Affordable Ways to Dance in Chicago: Summer 2024 Edition

Written By Ballroom Dance Chicago

Chicago is a city known for its vibrant cultural scene, and dancing is no exception. With the summer of 2024 upon us, there's no better time to explore the myriad of affordable dance learning opportunities available throughout the city.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, Chicago offers a variety of options that cater to all levels of experience. Here, we’ll dive into some of the most cost-effective ways to immerse yourself in the world of dance this summer.

Affordable Ways To Dance At Ballroom Dance Chicago: 

Monthly 4th Saturday Socials

One of the highlights for dance enthusiasts in Chicago is the Ballroom Dance Chicago (BDC) monthly socials. These events take place on the fourth Saturday of every month and provide a perfect mix of instruction and open dancing. Renowned for having the largest ballroom dance floor in the city, BDC's socials are a fantastic opportunity to learn and practice ballroom dance styles in a welcoming environment.

The evening begins with a 45-minute class at 7 PM, followed by two hours of open dancing starting at 8 PM. Each social features a different dance style, ensuring a varied and enriching experience. For only $25 per person for the class and social, or $18 for the social alone, it’s an affordable way to spend a Saturday night dancing.

For studio members, these events are free, making membership an even more attractive option for regular attendees.

4th Saturday Social Schedule through 2024:

Fundamentals Group Class

For those seeking a more structured and comprehensive approach to learning dance, BDC offers Fundamentals Group Classes. These classes are designed to build a strong technical foundation while exploring the unique characteristics of each dance style. Led by Competition Coordinator and Associate Instructor Ashlee, these sessions are held twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 PM to 8:45 PM.

Fundamentals Schedule through 2024:

  • July 9 - August 1: Waltz

  • August 6 - 29: Cha Cha

  • September 3 - 26: Viennese Waltz

  • October 1 - 31: West Coast Swing

  • November 5 - 30: Tango (with a class on Sat 11/30)

  • December 3 - 20: Rumba (3-week course)

While the cost is $399 for the month or $109 weekly, the depth and quality of instruction provided make it a worthwhile investment for those who are serious about improving their dance skills.

Crash Courses

For a quick and intensive introduction to various dance styles, consider the Crash Courses offered by BDC. Held on the first Saturday of every month from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, these sessions cover beginner steps and provide a solid foundation in just three hours. Each month focuses on a different dance style.

Crash Course Schedule through 2024:

At $60 per person, with a 35% discount for members, these courses are an excellent way to jumpstart your dance journey.

Choreography Flow

Enhancing your dance skills further, the Choreography Flow sessions with Master Instructor Matthew Sove focus on connecting dance steps smoothly and creating a more cohesive performance. These 90-minute classes, held on selected Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 12 PM, are ideal for beginner to intermediate dancers looking to refine their technique and flow.

Choreography Flow Schedule through 2024:

Priced at $60 per person and free for members, these sessions are a great follow-up to the Crash Courses or a standalone improvement method.

Chicago SummerDance 2024

Chicago SummerDance features a wide array of dance styles, including Salsa, Swing, Cumbia, Line Dancing, Ballet Folklorico, Steppin’, KPOP, and more. The festival kicks off at the Taste of Chicago Rogers Park on June 15, offering dance lessons in Vogue, Hip Hop, Swing, and Bhangra, followed by music from DJ Nanoos. This year's programming extends to multiple neighborhoods as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks Series, ensuring that residents across the city can participate in the festivities​ (SummerDance Schedule)​​ (Choose Chicago)​.

Chicago SummerDance is designed to be a family-friendly event, with creative activities for children and adults alike. In addition to dance lessons and music, some events include arts and crafts, storytelling, and other interactive experiences. The festival's inclusive approach ensures that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy the rhythm and energy of dance.

The festival is committed to accessibility, with ASL interpretation available at all events held in the Spirit of Music Garden and selected neighborhood events. Some performances also offer Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) live captioning, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the festivities.

Chicago SummerDance 2024 promises to be a vibrant celebration of dance, music, and community spirit. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, these free events offer the perfect opportunity to learn new dance styles, enjoy live music, and connect with fellow Chicagoans. For the latest updates and full schedule, visit the Chicago SummerDance Website.


Highlighted Events

  • Taste of Chicago Rogers Park (June 15): Dance lessons and music at Touhy Park.

  • Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park (August 8): Featuring psychedelic Cumbia by Money Chicha.

  • Spirit of Music Garden (August 17): Salsa night with instruction from Desueño Dance and live music by Flaco Navaja & the Razor Blades.

  • Taste of Chicago in Grant Park (September 6-8): A variety of styles including Footwork, Hustle, Line Dancing, and KPOP​ (SummerDance Schedule)​​ (Choose Chicago)​.

Other Free Dance Events in Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant city with an array of dance events that extend beyond the popular Chicago SummerDance series. Throughout the summer, various community centers, cultural organizations, and local dance groups host numerous free or donation-based dance events, offering a great opportunity to learn, practice, and enjoy dance in different settings. Here are some highlights and resources to help you find these events:

Navy Pier: Pier Dance Series Navy Pier is a hub of cultural activities, including the Pier Dance series. Every Wednesday in June, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the City Stage in Polk Bros Park, you can participate in free dance lessons featuring different styles each week. The series includes Balboa, Bollywood, Contemporary Groove, and Salsa & Rueda Casino, taught by top instructors from the city​ (Navy Pier)​​ (Choose Chicago)​. For more details, visit Navy Pier Events.

Millennium Park: Summer Music Series Millennium Park hosts the Summer Music Series, offering free concerts every Monday and Thursday from July 1 to August 8, 2024. While primarily a music series, these events often include spontaneous dance opportunities as the rhythms inspire the audience to move. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion serves as the main venue, providing a picturesque setting for these lively performances​ (360 Chicago)​. Check out the Millennium Park Summer Music Series for more information.

Neighborhood Festivals Chicago's diverse neighborhoods celebrate summer with various festivals that often feature dance performances and lessons. For instance, the Taste of Chicago, held in different locations throughout the city, includes dance elements alongside its culinary offerings. The festival will be at Rogers Park on June 15, Marquette Park on July 27, Pullman Park on August 17, and Grant Park from September 6-8​ (360 Chicago)​. For more information, visit the Taste of Chicago.

Other Community Dance Events Community centers and cultural organizations throughout Chicago host regular dance events. For instance, the Night Out in the Parks series by the Chicago Park District includes dance performances and workshops across various parks. These events are family-friendly and offer a chance to engage with different dance styles in a community setting​ (English)​. Keep an eye on the Chicago Park District for schedules and locations.

Grant Park Classical Music Festival Although primarily a classical music festival, the Grant Park Music Festival, running from June to August, features performances that often inspire dance among attendees. This festival, held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, is a great way to enjoy beautiful music and perhaps even some impromptu dancing​ (360 Chicago)​. For more details, visit the Grant Park Music Festival.

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