Your Guide to Utah Ballroom Dancing

Welcome to the world of Utah ballroom dancing—a community known nationwide for its incredible passion, deep talent pool, and world-class instruction. It’s a place where dancers of all ages and skill levels find their rhythm, and you’re about to see why.

Utah: The Unofficial Capital of Ballroom

It's no secret—Utah is a powerhouse in the ballroom world. This isn't just a local opinion; it's a reputation earned through decades of community support and a culture that truly celebrates the performing arts.

From packed competitions that draw talent from across the country to the dozens of local studios raising the next generation of dancers, the scene here is something special. Whether you're a parent in Riverton looking for a great activity for your child or an adult in Draper ready for a fun new hobby, you’ve landed in the right spot.

Your First Steps Into a Bigger World

Jumping into something new can feel intimidating, but getting started is all about finding the right studio and the right information. Think of it like learning a new language—one spoken through movement, connection, and music. Every dance has its own unique grammar and personality.

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the local scene:

• The different styles of ballroom dance you can learn.
• How to find a studio that’s a perfect fit for your family.
• What to expect in your very first lesson.
• The local events and social dances that bring the community together.

This isn't just about learning dance steps. It's about building confidence, making new friends, and discovering a new way to express yourself. You're investing in a skill that truly lasts a lifetime.

For families in communities like Sandy or Herriman, finding a studio that feels like home is the key to sticking with it. A great local studio in a convenient spot like Bluffdale can make all the difference. As you start looking, be sure to check out the incredible programs at studios like Encore Academy for the Performing Arts .

This guide will give you the map—you just have to take the first step onto the dance floor.

Understanding the Language of Ballroom Dance

So, what exactly is ballroom dancing? At its core, it's a partnership. It’s a dynamic, non-verbal conversation between two people, all set to music. Each dance tells a completely different story, from the flowing drama of a Waltz to the sharp, fiery passion of a Tango, using a shared language of steps, posture, and connection.

This "language" is broken down into two major dialects: International Style and American Style. While they share some DNA, each has its own unique personality and feeling, kind of like the difference between classical ballet and contemporary jazz. For any new student walking into a studio in Lehi or the surrounding areas, figuring out which style speaks to you is the perfect first step.

International and American Styles Explained

The International Style is often seen as the more traditional and disciplined of the two. Here, partners must stay in a "closed" dance hold, meaning they maintain constant physical contact throughout the dance. It’s what you typically see in high-level competitions around the world, known for its incredible precision and powerful, athletic technique.

The American Style, on the other hand, is all about freedom and showmanship. Partners can break away from the traditional closed hold to dance in open positions or even perform solo movements. This gives it a more theatrical and expressive flair, making it a fantastic choice for social dancing and for beginners who want a little more creative wiggle room.

Each of these major styles is then split into two subcategories:

• International Standard & Latin: Standard covers the classic, elegant "traveling" dances like the Waltz and Foxtrot. International Latin is where you find the high-energy, rhythmic dances like the Cha-Cha and Samba.
• American Smooth & Rhythm: Smooth is the American counterpart to Standard, but with the key difference of allowing open movements and separations. Rhythm is the American take on Latin, famous for its fun, expressive nature and a very distinct Cuban hip action.

Think of it this way: International Style is like a beautifully choreographed ballet where every movement is perfected for maximum technical impact. American Style is more like a Broadway number, allowing for spontaneous, creative moments that really let a dancer's personality shine through.

To give you a clearer picture, here's a quick breakdown of how these styles differ.

Ballroom Dance Styles at a Glance

Ultimately, choosing a style comes down to personal preference—do you crave the precision of International or the expressive freedom of American? The great news is, the foundational skills you learn in one often translate beautifully to the other.

This diagram really gets to the heart of what makes a successful Utah ballroom dancing journey. It’s not just about the steps. A dancer's growth truly depends on a supportive Community, expert Instruction, and a great Location.

To see how we bring these crucial elements together, you can learn more about the specific dance programs offered at Encore .

How Utah Became a Ballroom Powerhouse

It might seem a little unusual, but Utah—a state famous for its incredible national parks—is also a national epicenter for ballroom dancing. This isn't some happy accident. It's the result of decades of dedication, strong community support, and a unique system that nurtures dancers from their very first cha-cha.

The state has built an environment where dance isn't just a hobby; it's a celebrated art form woven right into the culture. This is why a student in Herriman or Draper has access to a staggering depth of talent and a truly vibrant dance community. In many places, ballroom is a niche activity, but here, it's part of the social fabric.

The Rise to National Prominence

While Utah has always had a strong dance culture, the ballroom scene really exploded around the early 2010s. A huge part of this was the arrival of elite professional coaches who saw the state's untapped potential. They started building structured programs that helped talented local kids, many already skilled in jazz and ballet, cross over into the competitive ballroom world.

