Loafers Beach Club
Dance lessons and social nights in Raleigh — Shag, West Coast Swing, Country…
Loafers Beach Club has been Raleigh's venue for dance lessons and social dancing for 31 years.
Photo: Larry Smith via Google
Before your first class
Beginner West Coast Swing is free for members; all three dance styles offer dedicated beginner sessions.
West Coast Swing: free for beginner members, $10 for beginner guests; $10 per class or $15 for two classes (members); $13 per class (guests).
About this studio
Loafers Beach Club has been Raleigh's venue for dance lessons and social dancing for 31 years. Owners Gary and Deborah Gibson have built a regular schedule that mixes structured instruction with DJ-led social dancing, keeping things accessible and reasonably priced.
The venue runs four main dance styles across the week. West Coast Swing lessons happen Monday nights, with separate beginner, intermediate and advanced tracks taught by Robin Smith. Shag lessons run Tuesday nights in beginner and intermediate levels, taught by Don Bunn and Kathy Riley — new four-week sessions start the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Thursday nights bring Country TwoStep lessons (beginner and intermediate), followed by social dance with DJ Kenny Powers. Friday nights offer West Coast Swing lessons and social dancing with a DJ at 8pm. Saturday nights are Shag Nights with a DJ at 7:45pm. Wednesdays host the Loafers After Work Mingle, which includes dinner, Shag and West Coast Swing from 5:45pm.
West Coast Swing pricing is straightforward: beginners are free for members, $10 for guests; intermediate and advanced are $10 per class for members (or both for $15), and $13 per class for guests. A membership costs $10 and lets you take classes at member rates. Shag and Country TwoStep lesson prices are available by contacting the venue or checking their calendar.
The venue is located at 605 Creekside Drive, just off Wake Forest Road. Loafers is also available for private parties. Tickets for events can be purchased up to three days ahead at the ticket office (ask for Deborah), by phone, or at the door on the day if seating remains available.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll find lessons grouped by skill level most nights of the week, typically starting in the evening. Bring comfortable dance shoes and expect to be on a social dance floor with other students and dancers. New four-week Shag and Country TwoStep sessions begin on the first Tuesday and Thursday of each month.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Robin Smith teaches West Coast Swing (Monday nights across all levels). Don Bunn and Kathy Riley teach Shag (Tuesday nights). Country TwoStep instructors vary; social dancing follows with DJ Kenny Powers.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginner West Coast Swing is free for members; all three dance styles offer dedicated beginner sessions.
Studio history
Loafers has operated for 31 years under the ownership of Gary and Deborah Gibson.
Styles offered
4 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Loafers Beach Clubhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Loafers Beach Club, 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 Loafers Beach Club
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Loafers Beach Club teach?
Loafers Beach Club teaches General, West Coast Swing, Shag, Country Two Step. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Loafers Beach Club located?
Loafers Beach Club is located in Raleigh, NC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Loafers Beach Club offer private lessons?
Contact Loafers Beach Club directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Loafers Beach Club teach kids and adults?
Loafers Beach Club 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 Loafers Beach Club?
The fastest path is to visit Loafers Beach Club via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.