Take The Lead Dance Studio
Ballroom, Latin, Swing and more. Classes, socials, weddings, competition.
Take The Lead Dance Studio opened in 2006 in a small space at Pike Creek Shopping Center in Wilmington, born from a desire to make dancing accessible to all.
Photo: Take The Lead Dance Studio via Google
Before your first class
Friday "Try a New Dance" sessions require no experience or partner; most popular classes rotate regularly so you can join a few weeks after a session starts.
$20 drop-in group class, $15 per class if you pre-pay for 8 sessions; $95 for 45-minute private lesson; $15 admission to socials
About this studio
Take The Lead Dance Studio opened in 2006 in a small space at Pike Creek Shopping Center in Wilmington, born from a desire to make dancing accessible to all. The studio quickly outgrew that location and moved to a 6,000 sq.ft. facility in Lantana Square in Hockessin, where it has become established as the place to dance in Delaware and surrounding areas. The studio has won the Delaware Reader's Choice Award every year since 2013.
The studio teaches a wide range of styles: Salsa, Bachata, Swing, Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba, Merengue, Samba, Jive, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Heels, and Introduction to Social Dance. Group classes run in 4-week or 8-week sessions on weeknights, with most popular classes like Salsa 1 and Introduction to Social Dance rotating regularly. Friday nights feature a special "Try a New Dance" class at 6:45pm that requires no experience or partner, and each session covers a different dance. Drop-in group classes cost $20 per person, or $15 per person if you pre-pay for 8 sessions.
Private lessons are available seven days a week between 10am and 10pm, based on instructor availability. Most private lessons cost $95 for a 45-minute session for a single dancer or couple, though professional competitive coaching may cost more. The studio also offers private group lessons for groups of 3–100 people at their location or yours. The team will match you with an instructor suited to your availability, skill level, and goals.
Take The Lead hosts regular social events: Ballroom Dance Socials on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays (7pm–10pm, $15 admission, includes a free 30-minute lesson); Friday Night Latin Nights on the second Friday of each month (10pm–1am, $15 admission, free lesson around 9:15pm); Saturday Night Swing on the fourth Saturday (7:30pm–10pm, $15 admission, lesson at 7pm); and Sunday Night Latin Nights on the fourth Sunday (7:45pm–11pm, $15 admission, free lesson at 7pm). Light snacks are provided at all socials, with a cash bar available. The studio also offers showcase performances, wedding dance training, and competitive coaching.
The international staff includes national and world champions from the Czech Republic, Italy, and the US, along with highly trained social instructors and visiting coaches. In 2024, original founder and owner Luann D'Agostino Manley returned to lead the studio alongside her husband and fellow instructor, Doug Manley. The studio serves students of all ages and backgrounds and emphasizes diversity and inclusion.
What to expect
Your first visit
Drop in to a Friday "Try a New Dance" session at 6:45pm with no experience or partner needed, or call to book a private lesson. Group classes run in 4- or 8-week sessions on weeknights, and the studio hosts regular socials where you can practise and meet other dancers. All events welcome dancers of all levels.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The international staff includes national and world champions from the Czech Republic, Italy, and the US, along with highly trained social instructors and visiting competitive coaches. Original founder Luann D'Agostino Manley and her husband Doug Manley lead the studio.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Friday "Try a New Dance" sessions require no experience or partner; most popular classes rotate regularly so you can join a few weeks after a session starts.
Studio history
Take The Lead opened in 2006 at Pike Creek Shopping Center in Wilmington to make dancing accessible to all. The studio quickly outgrew that space and moved a mile up the road to a 6,000 sq.ft. facility in Lantana Square (Hockessin). The studio has won the Delaware Reader's Choice Award every year since 2013. In 2024, original founder and owner Luann D'Agostino Manley returned to lead the studio with her husband Doug Manley.
Styles offered
16 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Take The Lead Dance Studiohasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Take The Lead Dance Studio, 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 Dance Studio
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Take The Lead Dance Studio teach?
Take The Lead Dance Studio teaches General, Salsa, Bachata, Swing, Foxtrot, Waltz and 10 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 Dance Studio located?
Take The Lead Dance Studio is located in Hockessin, DE. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Take The Lead Dance Studio offer private lessons?
Contact Take The Lead Dance Studio directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Take The Lead Dance Studio teach kids and adults?
Take The Lead Dance Studio 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 Dance Studio?
The fastest path is to visit Take The Lead Dance Studio via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.