Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL)
Ballroom, tango and swing classes for all ages—and monthly dance socials
A ballroom dance studio offering instruction in American and International style dances including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing.
Photo: Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) via Google
Before your first class
All beginner classes require no prior experience; the first class is free for newcomers this month.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement; dance shoes are preferred but smooth-soled shoes are acceptable.
Comfortable clothing that allows movement across the dance floor, dance shoes or smooth-soled shoes (not sneakers or flip-flops), and a water bottle.
Dedicated handicapped parking on the west side of the Grandel Theatre, a large parking lot on the north-west side, ample street parking in front, and local parking garages nearby (fee).
About this studio
Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) is a not-for-profit studio founded on 22 August 2008, focused on making partner and ballroom dancing accessible to the entire community. The studio teaches ballroom, Latin, smooth and rhythm styles, with classes running in monthly or 6-week sessions at the Grandel Theatre's Great Hall on the second floor (3610 Grandel Square).
BDASL runs five distinct inter-generational programs: weekly classes for seniors, junior high school students, Washington University graduate students, and adults, plus children's ballroom classes (currently not offered). Adult classes cover Foxtrot and East Coast Swing, Waltz and Rumba, Wedding and Event Essentials (Foxy and Simple Social Swing), Argentine Tango 101 and 102, and other styles. The studio also partners with St. Louis Public Library to offer adult ballroom classes off-site.
Instructor Andrea teaches beginner and intermediate ballroom, wedding and event essentials, and salsa. She holds a BA in Dance from UNCG and has performed professionally across North and South Carolina. Tal teaches Argentine Tango and Swing, learning from one of the original Lindy Hoppers, Frankie Manning, and has organized and DJed events around St. Louis for many years. Alex Hartsell brings over a decade of Argentine Tango experience, with a background in martial arts that informs his focus on body mechanics and grounding.
Classes rotate partners as standard practice, to build social connection and improve all dancers. Singles and couples are both welcome; no partner is required. New dancers take a complimentary first class. All classes require a minimum of 6 registered students; fees are refunded if a class cannot run. The studio hosts an annual week-long dance camp for adults and regular dance socials, including Argentine Tango milangas with DJ, live lessons and refreshments. A referral scheme offers $10 tuition credit for each friend who enrolls and completes two months of class.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll arrive 5–10 minutes early, fill a one-time waiver form before your first class, then join a group lesson where you'll rotate partners and learn fundamental steps in a social, mixed-level environment. Classes are held in the Grandel Theatre's Great Hall. Bring comfortable clothing that allows movement, dance shoes (or smooth-soled shoes), and a water bottle.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Andrea teaches ballroom and wedding essentials, with a BA in Dance and professional performance experience. Tal brings over a decade of Argentine Tango and Swing teaching, learning Swing from Frankie Manning. Alex specializes in Argentine Tango with a background in martial arts and body mechanics.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
All beginner classes require no prior experience; the first class is free for newcomers this month.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement; dance shoes are preferred but smooth-soled shoes are acceptable.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing that allows movement across the dance floor, dance shoes or smooth-soled shoes (not sneakers or flip-flops), and a water bottle.
Studio history
BDASL was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation on 22 August 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri. The studio's mission is to promote partner and ballroom dancing as an important component of American culture and education, with particular focus on inter-generational programming.
Styles offered
8 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Not yet published on LODance
Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) hasn’t set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL), claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL)
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) teach?
Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Argentine Tango, Swing and 2 more.
Where is Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) located?
Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) is located in St. Louis, MO. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) offer private lessons?
Contact Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) teach kids and adults?
Contact Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL) directly to ask which classes suit your age and experience level.
How do I sign up for classes at Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL)?
Sign up through Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL)'s website, or contact the studio directly.
Is there parking at Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis (BDASL)?
Dedicated handicapped parking on the west side of the Grandel Theatre, a large parking lot on the north-west side, ample street parking in front, and local parking garages nearby (fee).
Are you the owner of this studio?
Upcoming opportunities
No upcoming opportunities for this studio in the next 90 days.
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