This new wave of expertise was supercharged by local visionaries. Think of Ashly DelGrosso, whose studio, Center Stage Performing Arts, became a launching pad for dancers who would later become household names on shows like ABC's "Dancing With the Stars." This kind of high-profile success put Utah on the map, cementing its reputation as a premier training ground. For a deeper dive, check out this article on Utah's rise in the professional dance world .

It's this powerful blend of grassroots community passion and top-tier professional coaching that makes Utah's ballroom scene so special. It has created a legacy of excellence that just keeps producing world-class competitors.

Studios all over the state, including those serving communities from Lehi to Bluffdale, are a part of this incredible story. They build on this foundation, giving students access to training that rivals what you’d find in any major dance hub. To see how this history has shaped us, you can explore Our History at Encore Academy and see how that legacy influences everything we do today.

2. Find Your Studio: Where the Magic Begins

Choosing the right dance studio is probably the most important decision you'll make on your family’s dance journey. It’s a big deal. A great studio can spark a lifelong passion, but a poor fit can fizzle that excitement out before it even has a chance to grow. This one choice really does shape everything, from the skills your child learns to the friends they make along the way.

If you live in a place like Draper, Riverton, or Sandy, you know that the "best" studio isn't always the closest one. It’s about finding a home base that gets what you're looking for. Do you want a fun, once-a-week activity? Or is your child already dreaming of the competitive circuit? The vibe of a studio is just as critical as the steps they teach.

What to Look for in a Studio

Before you sign on the dotted line, it pays to look a little closer at what a studio offers. The best ones strike a perfect balance between top-notch instruction and a genuinely supportive atmosphere.

Here are a few things to keep on your radar:

• Great Teachers: Look for instructors with real-world dance experience—maybe they've competed or performed professionally. Just as important, they need to know how to teach. A great dancer isn't always a great teacher, so look for someone who is patient, clear, and passionate about helping kids learn.
• The Vibe: You can tell a lot just by walking in the door. Does it feel energetic and positive? Take a peek at a class. Are the instructors encouraging? Are the kids having fun while they learn? You want a place that feels welcoming.
• Room to Grow: A good studio will have a path for your child. They might start in a beginner group class, but are there options for private lessons or even a competitive team if their interest grows?

A studio should be a place where your child feels seen, supported, and excited to learn. It’s about more than just dance steps; it’s about building confidence and being part of a community.

Do Your Homework (It’s Fun, We Promise!)

You can't get a feel for a place just from its website. The best way to know if a studio is right for you is to see it in action. Schedule a tour, ask if you can observe a class, and—most importantly—sign up for a trial lesson.

Watching a class from the sidelines is incredibly telling. You'll see the teacher's style and see how the students respond. But letting your child jump in for a trial class is the real test. They’ll get a genuine feel for the teacher, the other dancers, and the overall energy of the room. It’s the single best way to make a decision you feel good about.

This matters a lot here in Utah, where ballroom dance has a serious legacy. We're home to the world-renowned BYU Ballroom Dance Company, which was founded way back in 1960. For decades, they've set an incredibly high bar, touring the world and putting Utah on the map as a ballroom powerhouse.

At the end of the day, you're looking for a partner in your child's dance education. For families in Lehi or Herriman, a studio like Encore Academy in Bluffdale is often worth the short drive because a well-run program with amazing teachers makes all the difference. Come see if our Bluffdale studio location feels like the right fit for your family.

What to Expect in Your First Dance Class

Walking into a dance studio for the first time can be a mix of excitement and nerves. It's totally normal. Whether you're driving over from Sandy for a class in Bluffdale or just trying something new, remember this: every single dancer in that room, even the pros, started right where you are.

That feeling of "everyone knows what they're doing but me" is something we've all felt. But here's the thing—beginner classes are built for beginners. You aren’t supposed to know anything yet! That’s why you’re here.

The Structure of a Beginner Class

Your first class won't be about mastering a complicated routine from Dancing with the Stars. Far from it. The goal is to get you comfortable and build a solid foundation, one simple step at a time.

Most beginner classes will look something like this:

• A Gentle Warm-Up: We’ll start with some easy movements to get your body loose and ready to dance, usually with simple stretches and basic rhythm exercises.
• Learning the Basic Step: The instructor will break down the core footwork for a specific dance. Think of the simple box step in the Waltz or the side-to-side rock step in Cha-Cha.
• Partnership Basics: You’ll learn the fundamentals of connecting with a partner—where your hands go, how to stand, and what a "dance frame" feels like.
• Putting It to Music: Finally, you'll get to try out those new steps to actual music. The focus here is on feeling the rhythm, not on perfection.

