Walters Dance Center LLC
Kansas City's ballroom, swing and country dance studio — 50+ years, no contra…
Walters Dance Center has been teaching social dance in Kansas City for over 50 years.
Photo: Walters Dance Center LLC via Google
Before your first class
Beginners are explicitly welcome in all group classes; the studio offers a dedicated six-week Ballroom Basics series for those brand new to dancing.
Relaxed dress is welcome.
Wear something loose and avoid tennis shoes, which restrict movement.
$12 drop-in for group classes and socials; $75 for six-week Ballroom Basics series; private lessons vary by instructor
About this studio
Walters Dance Center has been teaching social dance in Kansas City for over 50 years. They offer group classes and private lessons across ballroom, Latin, swing, country, salsa, tango, and wedding dancing. The studio has taught thousands of students and is home to many national dance champions.
Group classes run through the week: Wednesday night West Coast Swing with Mark Harris (beginning, beg/int, and int/adv levels); Thursday night Country Two Step with Marta Elder (beginning and intermediate); Friday night country dancing including Cowboy Cha Cha and Line Dance with Marta Elder; and Saturday night Rumba with Mark Harris (beginning and beg/int). A six-week Ballroom Basics series for complete beginners runs on Saturday afternoons. Mondays feature Rumba with Rafael Labrado at two levels (beg, int/adv). All group classes welcome singles — partners are not needed because the studio rotates dancers. Drop-in classes cost $12 per person and include open dancing afterwards; the six-week Ballroom Basics series is $75 per person.
The studio advertises having "the BEST dance floor in town". Private lessons are available any day of the week; all instructors are independent contractors, so prices vary. Many teachers compete at the national level and travel to ballroom, swing and country events, offering Pro/Am divisions for students who want to compete.
Saturday night socials draw a regular crowd and are the place to practice new skills. The studio also hosts special events including a Saturday night Ballroom Dance from 8–11 PM ($12/person), Karaoke nights, and an annual Christmas Extravaganza with dancing, showcases and a catered dinner. Students can perform in two annual shows alongside their teacher, or compete in Pro/Am divisions. The studio does not use contracts, programs or memberships — the stated philosophy is that students return if they are learning and having a good time.
There are no membership fees or pressure to buy anything. Gift certificates are available and are noted as popular for Valentine's Day and Christmas. The studio's bad-weather policy is to keep doors open, since some dancers travel long distances.
What to expect
Your first visit
When you arrive for a group class, expect a relaxed dress code and a rotating-partner format so you don't need to bring a partner. Wear shoes that do not grab the floor — dance shoes are best, but leather-soled shoes will work. The class will be mixed-level and beginner-friendly, and afterwards there is usually open dancing to practise what you have learned.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The studio has one of the best groups of dance instructors in the region, many of whom compete or have competed at the national level. Named instructors include Shelley Judd, Mark Harris, Marta Elder, Perry Gingerich, James Netherton, Rafael Labrado, Shari Augustine, Katie Moshier, Pris Allen, Jari Muller, Bob Bahrs and Mary Pinnizzotto. All teachers are independent contractors; contact the studio or instructors directly to schedule private lessons.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginners are explicitly welcome in all group classes; the studio offers a dedicated six-week Ballroom Basics series for those brand new to dancing.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Relaxed dress is welcome.
What to bring
Wear something loose and avoid tennis shoes, which restrict movement. Dance shoes are best; if you don't have them, leather-soled shoes will work. Shoes that do not grab the floor are required.
Studio history
Walters Dance Center has been in business in Kansas City for over 50 years. The studio was recognised as a Top Studio by Heart of America in 2024.
Styles offered
12 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Walters Dance Center LLChasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Walters Dance Center LLC, 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 Walters Dance Center LLC
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Walters Dance Center LLC teach?
Walters Dance Center LLC teaches Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Swing, Country, Tango and 6 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Walters Dance Center LLC located?
Walters Dance Center LLC is located in Kansas City, KS. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Walters Dance Center LLC offer private lessons?
Contact Walters Dance Center LLC directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Walters Dance Center LLC teach kids and adults?
Walters Dance Center LLC 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 Walters Dance Center LLC?
The fastest path is to visit Walters Dance Center LLC via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.