The Social Dance Studio Chicago

The Social Dance Studio is a family-owned dance studio in Chicago's Lakeview/Lincoln Park neighborhood, specializing in private dance instruction for adults. Founded and led by Angela Fernandez, who has over 20 years of experience helping people feel confident on the dance floor, the studio offers a truly private experience where each client gets the studio all to themselves. The mission is to help people build confidence and have fun on the dance floor, working beyond the traditional ballroom box to include influences from many dance styles.

The studio focuses exclusively on one-to-one private dance lessons to dedicate as much time as possible to your growth and development as a social dancer. Lessons are tailored to your needs, whether you're preparing for a wedding, learning social dances for parties and events, or exploring new styles. The first private lesson begins with a consultation to get to know you and your dancing goals, then you get straight to dancing. You can pick up to three styles to try during one lesson, or focus on a specific style if you're preparing for a special event.

Wedding dance preparation is a core offering. The studio helps couples, families and guests with first dances, parent dances (Father/Daughter, Mother/Son, or any special family member), bridal party entrances, and guest preparation. Whether you want simple moves to feel confident or a fully choreographed routine, the studio creates a custom experience to bring your wedding dance vision to life. Couples are encouraged to schedule lessons three to six months before their wedding date, though the studio can accommodate shorter timelines.

The teaching team includes Angela Fernandez (Founder, with knowledge in classical, ballroom and Latin dance), Jenna Weatherbie (Dance Instructor with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and 11 years of multidisciplinary training), Evelyn Sanchez (Dance Instructor and graduate of the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago with a Masters in Education from Loyola University Chicago), Mark Gonzalez (Dance Instructor with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography from Texas State University), and Anna Caffarelli (Dance Instructor with a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts). Christa South Hamran serves as a Guest Dance Instructor specializing in Ballroom, Latin, Social and Wedding Dance.

The studio teaches a wide range of social dance styles including Waltz, Viennese Waltz, American Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Salsa (On 1), Bachata, and Merengue. Private group classes are also available (45 minutes, $35 per person with a 4 person minimum) for up to three people, customized for your group and scheduled by request. The studio is located at 2814 N Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.

Your first private lesson starts with a consultation so the instructor can understand your dancing goals and any special event details. Then you get straight to dancing. The entire lesson is yours alone in the studio, with instruction tailored to your style and level—no dance experience is necessary.

The studio is led by founder Angela Fernandez, who has over 20 years of experience in classical, ballroom and Latin dance. The team also includes Jenna Weatherbie (BFA, 11 years of multidisciplinary training), Evelyn Sanchez (Columbia College Chicago dance graduate with a Masters in Education), Mark Gonzalez (BFA in Performance and Choreography from Texas State University), and Anna Caffarelli (BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts). Christa South Hamran teaches as a guest instructor.

Open to all levels with no dance experience necessary; the studio is specifically designed to help nervous dancers feel comfortable and confident.