What type of ballroom dances are there?

Excellent question! There are 12 types of ballroom dancing. The 5 most popular ballroom dances are the Foxtrot, Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha, and Swing. Once you have skilled these 5 dances, you can dance with partners from all over the world. The other types of dance include the Jive, Lindy Hop, Mambo, Pasodoble, Quickstep, Samba, and Tango.

What is the main purpose of ballroom dancing?

Ballroom dancing is a partnership type of dance where couples move rhythmically using two step patterns while expressing the characteristics of the music being played. Ballroom dancing consists of two styles among the 12 types, Smooth and Rhythm. Smooth, also known as standard, is a style of dance that focuses on the grace, elegance, and fluidity of the movement. Rhythm, also known as Latin, is a style of dance that focuses on the display of vibrant energy, and personal flair. The main difference between these two styles is that standard dancing consists of the couple constantly moving on the dance floor in a fixed pattern. Whereas Latin style the couple usually dances in one spot of the dance floor throughout the dance.

How long will it take to feel confident on the dance floor?

When it comes to learning a dance, you will be learning the steps in as little as one or two lessons. But to become a refined and more precise dancer takes longer due to two main factors. The factors include how often you take the lessons and how often you practice. Most beginner students can feel confident on the dance floor anywhere from 6 months to a year.

Do I have to have a partner to take lessons?

No! You don't need a partner to take dance lessons. Online classes allow you to learn both the lead and follow steps along with technique, patterns, and the experience of rotating with partners throughout the class.

Should I take private lessons or group classes? Which is better?

Both have great benefits; it all depends on what you are looking for, but an ideal choice is a mixture of both. Group classes are more affordable, teach you the step patterns, basic technique, vocabulary, and experience different partners. Private lessons allow you to work on your technique and partnership at your own pace. The only con for private lessons is that they tend to be more expensive.

Is ballroom dancing hard?

Ballroom dancing is not for everyone but getting started with learning is easy to do and just takes practice. Like learning a new language, learning a new dance might feel intimidating at first, yet all you need is to start of easy and slowly work your way up to something more. Over time it will feel almost natural to move with the music on the dance floor. It is recommended to start with the waltz when you have not had any prior ballroom experience.

I have no sense of rhythm or coordination; can I still learn to ballroom dance?

Of course, this is what instructors are there to help you with. With guidance from an instructor, you will learn to hear the rhythm in the music. Being able to hear the rhythm allows you to move, which means you can dance. If you have any doubts just remember that dancing is just like any other physical activity, it requires practice, patience, and learning within your own comfort zone.

How many lessons do I need to take?

When you start ballroom dancing it is recommended to take one or two lessons per week. Taking this frequency of lessons allows you to continuously build upon what you learned during the previous week. This also allows you to integrate new moves into previously learned steps. Practicing frequently will help you improve, build your confidence, and dance without doubts on the dance floor. Practicing allows you to learn your areas of improvement and challenge yourself every week.

iDance Review for May 2026 | Best Ballroom Dancing Lessons

Item: iDance Review
Rating: 2.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Saturday, May 16th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Ballroom Dancing Lesson Reviews

Where Can You Find the Best Ballroom Dancing Lessons? Whether you're looking for a new way to get fit, enjoy socializing while tapping your toes, or are a pro ballroom dancer looking to improve your skills, ballroom dancing lessons are a great way to get your groove on. Known for being one of the most social dance styles, ballroom encompasses many different styles and offers you both fitness and fun in one place. Unlike other styles of dance (like ballet), there isn't any expensive gear to get started. You just need yourself.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

iDance

$11 for a Monthly Pass
$9 for one-day access
Video class format
137 different lessons
2 instructors
Good for beginners

FAIR

2.5

On the iDance website

iDance is a service that offers video-style dance lessons for a variety of dance styles. You'll find things like jazz and modern dance as well as Bollywood style for unique lessons with specialized instructors. One drawback is the site itself. During our research, we struggled to find lessons that were recorded recently. The site also comes across as needing an update with minimal information about the actual courses. The ballroom dance selection on iDance offers a variety of different dance styles; however, if you're already familiar with ballroom dancing, you may want to look elsewhere for a more complete experience. iDance is a great option for those who are just starting out, but it may not be the best choice for those seeking more advanced lessons.

Video lessons only

iDance's ballroom department offers a collection of video lessons, covering 137 individual classes across 28 lesson packs led by two instructors: Mandy Carlisle and Ilya Veledniskiy. The video format provides previews, and you can learn from both the leader and follower positions. The videos also enable you to pause and replay the content as needed, so that you can learn at your own pace. However, there aren't any supplemental materials, and the videos have not been updated in years, which may not appeal to some brand-new or younger dancers. But the videos allow you to practice and review the content as many times as you need, making it a good solution for those who are shy or prefer to learn at their own pace.

