Big Apple Ballroom
Pricing
Private instruction · New York City
How many lessons will I need?
It is the real question behind "how much does it cost", and it has an honest answer. Lessons are 45 minutes. For a wedding we work backwards from your date — a great first dance is built, not crammed.
A wedding first dance
12–22 lessons
Four weeks out is about 12 lessons at two or three visits a week — your song, a confident frame, simple and sweet. Eight to ten weeks is about 22, twice a week, with styling, spins and dips. Longer runways get a signature moment and the parent dances.
Dancing at a social
2–3 lessons
Enough to turn up and dance. Real comfort takes longer, but you do not need to be an expert to start — our socials are built so that a few steps is plenty, and teachers and experienced dancers will dance with you.
Group classes only
No package needed
Group classes are $30 to drop in, or unlimited on a VIP membership. Plenty of people start here and never buy a private package at all.
Unlimited classes, and every package for less.
Private instruction · New York
VIP · 6-MONTH MEMBERSHIP · CANCEL ANY TIME
$899 · about $150/mo
Unlimited group classes and practice, free socials, a complimentary pair of dance shoes, 20% off every package and 20% off showcases. Group classes are $30 to drop in — the membership pays for itself at about five a month, and most members take two to four a week.
EVERY PACKAGE PRICE BELOW IS YOUR MEMBER PRICEEvery Package Includes
Starter
10 lessons
Explorer
15 lessons
Performer
20 lessons
Mastery
40 lessons
| What You Add | Starter | Explorer | Performer | Mastery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple dance styles | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Complimentary pair of dance shoes | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Performance technique | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Natural movement | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advanced partnering | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Perform at the dance social | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Priority scheduling | — | — | — | ✓ |
All lessons are 45 minutes. Package credits are for private lessons and are separate from group-class credits. Lessons cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice are charged in full.
See the full rate card
The lesson counts and answers above apply to everyone. For the full rate card, send us a message — we'll talk through which package actually fits what you want to do, and share your access code.
Before you book
- Do package credits expire?
- Private lesson credits are valid for one year from purchase. There is no monthly minimum — you use them at whatever pace suits you.
- Am I locked into the membership?
- No. The VIP membership runs in six-month terms and renews automatically, and you can cancel at any time.
- Can my partner and I share a package?
- Yes — a package can be shared between the two of you. Memberships are individual, so you would each need your own, and we have couples pricing for exactly that. Ask us and we will work it out with you.
- Is the membership worth it if I only take a class or two a week?
- At the $30 drop-in rate, the membership pays for itself at about five group classes a month — a little over one a week. Most of our members take two to four, so for them the classes alone are worth well more than the membership costs, before the socials, the shoes or the 20% off packages.
- Do I need a partner?
- No. Most people start on their own, and our group classes rotate partners so nobody sits out.
- What if I have to cancel a lesson?
- Give us more than 24 hours and we will reschedule it, no charge. Inside 24 hours the lesson is charged in full — our instructors hold that time for you.
- What if I am not ready to commit to a package?
- Start with an intro lesson. It is $25, and the fee is waived when you complete our short assessment first. Planning a wedding? Your first lesson is free — no experience needed, any song, any level.