Take The Lead Ballroom
Ballroom dance lessons for all levels, from absolute beginner to competitive
A ballroom dance studio offering instruction in American and International style dances including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing.
Photo: Take The Lead Ballroom via Google
Before your first class
Absolute beginners are the target for Beginner I classes, which require no pre-dance knowledge and get you dancing by the end of the first hour.
For regular classes, dress comfortably.
Wear comfortable clothing.
$80 for 8-week group classes; $33 for 3-week mini-class, $44 for 4-week mini-class; $150 for 10-week Cotillion; $100 for 10-week Homeschooling Classes; $5 for monthly Dance Party with Intermediate lesson.
About this studio
Take The Lead Ballroom teaches ballroom and Latin dance at 501 Washington Street in Raleigh. The studio is run by Susie Buck, a professional ballroom dancer with fifteen years of competitive experience in Standard and Latin. She holds qualifications including Fellow in Standard and Licentiate in Latin, Smooth and Rhythm through ISTD, DVIDA, and the Canadian Dancesport Federation. She is also a regional examiner for DVIDA and has ten years' experience adjudicating USA Dance and collegiate competitions.
The studio offers private lessons customized to your goals and group classes structured by level. Private lessons are available for beginners through professional dancers, including those preparing for medal exams, professional exams, competitions, performances, or simply wanting to dance at social events. Group classes run eight weeks at $80 per person. Beginner I covers Foxtrot, Merengue, Hustle, and Cha Cha Cha—with students dancing around the room in the first hour. Beginner II adds Waltz, Tango, Rumba, and Swing. An Intermediate class teaches Samba, Mambo, more Rumba and Foxtrot. Three-week and four-week mini-classes are also available for focus on a single dance at $33 and $44 per person respectively.
The studio runs Cotillion and Homeschooling Classes for young dancers. Cotillion is a 10-week program for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders combining dance instruction with etiquette—covering Foxtrot, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Waltz, Tango, and Swing, concluding with a formal ball. The cost is $150 per student. Homeschooling classes are also 10 weeks at $100 per student, covering Foxtrot, Merengue, Hustle, Cha Cha Cha, Tango, and Swing with an emphasis on social interaction and poise.
Bride and Groom specials are available for couples preparing a first dance. The studio also hosts monthly Dance Parties on the third Friday of each month from 7–10pm, including a 30-minute Intermediate lesson at the beginning, for $5 per person. Gift certificates are available for any occasion. Private lessons require a $15 deposit; a $10 or $15 deposit holds spots in group classes and private lessons respectively. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy for private lessons.
What to expect
Your first visit
Drop into a group class and you will be dancing within the first hour. Classes are one hour each week in a fun, relaxed environment where you meet other students learning at the same level. Private lessons are one-on-one, tailored to your pace and goals, with immediate feedback and instruction matched to your speed of learning.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Susie Buck is the lead instructor. She holds a Fellow in Standard and Licentiate in Latin, Smooth and Rhythm through ISTD, DVIDA, and the Canadian Dancesport Federation, and is a DVIDA regional examiner. She competed professionally in International Standard and Latin, achieving 10-dance finalist honours at the Heritage Classic Dancesport Championships (2005) and Star Challenge in Canada (2001). She has also performed on stage and television, co-choreographed West Side Story, and holds a Master's degree in Special Education and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Absolute beginners are the target for Beginner I classes, which require no pre-dance knowledge and get you dancing by the end of the first hour.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
For regular classes, dress comfortably. For Cotillion classes, ladies wear age-appropriate dresses or skirts and blouses; gentlemen wear slacks, a shirt, and tie.
What to bring
Wear comfortable clothing. A suede-soled ballroom shoe is recommended; street shoes are not permitted on the dance floor. For Cotillion formal ball, ladies wear knee-length or longer dresses and dance shoes; gentlemen wear a dark suit or tuxedo with black tie and dance shoes.
Styles offered
22 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Take The Lead Ballroomhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Take The Lead 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 Take The Lead Ballroom
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Take The Lead Ballroom teach?
Take The Lead Ballroom teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Foxtrot, Waltz and 16 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Take The Lead Ballroom located?
Take The Lead Ballroom is located in Raleigh, NC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Take The Lead Ballroom offer private lessons?
Contact Take The Lead Ballroom directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Take The Lead Ballroom teach kids and adults?
Take The Lead 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 Take The Lead Ballroom?
The fastest path is to visit Take The Lead Ballroom via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.