Duet Dance Studio - Chicago

Duet Dance Studio has been teaching Chicago to dance since 2013 and was recently placed in The Knot Best of Weddings' Hall of Fame. The studio specializes in ballroom and Latin dance instruction through one-on-one lessons, group classes, and private events.

The studio teaches Salsa, Swing, Rumba, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha, Hustle and Country 2-Step. One-on-one lessons are tailored to your dance level, needs and goals. Group classes keep numbers small so instructors can offer personal feedback, and you rotate partners to practise leading or following different dancers in a setting that mirrors social dancing. Both singles and couples are welcome, and the studio explicitly welcomes beginners with no dance experience.

Wedding couples are a core focus. The studio recommends starting lessons 3 to 6 months before your wedding, or at least 6 months if you want a fully choreographed routine. In addition to couple lessons, Duet offers separate instruction for parents, bridal parties and bachelorette groups. The studio has experience choreographing dances in modern, hip hop, jazz, tap and ballet, and will work with couples to create something tailored to their song and wedding style.

Private dance parties are available for birthdays, bachelorette parties, team building, holidays, engagements and other celebrations. A typical 2-hour party includes 15 minutes setup, 45 minutes of dance instruction, 45 minutes of free time for guests, and 15 minutes breakdown. The studio provides instruction, space and music; you choose the dance style. Theme options include Hot and Spicy Latin Dance, Swing, Ballroom, Charleston, Hustle Swing to 90's Pop, pop song routines and Country Line Dance or 2 Step.

Lessons are available Monday to Friday from 3–10 pm, Saturday from 12–5 pm and Sunday from 12–5 pm at the main Chicago location (2412 W North Ave, Suite 201). A second location is available in Brookfield. Virtual lessons and video programs are also offered. The studio is LGBTQ+ friendly and owned by a woman of color.

Your first visit starts with an introductory lesson where you'll meet an instructor, discuss your needs and goals, and learn some basics to get you started. Both in-studio and virtual lessons are available. Expect a warm, supportive environment where beginner dancers feel confident and experienced dancers refine their skills.

Szewai (C-Y) Lee is the owner and lead instructor. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Dance and is trained in ballet, modern, jazz, ballroom and Latin. Her teaching approach focuses on sharing the joy of dance and helping people connect through partner dancing.

The studio has extensive experience working with beginners and dancers with no experience, and deliberately keeps group sizes small for personal feedback.