Remember, the goal of your first class isn't to master a dance. It's to experience the joy of movement, connect with the music, and have fun. Embrace the awkwardness—it’s a sign you’re learning something new!

Answering Your Biggest Worries

Let's tackle those nagging questions that might be holding you back from starting your Utah ballroom dancing journey. Trust me, you're not the first person to ask these.

For example, you don't need special dance clothes. Just wear something comfortable you can move in, along with supportive shoes. And while a background in other styles can be a plus, it's definitely not a prerequisite. (If you're curious, you can learn more about how different dance forms connect in our guide to getting started with beginner ballet .)

And the biggest question of all: "Do I need a partner?" Nope, you absolutely do not need to bring one! We rotate partners frequently during class. It’s actually a fantastic way to meet new people and it makes you a better dancer, as you learn to lead or follow different people. It’s all part of the friendly, social vibe that makes the dance community so great.

Why Utah's Dance Education Is a Step Above

Ever wonder why Utah seems to produce so many incredible ballroom dancers? It's definitely not a coincidence. The state’s reputation as a dance powerhouse is built on a powerful combination of strong community support and truly exceptional university programs that create a culture of excellence.

This unique environment means that aspiring dancers, whether they're in Herriman or Lehi, have access to an unbelievably skilled pool of instructors. Many local teachers have elite training and competitive backgrounds, often sharpened at the world-class universities right in our own backyard.

The University Advantage

At the very heart of Utah's dance scene are university programs that are, frankly, in a league of their own. This academic foundation is a huge reason why Utah ballroom dancing is a step above anywhere else.

Take Utah Valley University (UVU), for example. It’s the only public university in the entire country that offers a bachelor's degree specifically in ballroom dance. Think about that for a second—it professionalizes the art form and creates a pipeline of highly qualified instructors who then bring their expertise to studios across the state.

Then there's Brigham Young University’s famous Ballroom Dance Company, which has earned international acclaim by winning the top prize multiple times at the legendary Blackpool Dance Festival in England. Achieving that level of success sets a standard of excellence that elevates and inspires the entire local dance community.

These universities, working alongside dedicated local studios, have built a system that consistently develops top-tier talent. If you're curious to learn more about this incredible cultural phenomenon, you can explore what makes Utah's dance scene so successful.

This powerful ecosystem of higher education and committed local studios means that whether you're taking a class in Bluffdale or Draper, you are almost certainly learning from instructors trained in one of the best dance environments in the country.

Your Top Ballroom Dance Questions, Answered

Stepping onto the dance floor for the first time can bring up a lot of questions. We get it! Here are some straightforward answers to the things we hear most often from new dancers and parents, so you can walk into your first class feeling totally prepared.

Do I Need a Partner to Sign Up?

This is easily the #1 question we get, and the answer is a big, resounding no! You absolutely do not need to bring a partner to join our group classes. In fact, most people show up on their own.

During a typical lesson, instructors have everyone rotate partners regularly. This isn't just to be social—it's actually the best way to learn! Dancing with different people quickly improves your ability to lead and follow, making you a much stronger, more adaptable dancer in the long run. Plus, it's a great way to meet everyone and become part of the community.

What Should I Wear to My First Class?

Don't rush out to buy a whole new wardrobe or expensive dance shoes just yet. For your first few lessons, the golden rule is comfort and freedom of movement.

• For clothing: Think athletic or activewear. Leggings, joggers, or any comfortable pants that let you move are perfect. You'll want to avoid anything too restrictive like stiff jeans.
• For shoes: Start with a pair of comfortable, closed-toe shoes that have a relatively smooth sole. Regular sneakers tend to grip the floor too much, making it hard to turn and pivot, so look for something that lets you glide a bit.

Once you get more serious, investing in proper ballroom shoes is a great idea, but they are definitely not a requirement when you're just starting out.

How Long Does It Take to Learn to Dance?

Learning to dance is a personal journey, not a destination with a fixed timeline. The great news is you’ll be dancing a few basic steps by the end of your very first lesson! Most students feel pretty comfortable with the basics of several dances after just a couple of months of regular attendance.

The real secret is consistency. A student from Riverton who comes to one class every week will build confidence and skill far more quickly than someone who only drops in sporadically. Practice is what makes the movements feel less like steps and more like dancing.

How fast you progress really depends on what you want to achieve. Are you hoping to feel confident at the next wedding you attend? Or do you have your eye on the competitive world of Utah ballroom dancing? Whatever your goal, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

Ready to give it a try? At Encore Academy for the Performing Arts, we’ve created a welcoming spot for dancers of all ages and skill levels to get started. Book your trial class today and see for yourself how much fun it can be