.


CLUBS & GROUPS

Some of these classes are a series and some are ongoing which adjust to the students & may be joined at anytime.  We suggest checking with each class for more information.

The Nashville BeBop Association dances on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month at the VFW, located at 73 New Shackle Island Rd., in Hendersonville. TN.  There is dancing from 7:30 till 10:30 pm, with a dance lessons at 7:30 pm. Membership is $36 annually. They play a mix of Bop, East Coast Swing, and Beach Music. This is a fun group that has been dancing since August, 1989.   For more info call 615-428-7304, or check out http://www.nashvillebebop.com

The Nashville Dance Club meets every Wednesday at the New VFW located at 1907 Lebanon Rd, Nashville, TN.  Their DJs play a wide variety of music, from Rock n Roll to Swing & Hustle, with some Country on the side. They will be providing dance lessons to members and guests.  Their goal is to provide a friendly social atmosphere and to promote dance in the Nashville Community.  For more information on membership, dances, lessons, etc will be posted on their website http://www.TheNashvilleDanceClub.com

Big Band Music Appreciation Society dances are back, with their usual season of dances from Sept. to May.  Jim & Naomi are being joined by Joe & Connie Katimi, and they are back at the Eastwood Christian Church, located at 1601 Eastland Ave.  Cost is only $5.00, and that includes the dance lesson at 7:30pm (usually beginner lesson), and dancing from 8:30 to 11:00 pm, as the DJ plays your favorite types of swing tunes to keep you on the dance floor all night.  No partner or experience needed, dances are always smoke & alcohol free in a lovely old church hall with hardwood floor.  Refreshments are available, all ages are welcome, and dress is casual with hard-soled shoes appropriate for the floor.  For more info, call Naomi Craig at 227-1854 or email ilove2dance49@hotmail.com

The Chinese Ballroom Dance Club hosts a monthly ballroom dance party on the 2nd Friday of each month, from 8:00 to 10:30 pm, at the  Global Education Center.  Admission is only $5.00 per person, or $8.00 per couple. Lessons are offered from time to time as needed. For more information, please contact Chenhua at chenhua2006@gmail.com or (615) 481-6272.

Tango Nashville, a passionate, active group of Argentine Tango Dancers, offers weekly Beginners and Intermediate Argentine Tango Classes. For more dates, times, locations and prices, please check their calender www.tangonashville.com/calendar or contact Diana Holland, 615-889-3390, connect@tangonashville.com, or visit www.tangonashville.com

Jump, Jive & Swing! is Nashville's original evening of Big Band Swing, and their new location is terrific.  After five years of swingin' beats and happy feet they're bigger then ever, so come join them for a hot night of Big Band Swing, lessons and great fun! Dances are held usually every 1st and 3rd Saturday at the Otter Creek Church Auditorium, located at 409 Franklin Rd in Brentwood. They have a large, hardwood dance floor, great acoustics and plenty of free parking. Swing Lessons (beginner and intermediate) are from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, with dancing until post-midnight to the best Big Band Swing music from the 40's to today.  Cost is only $6 per person.  Singles and couples of all ages welcome, as all dances are smoke and alcohol free, and family friendly  The dances are sponsored by The Nashville 20/30 Christian Swing Dance Group and proceeds benefit Youth for Truth, a ministry & mentor program for at-risk urban young people. For more info, call Steve Willis 294-4858, or email swwillis@bellsouth.net 

The Nashville Swing Dance Club offers a wide variety of group classes on different days, (usually Monday, Tuesday & Friday) including West Coast Swing, Waltz and Tango, with something going on all the time.  Generally their lessons are at Silverado's on Murfreesboro Rd and at The Trevecca Annex (on the Terrace University Campus) on Murfreesboro Rd.   For more information about this very active club call their hotline - the number is 615-641-0554 or check out their webpage at  http://www.nashvilleswingdanceclub.com/

The Music City Bop Club occasionally offers lessons before their regularly scheduled Saturday dance, as well as other lessons, workshops & dances.  Visit their web site at http://www.MusicCityBopClub.com/ for more info.  They meet at the Maxwell Lounge at The Maxwell House Hotel located at 2025 Metro Center Blvd, and the Lounge's  phone # is 615-259-4343.

