The Dance Place
Houston's ballroom studio since 1985, with Friday dance parties and wedding c…
The Dance Place has been a fixture in Houston since January 1985, serving the Galleria area and now located at 6609 W Sam Houston Parkway S, #202.
Photo: Jenn via Google
Before your first class
The studio welcomes complete beginners and does not require long-term contracts; beginner-friendly social dance classes are regularly offered.
Beginner-friendly social dance 5-week series $125, single social dance class $30, Friday DJ Recording Music Party $15
About this studio
The Dance Place has been a fixture in Houston since January 1985, serving the Galleria area and now located at 6609 W Sam Houston Parkway S, #202. It is one of the largest ballroom dance studios in the nation, with a team of 30+ highly trained professional instructors offering both group classes and one-on-one private lessons.
The studio teaches a comprehensive range of styles: Ballroom, Latin, Country Western, Hustle, Lindy Hop, Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Whip, West Coast Swing, Waltz, Tango, Rock-n-Roll, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Disco, Theatrical, American Ballroom, American Rhythm, International Latin, International Standard, Club, and Line Dancing. Instruction is available 7 days a week in social, exhibition, and competitive styles. A dedicated kids programme covers age groups 3–5, 5–8, 8–12, 12–16, and 16–18. The studio also offers stretching classes.
Wedding choreography is a cornerstone service. The Dance Place choreographs "first dance" routines to your chosen song and customises them to your personalities, music, abilities, and any special requests. Lessons are also available for Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances. The studio recommends starting at least 3 months before the wedding, with most couples needing between 10 and 20 sessions.
Every Friday evening, the studio hosts a popular DJ Recording Music Party from 8–11pm, where you can practise your newest moves and meet other dancers. Social dance classes are also offered; a recent 5-week beginner-friendly series was priced at $125, with single classes at $30. The Annual Christmas Show, held the Saturday before Christmas, is open to students and teachers from across the city.
The studio offers space rental and welcomes inquiries about private lessons, competitive training, and Dance Achievement tests through the USISTD Medal Test system. No expensive or long-term contracts are required.
What to expect
Your first visit
Walk into a spacious, attractive facility where you'll be greeted by experienced instructors. Whether you're a complete beginner or refining advanced technique, classes are structured and welcoming. Friday evenings bring a social energy, with the DJ Recording Music Party drawing dancers to practise together.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The studio's team includes Vickie Dunn, a 1992 Division I Classic UCWDC World Champion with 27+ years of teaching experience in Country Western, Ballroom, and Latin; Craig Shaw, a professional competitor working with Pro/Am dancers at all levels; Guennadi Iakounine, a popular Ballroom and Latin trainer and choreographer; Gloria Jones, specialising in Salsa as well as Ballroom and Latin; David Appel, experienced in Ballroom, Latin, Theatrical, and Swing dancing; Lance Estridge, a choreographer and Dancesport competitive teacher; Martha Cockrell, teaching Ballroom and Latin at all levels; Enzo Zappia, a Ballroom and Latin teacher; William Ashworth, with 20+ years of experience; Erica Neff, a Ballroom, Latin, and Salsa specialist; Rabih Timani, an ISTD Licentiate teaching Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Merengue, and other styles; Demetra Vouvounas, teaching Ballroom, Latin, Disco, and more; Tony Carbonell, a teacher, choreographer, and competitor; and Anderson Moore, offering group or private lessons in many styles.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio welcomes complete beginners and does not require long-term contracts; beginner-friendly social dance classes are regularly offered.
Studio history
The Dance Place opened in January 1985 and has been serving the Houston/Galleria area for nearly four decades. The owner, Guoyong Zhang, and co-founder Huanhuan She are WD CWorld Professional Classic Showdance Champions and National Netherlands Open Professional Classic Showdance Champions. The studio recently relocated to 6609 W Sam Houston Parkway S, #202, providing easy access from all parts of the city.
Styles offered
27 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
The Dance Placehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own The Dance Place, 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 The Dance Place
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does The Dance Place teach?
The Dance Place teaches Ballroom, Latin, Country Western, Hustle, Lindy Hop, Salsa and 21 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is The Dance Place located?
The Dance Place is located in Houston, TX. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does The Dance Place offer private lessons?
Contact The Dance Place directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does The Dance Place teach kids and adults?
The Dance Place 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 The Dance Place?
The fastest path is to visit The Dance Place via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.