Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL)
BDASL is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on sharing the joy of ballroom dancing. Our mission is to promote partner or ballroom style dancing, an important component of American culture and education. We hold steadfast to the promotion of BDASL’s unique inter-generational ballroom dance programs here in St Louis:
I. Seniors. BDASL copyrighted Ballroom Dance Program
II. Junior High School Students. Weekly Ballroom Dance Classes
III. Graduate Students. Washington University Weekly Ballroom Dance Classes
IV. Adult Ballroom and Argentine Tango dance classes and Children's Ballroom dance classes, held weekly
Additionally, BDASL sponsors an annual week-long Dance Camp for adults, and holds and Monthly Dance Events for social dancing. To continue our outreach efforts, we rely on the generous support of you all. Please consider making either a one-time donation or monthly recurring donations (for recurring donations, please contact us via email at ballroomdancestl@gmail.com). Both types of giving are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
In case of cancellation of classes due to inclement weather or other conditions, BDASL will send a cancellation notice by 5pm
to the email address under which the dancer(s) registered.
Welcome to BDASL’s Summer Shorts: June & July
BDSAL is excited to welcome you this June and July with shortened sessions of dance classes, three- 2 week classes, that allow you to choose your favorite dances while working around your summer schedule.
Singles and Couples are welcome in all classes; no partner needed
Dress is casual; feel free to wear your shorts (the Grandel tends to get warm in summers)
Tuesdays - with Andrea
Andrea Osman will teach classes on Tuesday evenings at 6pm and 7pm: all classes will be beginner level [Bronze in dance terms].
Session A: June 3 & 10
6pm: East Coast Swing
7pm: Samba and Rumba I
Session B: June 17 & 24
6pm: Foxtrot and Foxy
7pm: Samba and Rumba II
(requires completion of Samba and Rumba I in Session A or prior experience in these dances)
Session C: July 22 & 29
6pm: Country Waltz and Country Cha Cha
7pm: Country Two Step
Dance descriptions:
East Coast Swing: Perfect for wedding receptions and social events! East Coast Swing is a fun, versatile dance that works with a wide variety of music. Learn the basic steps, turns, and styling that will have you confidently hitting the dance floor at your next celebration.
Samba and Rumba I: Experience the vibrant world of Latin dancing in this dynamic combo class. Discover the energetic bounce of Brazilian Samba with its distinctive rhythm and joyful character, along with the smooth, controlled movements of Rumba. You will learn fundamental timing, basic patterns, and proper technique for both dances. This introduction will provide you with a perfect foundation for social Latin dancing.
Foxtrot and Foxy: Master two essential social dances in one class! Learn the traditional Foxtrot with its elegant, smooth movements, alongside refined slow dancing techniques [often called "Foxy"]. Perfect for weddings and social gatherings, these versatile dances work beautifully with a wide range of music. You'll develop a proper frame, basic footwork and simple turns that will elevate your social dancing beyond the basic 'sway' that many people default to.
Samba and Rumba II: Take your Latin dancing to the next level in this combo class! Building on the fundamentals of Samba and Rumba I, you'll explore more intricate patterns, enhanced styling, and refined technique in both dances. Samba & Rumba I class or prior experience in these dances required.
Country Waltz and Cha Cha: Learn two popular country dances in one fun class! Country Waltz features smooth, flowing movements that progress around the floor, while Country Cha Cha brings energetic rhythm to faster tunes. Master the basic steps, turns and styling for both dances, giving you confidence on the dance floor.
Country Two Step: Master this essential country dance that's found in every country western dance venue. The Country Two Step features smooth, progressive movement around the floor with a distinctive quick-quick- slow- slow rhythm. Learn the proper lead/follow technique, basic pattern and stylish variations. Get out those cowboy and cowgirl boots!
all Tuesday dance classes require a minimum of 6 registered dancers; if cancellation is required, fees will be refunded.
Thursdays - with Tal
The current session of Tango will continue into early May. After that, Tango is on hold through July.
Children dance classes:
We hope to return to kids classes in the Fall - stay tuned!
no classes at the moment
Tuesdays, 5:15-6:00pm with Andrea
[children ages 7-12 years old, no experience required]
more information on dance classes
For more information on the different classes and levels, please see our dedicated Class Information & Schedule page. For online registration and payment, please go to the Class Registration & Payment page.
If this is the first time dancing with us, please fill out the one-time electronic Waiver Form (link) before the first class.
Classes are held in the Grand Hall on the 2nd floor of the Grandel Theater, 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO, 63103. Please note that the Grandel is generally locked these days. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled class time (you might not be able to enter the building after the class has started as we are dancing on the 2nd floor and will likely not hear you knocking).
Next Dance Socials:
Happy Summer!
No dance socials scheduled for the moment
$10 admission ($5 with valid student ID)
cash or Venmo
Save the date: tbd
*please note: Social dance dates are subject to change