The Music City Chapter of USA Dance (formerly USABDA) holds a monthly dance at Dance World.  Generally, it will be the first Sunday of each month, but check their calendar, or our Events page, to be sure.  Beginners are welcome, and you don't have to be a member to attend.  Dance World has 2 large dance floors, and is conveniently located at 700 Rundle Avenue.   Plan to arrive at 2:00 PM for a lesson with a local teaching professional, followed by open dancing until 5:30 PM.  Cost is $10 for members and $12 for non members.  For more info, check out the USA Dance web site http://usadance-nashville.org/ or the Dance World web site,  http://www.danceworldtn.com/

The Music City Swing Thing Dance Club offers monthly dances featuring West Coast Swing and many other dances enjoyed at Swing Events.  The monthly dance is held at DanceWorld Studio (http://www.danceworldtn.com) at 630 Rundle, Nashville, TN 37210 and is typically the 3rd Sunday of the month.  Be sure to check http://www.musiccityswingthing.com and the Calendar Section for correct dates and location.  There is a Group Lesson from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., with social dancing until 10:00 p.m.  Admission is $10 per person (including the lesson).  For MCST information about Membership, Dances, Lessons, etc., check out their website at http://www.musiccityswingthing.com or email info@musiccityswingthing.com.

SCHOOLS, STUDIOS & CENTERS

Dance Quest is a fun, friendly dance center, located at 539 Metroplex Drive, Suite C-200. They offer a group lesson starting at 7:00 pm, before their Friday evening dance, and cost is only $15.00 per person or $20.00 per couple for the lesson and the dance.  Friendly folks, a relaxed, inviting atmosphere and a spacious dance floor will make an enjoyable time for everyone. The owners, Jim & Debbie Sullivan, are friendly and easy-going, yet great dancers who are competent, professional, and easy to learn from.  Contact them at 615-333-1551, or check out their great web site http://www.DanceQuestLLC.com

Dance World dance studio has 2 excellent facilities, both with lots of dance space, and fun, talented people to get you up and dancing.  They're coveniently located at Suites 630 and 700 in the Fesslers Business Center (630 Rundle Ave. & 700 Rundel Ave).  Take the Fesslers Lane exit from I-40, and turn at the first right, before you reach Fesslers.  They feature lots of group lessons and dances open to the public. Saturday night they host a ballroom dance from 8:00 to 10:30 pm, with a group lesson from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, for only $15 per person or $25 per couple.   They also offer lessons before their Sunday afternoon dances, with lesson from 2:30 to 3:30.  Cost for these two dances is about $5 to $12 per person, depending on the dance.  For more info call the owner, Danny Baye, at 615-726-8899 or e-mail dbaye112@comcast.net  or check out their website http://www.danceworldtn.com/


NIGHTCLUBS & DANCES

Many nightclubs & ballroom dances will have a free beginners lesson before the dance.  They are a great way to get you out on the dance floor, and to meet others who will be at the dance.  To find out which ones, it would be best to check out the dances on our " Coming Events " and "Where to Dance " pages.


PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS

These folks teach group or individual classes at different times & places, so it's best to see what they have going on by contacting them.  These people are friendly, encouraging, fun to learn from, and do their best to keep the cost low.  Of course, we don't know everyone, and we will be happy to list anyone that contacts us.

Christa Bacon  Certified ballroom dancer, teaches rhythm and smooth ballroom dancing for individual and group lessons. Dancing and performing over 15 years. Affordable, competative rates; first lessons usually free, to get your 'feet' moving in the direction of ballroom dancing..  Email: mailto:miss.christa.bacon@gmail.com

Alan Chung  Relatively new to the area, he teaches LindyHop and Blues, mostly on a private basis.  Contact 240-393-3737 and chungaw@gmail.com

Davileen McNeely teaches at the Renaissance Center in Dickson, TN, 615-740-5600, and is available for private lessons.

Richard A. Wright  865-804-1505 Available for private lessons for Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, and East Coast Swing.  Fun & energenic, he also teaches out of Vintage Rhythm Studio.  Email: lindyman@gmail.com  

Beth Wittrig  615-356-0962.  Our first dance instructor.  If it hadn't been for her, we probably would have quit after the first lesson.  We recommend her highly for beginners.  Email: bethwittrig@yahoo.com

Kathleen Phillips,  Home 615-884-0084, Cell 615-585-2241 An accomplished & respected instructor, who's also a pleasant, patient teacher, good with difficult learners. kathleenphillips@comcast.net

Kathy Schklar & Charles Burnett  615-776-1921, or 615-419-5333  A very nice couple with many years of dancing & teaching experience.  Available primarily for private lessons.

Ken & Susan Leary  615-883-8371  A wonderful, encouraging couple that are great with beginners.

