A Step To Gold International
Ballroom studio & event space in Raleigh, founded 2002, led by Melanie Dale
A Step to Gold Community Ballroom was founded in 2002 by Melanie Dale, who combines her two greatest passions: dance and fitness.
Before your first class
Tuesday Night Newcomer Class is specifically designed for beginners; the studio emphasizes making learning easy and fun for all levels.
Private group lessons from $15–$25 per person (trial to one-hour sessions); wedding dance lessons $300–$1200 depending on scope and ability
About this studio
A Step to Gold Community Ballroom was founded in 2002 by Melanie Dale, who combines her two greatest passions: dance and fitness. The studio is located in Oak Park Shopping Center at 6021 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, near Casa Carbone Restaurant.
Melanie Dale is the owner and leading dance instructor. She has over forty years of experience in the dance business and studied ballet and jazz with Constance Hardinge, Frank and Marsha Wagner, Mavis Ray, and Karina Brock before developing an extensive background in American and International styles of ballroom dancing. She trained with many of the greats from Europe and the US, including her former husband Larry Silvers, who was the first United States Professional Ballroom Champion. She is known as the "Mother of Ballroom Dance" in the Triangle.
The studio offers group classes in a range of ballroom and social dance styles: Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Swing, Cha Cha, Salsa, Merengue, Samba, Viennese Waltz, Hustle, West Coast Swing, and Nightclub Two-Step. Classes are available in-person, and some sessions like Stretch and Strengthen are also offered virtually. Private lessons can be booked seven days a week. Group classes include a Tuesday Night Newcomer Class and practice sessions.
The studio also offers Bungee fitness workouts, described as a full-body cardio workout that is easy on joints, improves strength and core stability, and includes beginner classes. Wedding dance lessons are available, ranging from $300 to $1200 depending on the dance and ability, and include private lessons, group lessons, and practice sessions on Tuesday nights. Free 15-minute dance music consultations are offered for engaged couples.
A Step to Gold functions as both a teaching studio and an event venue. The facility includes the Chrystal Ballroom (1200 square feet, 38 x 28, accommodating approximately 125 people for a cocktail reception or 75 for seated dining) and the Wasser Room (350 square feet, 12 x 30, seating about 18 guests). The total facility is 1900 square feet. The studio is home to Lori Woods-Gay, Coach in Residency, who is a Fellow and Examiner with ISTD in all branches, a US Championship Finalist, and a Championship and World Class Judge. Visiting coach Antoinette Santoro is UCWDC certified as Judge, Coach, Competitor, Choreographer and Performer, with over 25 years in swing dance and 12 time Open Division 1 Champion and World's Dance Champion credentials.
The studio emphasizes wellness that targets physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Students report meeting people from a wide range of ages and walks of life, attending dance parties, and building friendships.
What to expect
Your first visit
You will be greeted by friendly staff ready to help you start your ballroom journey. The environment is designed to be comfortable for beginners—the studio focuses on making learning easy and fun. You can drop in to group classes on Tuesday nights, try a beginner bungee class, or attend a guest night to experience the social dancing environment.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Melanie Dale (owner, 40+ years experience) teaches private and group lessons. Lori Woods-Gay, Coach in Residency, is a Fellow and Examiner in all ISTD branches and US Championship Finalist. Antoinette Santoro, visiting coach, is UCWDC certified with 25+ years in swing dance and 12 time Open Division 1 Champion.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Tuesday Night Newcomer Class is specifically designed for beginners; the studio emphasizes making learning easy and fun for all levels.
Studio history
Founded in 2002 by Melanie Dale, the studio grew from her passion for both dance and fitness. Melanie trained under legendary instructors including her former husband Larry Silvers, first United States Professional Ballroom Champion, and earned the title "Mother of Ballroom Dance" in the Triangle region.
Styles offered
16 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
A Step To Gold Internationalhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own A Step To Gold International, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about A Step To Gold International
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does A Step To Gold International teach?
A Step To Gold International teaches Ballroom, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Swing and 10 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is A Step To Gold International located?
A Step To Gold International is located in Raleigh, NC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does A Step To Gold International offer private lessons?
Contact A Step To Gold International directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does A Step To Gold International teach kids and adults?
A Step To Gold International welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at A Step To Gold International?
The fastest path is to visit A Step To Gold International via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.