East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School
Milwaukee's longest-running independent ballroom studio since 1987
A Latin dance studio specializing in Salsa, Bachata, and other Latin social dances.
Photo: East Towne Ballroom via Google
Before your first class
All students start at Bronze level, and instructors emphasize a relaxed, no-pressure environment with customized teaching for your goals.
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move well.
Wear something you can move well in.
Street parking with 2-hour meter spots directly in front of the studio; surrounding streets also have street parking.
About this studio
East Towne Ballroom is Milwaukee's longest-running independent ballroom studio, established in 1987 and located in downtown Milwaukee at 608 N Broadway. The studio has built a national reputation for high standards of instruction delivered in a casual, friendly environment. Owner Marty Voight, who began teaching ballroom in 1978 while studying music at UW-Eau Claire, purchased the studio in 1991. He is NDCA and NADTA certified in all styles and continues to compete and perform with students. His teaching approach is known for being fun and approachable — a hallmark that has sustained the studio as a student-focused business for over three decades.
The instructor team includes Marty alongside independent contractors. Matthew Kusak has been teaching ballroom since 2007 and is certified in all styles, with a reputation as a versatile teacher and top teacher at county events. Suzana Gossett is a Certified Dance Teacher and Professional Competitor in American and International Styles, registered with NDCA and NADTA, known for her choreography work. Michelle Guthrie is a two-time Amateur US National Ten-Dance Champion and US representative to the World Games; she owned and operated two dance studios and now focuses on teaching and choreographing, with a particular love of swing dancing. Olga Boneva Melnyk is a Ukrainian Ballroom & Latin Dance Champion and International Finalist who has competed at prestigious events including Blackpool Dance Festival (2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012), the Dutch Open (2005), and UK Championships (2007). She is also a United States American Smooth Finalist.
Lessons are private and by appointment only. The studio uses a medal system of teaching — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Open levels. You work directly with your instructor to master different styles at your own pace. New students can take advantage of introductory lessons with Marty; private 1-hour lessons are $55 ($30 savings on the introductory lesson), and 5 private 1-hour lessons cost $375 ($50 savings). Lessons may be purchased as you take them with no package enrollment required.
The studio teaches American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz), American Rhythm (Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo), International Ballroom (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep), International Latin (Cha Cha, Samba, Rhumba, Jive, Paso Doble), and social dances (Merengue, Hustle, Salsa, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing). Instructors can tailor a custom plan to your goals.
Beyond private lessons, East Towne hosts in-studio socials and special group classes that change monthly. Students participate in competitions and showcases across the state and beyond, with recent participation in the Wisconsin State DanceSport Championship, Chicago Harvest Moon Ball, Fox Valley Spring Showcase, Badger State Dance Competition, and Northern Lights Showcase. The studio also offers wedding choreography — owner Marty has choreographed wedding dances for students. You do not need a partner to take lessons; instructors partner with you during private instruction, and socials are open to singles. The studio sells ballroom and Latin shoes on-site.
What to expect
Your first visit
All lessons are private and by appointment. When you first visit, you can take advantage of new student specials including an introductory lesson with owner Marty. You'll work one-on-one with an instructor to learn dances tailored to your goals, progressing through Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Open levels at your own pace.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Owner and head instructor Marty Voight is NDCA and NADTA certified in all styles and has taught ballroom since 1978. The team includes Matthew Kusak (teaching since 2007, certified in all styles), Suzana Gossett (Certified Dance Teacher, Professional Competitor in American and International Styles, known for choreography), Michelle Guthrie (two-time Amateur US National Ten-Dance Champion, US World Games representative, former studio owner), and Olga Boneva Melnyk (Ukrainian Ballroom & Latin Dance Champion, International Finalist, competed at Blackpool Dance Festival, Dutch Open, and UK Championships).
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
All students start at Bronze level, and instructors emphasize a relaxed, no-pressure environment with customized teaching for your goals.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move well.
What to bring
Wear something you can move well in. Wear closed-toed shoes with a back to prevent them falling off while dancing. Ballroom and Latin shoes are available for purchase at the studio; proper dance shoes are recommended once you decide to continue.
Studio history
East Towne Ballroom was established in 1987 and is Milwaukee's longest-running independent ballroom studio. Owner Marty Voight began teaching ballroom in 1978 and purchased the studio in 1991. The studio has maintained a reputation for high standards of instruction in a casual, friendly environment for over three decades.
Styles offered
9 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance Schoolhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School, 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 East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School teach?
East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz), American Rhythm and 3 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School located?
East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School is located in Milwaukee, WI. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School offer private lessons?
Contact East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School teach kids and adults?
East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School 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 East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School?
The fastest path is to visit East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School 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 East Towne Ballroom | Ballroom & Latin Dance School?
Street parking with 2-hour meter spots directly in front of the studio; surrounding streets also have street parking. Public parking lot available across the street at the corner of Broadway and Michigan.