April Scott 615-256-3495 Salsa Cha-cha, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia instruction for performance, private or group lessons.  Very professional and fun. clubcalientedancers@hotmail.com  or  april@kind-music.com

Phil Dorroll and Louise Seawright of DanceAmerica Productions are available for private lessons to fit a variety of needs.  Contact them through their website http://www.danceamerica.net

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION

Most individual instruction is found at professional dance schools with an instructor who has danced, and hopefully done well, in competitions, or otherwise demonstrated their skill. Individual instruction can be expensive, but is the best way to learn, advance your dancing repertoire and refine your style. 
Most schools offer a newcomers package, so you can try them out at a bargain and see if a particular class or instructor is right for you.
Some schools only teach the "proper ballroom curriculum" , others will cater to the individual and teach "just that fancy step you've always wanted to learn".
Don't be afraid to ask a few questions,  let them know exactly what you want, and if you don't like what you hear, try the next one.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios, located at 330 Franklin Road, Suite 906-D, in Brentwood, includes something for everyone, from Beginner to Advanced customized dance programs.  They offer all kinds of dance instruction - from ballroom to country western to salsa to nightclub dancing - for all ages and abilities through private, group, and practice lessons.  In your very first lesson, you'll learn the basic elements of which all dance patterns are based and within hours, you'll be ready to dance.  New Student Special includes 2 private/one-on-one thirty minute lessons, 1 group class and 1 practice party.  For more info, call them at 615-661-0844, or check out their web site http://www.fadsnashville.com

Dance Quest is a fun, friendly dance center, located at 539 Metroplex Drive, Suite C-200. They offer a group and individual instruction and dances open to the public.  Friendly folks, a relaxed, inviting atmosphere and a spacious dance floor will make an enjoyable time for everyone. The owners, Jim & Debbie Sullivan, are friendly and easy-going, yet great dancers who are competent, professional, and easy to learn from.  Contact them at 615-333-1551, or check out their great web site http://www.DanceQuestLLC.com

Dance World  has 2 excellent facilities with lots of dance space and fun, talented people to get you up and dancing.  They're coveniently located at Suites 630 and 700 in the Fesslers Business Center (630 Rundle Ave. & 700 Rundel Ave).  Take the Fesslers Lane exit from I-40, and turn at the first right, before you reach Fesslers.  They feature lots of group lessons and dances open to the public. Saturday night they host a ballroom dance from 8:00 to 10:30 pm, with a group lesson from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, for only $15 per person or $25 per couple.  They also offer dance lessons before their unday afternoon dances, with lesson from 2:30 to 3:30, for about $5 to $12 per person  For more info call the owner, Danny Baye, at 615-726-8899 or e-mail dbaye112@comcast.net  or check out their website http://www.danceworldtn.com/
 
Arthur Murray Dance Studios has closed in Nashville.  They are hoping to have a new franchise opening soon.

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS

Videos can be a great help, especially in conjunction with lessons from a live teacher. We found several in the Nashville area including the following:

Cal Pozo's Learn to Dance in Minutes. We found these tapes at Suncoast Videos here in Nashville. Cal Pozo is a former US professional dance champion and Broadway choreographer. These tapes are very well produced and Mr. Pozo is an excellent and friendly teacher - making the dances simple and fun even for complete beginners. You can find out more about these videos, and purchase them directly by visiting his website at  http://www.calpozo.com/ .

Fred Astaire Dance Studios. We obtained these tapes from the Davidson Co. Public Libraries (you can search the Library's catalog via modem by calling 862-5490 or by clicking on the link above). These are well produced tapes, but only 30 min. in length. There are 3 tapes covering ballroom, swing, and Latin.

Alan Meyers "Catch Dance Fever" (also available at the library). Alan Meyers is a Memphis native, and while these tapes apparently had the lowest budget of those we viewed, they were very informative. Mr. Meyers is an animated and determined teacher, and he manages to pack a great deal of information into each 60 min. tape (there are several tapes for three dances - ballroom, swing, country) with very little wasted time. 

The Davidson County Public Libraries has added several new dance videos (and have more on order).  You can search their catalog online and order any videos (or book) to be sent to a branch near you.  Let us know if you try any and like them, and we'll do the same.

We have also ordered videos from Dance Vision http://www.dancevision.com/   ), and we were very happy with what we received. These are much more professional offerings, and the company ships the same day they receive your order. We were especially pleased with the Ron Montez latin style tapes. Their huge catalog also contains a large selection of dance music on CD.

You might pick up some tips watching Dancing Around Nashville on Cable Access TV (Ch 19).  It is hosted by Carolyn Jordan and features local dance clubs strutting their stuff.  It airs Wednesday evenings and Saturdays.

ONLINE LEARNING

There's been a real boom in lessons on the WWW during the past year or so and several pages now offer instruction aided by animations and video. Check the Links page for a couple of our favorites. While you may not be able to learn everything through your computer, you can pick up a flashy new step or an enlightening tip (and being able to step through a video one frame at a time can be a big help).