Des Moines Ballroom
Ballroom, Latin, Swing & more. Wedding first dances, group classes, private l…
A ballroom dance studio offering instruction in American and International style dances including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing.
Photo: Des Moines Ballroom via Google
Before your first class
The studio emphasises making ballroom dancing simple and attainable for everyone, even those with no experience; couples and singles are equally welcome.
Wear comfortable, casual clothing that allows freedom of movement; nothing fancy required.
Comfortable clothing that is easy to move in; secure shoes like tennis shoes or loafers (dance shoes not required for beginners; if you have special wedding shoes, bring them to practice).
Street parking on High Street or a parking lot accessible from Woodland Ave on the east side adjacent to the building; outdoor stairs lead down to the main entrance.
About this studio
Des Moines Ballroom has served the dancing community for over 30 years, beginning as a cohort of amateur social dancers who practised together and evolving into a professionally run studio. In 2018 the studio moved from its original location on Douglas Ave to East Village, and in 2021 expanded to a two-story building in the historic Sherman Hill neighbourhood.
The studio teaches American, International, Country and Latin styles. American styles include Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Samba, Mambo, Bolero, West Coast Swing, Night Club 2-Step, Salsa, Bachata, and Argentine Tango. Country styles cover Waltz, 2-Step, Swing, Line dance, Polka, and Cha Cha. International styles include Rumba, Cha Cha, Jive, Samba, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep.
Beginner group courses run 3 to 8 weeks and cover foundations across styles, with options like Beginner Basics (3 or 4 weeks), Beginner Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot), Beginner Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing), West Coast Swing, Salsa & Bachata, Country Plus, Bolero, and Viennese Waltz. The studio also offers Samba de Gafieira with instructor Armando Duarte, plus one-night workshops in Cuban Motion and Salsa Shines. Progression classes at Level 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are available for those continuing their training.
Private lessons are offered to individuals, couples, and groups at all skill levels. Wedding packages range from the Power Session (1.5 hours for couples with weddings under 2 weeks away, $199) to the Platinum Package (8-week group class plus four 45-minute private lessons, $600). The studio also offers online wedding first dance lessons ($249) for remote learning. A Youth Program is designed for young dancers to build rhythm, coordination, and teamwork.
The Friday Dance Party runs 8:00–9:30 PM weekly, featuring a variety of music matched to different dance styles. Admission is $10 for the general public, free for current class members. The first Friday of each month features a country-heavy playlist. The PD Moves Program, founded in Cedar Rapids in 2016 by Tallis Strub, is a dance programme for persons with Parkinson's Disease and their caregivers, focusing on social dance styles like Tango and Waltz alongside Jazz, Tap, and Ballet elements. The studio partners with multiple community organisations including the American Parkinson's Disease Association of Iowa, senior living facilities, and youth programmes.
What to expect
Your first visit
Beginner classes are designed to be welcoming and supportive. You don't need a partner—the studio uses a rotating partner system and welcomes singles and couples equally. Wear comfortable clothing and secure shoes (tennis shoes or loafers work fine; dance shoes aren't required for beginners). Most beginner courses run 3 to 8 weeks and teach the basics of your chosen style.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Tallis Strub is the owner and lead instructor, known for helping people conquer their fears about dancing. Anne Bates is lead instructor and director/choreographer of performance teams, passionate about watching people reach their goals from basic steps to competition level. Joey Rochford is an instructor focused on helping beginners find their rhythm.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio emphasises making ballroom dancing simple and attainable for everyone, even those with no experience; couples and singles are equally welcome.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear comfortable, casual clothing that allows freedom of movement; nothing fancy required.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing that is easy to move in; secure shoes like tennis shoes or loafers (dance shoes not required for beginners; if you have special wedding shoes, bring them to practice).
Studio history
Des Moines Ballroom has served the dancing community for over 30 years, starting as a cohort of amateur social dancers meeting a few times weekly. It moved from Douglas Ave to East Village in 2018, and in 2021 expanded to a two-story building in the historic Sherman Hill neighbourhood.
Styles offered
26 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Des Moines Ballroomhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Des Moines Ballroom, 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 Des Moines Ballroom
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Des Moines Ballroom teach?
Des Moines Ballroom teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Waltz, Tango and 20 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Des Moines Ballroom located?
Des Moines Ballroom is located in Des Moines, IA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Des Moines Ballroom offer private lessons?
Contact Des Moines Ballroom directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Des Moines Ballroom teach kids and adults?
Des Moines Ballroom 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 Des Moines Ballroom?
The fastest path is to visit Des Moines Ballroom 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 Des Moines Ballroom?
Street parking on High Street or a parking lot accessible from Woodland Ave on the east side adjacent to the building; outdoor stairs lead down to the main entrance.