Dance Louisville
Ballroom, salsa, swing & country in Louisville. First private lesson free.
Dance Louisville has been teaching Louisville to dance since 2005, when owner Brian Barakauskas opened the studio with a mission to change people's lives through dance.
Photo: Dance Louisville via Google
Before your first class
Beginner group classes are designed for total newcomers; no experience necessary, and you'll learn at your own pace in a welcoming environment voted "Friendliest Dance Studio" in the Midwest for 3 years running.
Shoes with non-sticky rubber soles are recommended; dance shoes are best but not required.
Located one mile from Oxmoor Mall and I-264 in Lyndon, off the corner of Lyndon Ln.
About this studio
Dance Louisville has been teaching Louisville to dance since 2005, when owner Brian Barakauskas opened the studio with a mission to change people's lives through dance. The studio occupies almost 2,500 square feet with a competition-size dance floor that can hold over 100 dancers, featuring separate zones of music for each lesson. You can learn at your own pace in private lessons available 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm most days, or join group classes rotating through ballroom, salsa, west coast swing and country dancing. Over 36 group classes run per month, and the studio has hosted over 25 student showcases since opening—twice yearly performances in early June and early December where students perform to audiences of almost 200 spectators.
The teaching team brings together over 100 years of combined dance experience. Brian Barakauskas, the owner and master instructor, has danced professionally for over 25 years, is a 5-time world champion, and was inducted to the UCWDC Hall of Fame in 2017. He has danced in 23 countries as a competitor, performer, judge and teacher. Emily Larsen, master instructor and manager, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Texas at Austin and began her ballroom and country dance career in 2011 before joining Dance Louisville in 2014. Megan Anderson, master instructor, has been with the studio since it opened and won the 2015 UCWDC ProPro Female World Championship, finishing 2nd at the 2017 UCWDC world championships as one of the best country dancers in the world. Minh-Tuan Nguyen ("Minty") joined after retiring from the Louisville Ballet stage after six years with the company. Brook Jenkins provides new student private lessons, group lessons and choreographs wedding dances. Dakota 'Red' Anderson has a background in gymnastics and began teaching dance 6 years ago, focusing on social dancing and performing.
The studio has been voted the "Friendliest Dance Studio" in the entire Midwest for 3 years in a row. Wedding packages include lessons for bride and groom, father-daughter, mother-son dances and whole wedding party instruction; the studio reports helping 1,000+ people prepare for their first dance. For children, the Jr Academy offers hip hop for ages 7+ (Tuesdays 5:15-6pm) with age-appropriate choreography, and ballroom classes for teens and kids typically 10 years old and up, mixed with adults. Private lessons for teens are available at a discount. The studio runs a complete online learning platform for those who prefer to learn from home.
You'll find several sister studios in the network. The studio has hosted country artists and salsa bands for live performances, appeared in the reality show "Southern Belles," and Cheryl Burke from Dancing with the Stars has practiced here. Several students have been with Dance Louisville for the entire 17+ years it has been open.
What to expect
Your first visit
Your first 30-minute private lesson is free. You'll learn some moves, meet one of the instructors, and discover how dancing can bring joy, confidence and new friendships. Arrive 5 minutes early; wear shoes with non-sticky rubber soles (dance shoes recommended but not required). For group classes, you'll rotate partners so no partner is necessary—both singles and couples are welcome.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The team includes owner and master instructor Brian Barakauskas (5-time world champion, 2017 UCWDC Hall of Fame inductee, 25+ years professional experience in 23 countries); Emily Larsen (master instructor and manager, Bachelor of Arts in Dance from UT Austin, ballroom and country specialist); Megan Anderson (master instructor, 2015 UCWDC ProPro Female World Championship winner, 2nd place UCWDC world championships 2017); Minh-Tuan Nguyen (instructor, six years with Louisville Ballet); Brook Jenkins (instructor, specialises in new student lessons and wedding choreography); Dakota 'Red' Anderson (instructor, gymnastics background, social dancing focus). Jo Ann Lewis handles customer service and administration.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginner group classes are designed for total newcomers; no experience necessary, and you'll learn at your own pace in a welcoming environment voted "Friendliest Dance Studio" in the Midwest for 3 years running.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Shoes with non-sticky rubber soles are recommended; dance shoes are best but not required. Ladies should wear shoes that do not fall off (flip-flops not recommended); closed-toe shoes are a good idea.
Studio history
Dance Louisville opened in January 2006 after construction began in 2005, with over 100 people attending the grand opening. The studio was born from owner Brian Barakauskas's dream to bring Louisville a relaxed, fun environment for dancing. The walls were originally pink (due to a painter's mistake—they were supposed to be orange). Over the years, the studio has shifted focus from traditional ballroom classes to a modern mix of salsa, swing and ballroom, intentionally adding classes not offered elsewhere to serve the community. The studio has hosted live country artists and salsa bands, appeared in the reality show "Southern Belles," and welcomed Cheryl Burke from Dancing with the Stars to practice. Several students have remained loyal for the entire 17+ years.
Styles offered
24 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Dance Louisvillehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Dance Louisville, 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 Dance Louisville
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Dance Louisville teach?
Dance Louisville teaches General, Waltz, American Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz and 18 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Dance Louisville located?
Dance Louisville is located in Louisville, KY. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Dance Louisville offer private lessons?
Contact Dance Louisville directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Dance Louisville teach kids and adults?
Dance Louisville 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 Dance Louisville?
The fastest path is to visit Dance Louisville via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Dance Louisville?
Located one mile from Oxmoor Mall and I-264 in Lyndon, off the corner of Lyndon Ln. and New LaGrange Rd., just south of Westport Village shopping center.