Lessons stop after level 2

iDance is a good middle-of-the-road option, but only for beginners. While iDance offers a variety of ballroom styles, including Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo, West Coast Swing, Merengue, Hustle, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Samba, and Salsa, their ballroom lessons only go up to Level 2, "knowing your basics". If you're getting ready for a wedding or just want to get a little extra exercise with your partner, iDance is a decent platform. However, if you're looking for more advanced lessons to take your dancing beyond beginner level, you may want to explore other courses.

$11 per month or $9 per day

For an incredibly affordable price of just $11 per month, iDance offers its entire range of ballroom lessons, along with other dance classes available on its website. You can explore various dance styles without breaking the bank, making it a solid starting point for those new to dancing. If you don't want to subscribe, or just want a quick lesson or two, you can pay $9 for a single-day pass.

Privacy has pros and cons

One of the benefits of iDance's video lessons is the ability to learn in a safe and private environment. You don't have to worry about sharing class space with others, but you still receive professional-level instruction. However, this comes with a mirrored downside: you won't be able to practice these partnered dances with a second person unless you have a partner learning with you at home. If you're planning to be in the follower position, it's super important to dance with a partner to learn how different it feels.

No review presence

Sadly there are no reviews for iDance or a rating for the company with the Better Business Bureau. Even on the iDance side, we didn't find any reviews for the program. With no one talking about it, we can't speak to the quality of the courses. But with such low prices, it may be worth it to check it out simply on the merit of trying something new. However, if the old website and limited lessons give you pause, there aren't any solid reviews to help you feel better.

May be worth considering if you're a newbie

Overall, iDance is a "good enough" ballroom dance program for beginners. It's affordable and offers the opportunity to keep the lessons you buy to review over and over. However, if you're looking for more advanced ballroom steps and lessons to take you beyond beginner level, iDance may not be the best choice for you. Given the limitations of iDance, it earns a lower rating in our review. But it's still worth a look if you've never danced before or if you're looking for a budget-friendly way to get started.

On the iDance website

Continued from above...

Where Can You Find the Best Ballroom Dancing Lessons?

Whether you're looking for a new way to get fit, enjoy socializing while tapping your toes, or are a pro ballroom dancer looking to improve your skills, ballroom dancing lessons are a great way to get your groove on. Known for being one of the most social dance styles, ballroom encompasses many different styles and offers you both fitness and fun in one place. Unlike other styles of dance (like ballet), there isn't any expensive gear to get started. You just need yourself.

Ballroom dance has a rich history that spans hundreds of years, and its popularity continues to grow as more people discover its many benefits. While competitive ballroom dancing, also known as Dancesport, is one aspect of this art form, ballroom dance is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience level. You can choose to compete no matter how late you start, or you can focus on social events like live-music dancing meetups or masterclasses in the Viennese Waltz.

Ballroom dancing is often associated with the Waltz, but there are many other styles to explore, each with its unique characteristics and rhythms. From the smooth, elegant foxtrot to the spicy tango and cha-cha, rumba, swing, bolero, mambo, and quickstep, there's a ballroom style that fits your music preferences and fitness level. With the rise of online learning platforms, you can now learn ballroom dancing from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need to travel to a physical studio. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills, there's a ballroom dancing option available for you.

Finding the perfect ballroom dancing lessons can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous options available. However, with a little guidance, you can discover the joy of dancing and make it a part of your social and physical routine. For those who feel the urge to move to the rhythm of big band music or swing, ballroom dancing is an excellent way to express yourself and get some exercise at the same time.

So, how do you choose the best ballroom dancing lessons for you? If you're not sure where to start your tango or swing, here are a few things to help you decide:

Location. Are you looking for something that's online only? Do you want to have classes in person? Do you need someone who comes to your home? Make sure that the course you're looking at is convenient for where you want to learn.
Price. Are you looking for a subscription or something you can pay for one time? Make sure that you're getting what you want for the right price. Whether you just want one or two refresher lessons or a full course, the price can be a competitive factor.
Learning modality. Think about how you learn best. Do you want synchronous live lessons (even online)? Or are you okay with DVD and CD dance-alongs? Or are you someone who needs a teacher for in-person corrections? There are plenty of courses out there that offer all modalities. So find the one that creates the right balance of convenience and supportive teaching style.
Dancer level. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced dancer? What kind of support do you need from your ballroom dance course? Some courses only cover the basics while others will offer more advanced, competition-focused complexity. Make sure the course you choose suits your current and goal levels.
Teachers. Are you looking for award-winning instructors or just someone who can teach you the steps? There are tons of options out there and teachers are incredibly important to the learning process. You may prefer a teacher with a more friendly style as a beginner, and then someone more connected to ballroom dance (like a former or current competitor) as you get more advanced.

To help you find the right ballroom dance course to exercise those tapping toes, the dance experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked today's most popular ballroom dancing lessons out there today. We hope these reviews will make it easy to enjoy waltzing into the new (or familiar) world of dance!

IDance Review: Ballroom Dancing Lessons

2026 Ballroom Dancing Lesson Reviews

iDance

Where Can You Find the Best Ballroom Dancing Lessons?

Ballroom Dancing Lesson FAQ