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Dance performances

Social Dance

Social Dance Lessons In Bull Run, VA

The Rumba

SOCIAL DANCE

Social Dancing is a non-competitive form of ballroom and Latin dancing built on the premise of being able to socialize while dancing with someone. It is comprised of all the same dances, like Foxtrot, Tango, Swing, or Cha-Cha, but designed to be used in practical settings.

Social dancing is less formal than exhibition dancing and is meant to be enjoyed while socializing, hence its name. Ballroom Boutique Dance Studio is the leader in social dancing. Learning to dance socially gives you the tools to dance with confidence at wedding receptions, office parties, dinner dances, and nightclubs. Ultimately, social dancing is having the ability to converse while dancing.

Being able to multi-task while dancing takes some practice but allows dancing to develop into natural use much quicker. Once you understand the basics of social dance, you’ll be able to chat about work or the weather while Waltzing with a partner.

Benefits of the Dance

The Bolero
Burn Fat & Lose Weight

Ballroom dancing is a low-impact aerobic activity that burns fat and can boost your metabolism. Dancing is an excellent way to lose weight and to stay healthy and toned once you have reached your goal.

Social Dance
Increase Flexibility

Beginner dancers especially will notice that the more you dance, the more flexibility and range of motion the body develops. Increased flexibility helps increase dance ability, strength, and balance.

Wedding Dance
Increase Strength & Endurance

Ballroom dancing contributes to the build-up of muscle strength because the act of dancing forces a dancer’s muscles to resist against their own body weight. Look and feel stronger and more toned.

The Rumba dance
Great For All Ages

Ballroom dance is a fun activity for people of all ages and abilities–from children to senior citizens, which is another reason it is such an effective form of exercise. We work with students of all ages and abilities.

The Foxtrot
Physical Health

Ballroom dance offers a variety of health benefits and can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones, and lower the risks of obesity and Type II Diabetes.

The Cha Cha
Mental Health

Research has found that ballroom dancing can improve mental acuity throughout a dancer’s life. Dance lessons provide an enjoyable escape from the stresses of daily life, plus a chance to relax and relieve stress.

The Salsa
Confidence

Every opportunity to dance, whether during a lesson or at a social event, improves your comfort level, confidence, and communication skills on the dance floor. Become more confident in your own abilities.

The Salsa
Self-Expression & Creativity

Ballroom dancing can be a wonderful creative outlet since dance is a way to express your feelings through movement, both alone and with others. Put your own spin on dance moves and add passion and flair.

The Merengue
Social fun & Friendship

Ballroom dance lessons offer you an opportunity to expand your social circle, build connections, and engage with people in a low-pressure environment. Meet new people and potential dance partners.

Social Dance

Wedding Dance

Get ready for the dance of your life. We’ll help you create a moment that you’ll both remember forever with our expert wedding dance lessons. Find the right rhythm together from the moment you both say, “I Do”. From a simple first dance to “YouTube Sensation” routines for the entire wedding party, we can help make your Wedding Day even more special. Get a free wedding dance consultation now! Whether you have some dance experience, or are true beginners, our experienced instructors can help all couples prepare to dance together on their wedding day. Whether you want to elegantly Waltz together, Swing dance, Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Quickstep, or prepare some other dance, we can help ensure that you and your partner are both ready to dance on your special day.

Our experienced instructors know how to put you at ease and turn your first dance into a moment filled with joy and excitement. Ballroom Boutique Dance Studio’s wedding dance coach will teach you and your partner elegant moves that fit your music and suit your taste.

Social Dance

The Waltz

Romantic melodies epitomize the grace and poise of the Waltz. This dance is a highly popular ballroom dance originating from the Ländler German folk dance in the 18th century. The Waltz is characterized by a step, slide, and step in 3/4 time and is one of the best dances to learn for improving in other dances as well. Its turning, embracing couples, at first shocked polite society but now has become a staple of romance and sophistication. The Waltz will help dancers develop mastery of sway, rise and fall, balance and control-concepts essential to experiencing the true joy of any ballroom dance.

Any dancer with a Waltz in their program will see an immediate benefit in the other dances they enjoy. The Walts is a simple, yet elegant dance that can be used in formal and social settings alike – making it a great first choice for new dancers to learn.

Social Dance

THE CHA CHA

To learn the Cha Cha is to love the Cha Cha. Sharp Staccato actions, rhythm changes, and exciting patterns are just some of the challenging aspects of this dance. The Cha Cha is one of most popular Latin dances and encourages you to cut loose and let your personality show. The Cha Cha is the first impression dance for competitive Latin and Rhythm dancers, and it has ties to every American Rhythm dance. In fact, many of the exciting moves you see at advanced levels of Cha Cha are introduced at a very basic level.

While many believe the Cha Cha originated in a South or Central American country, it got its start in the USA as an adaptation of the Mambo. The Cha Cha was once referred to as the “Triple Mambo”. Mambo bands began to play slower music and the dancers needed to adjust to the new tempo. As a result, dancers added a triple step in between the forward and back rocking steps of the Mambo and the Cha Cha was born.

Social Dance

The Foxtrot

Of all the Ballroom dances, the Foxtrot best embodies movement and polish. The foxtrot is a smooth, progressive dance characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across the dance floor. The dance is similar in its look to waltz, although the rhythm is in a 4/4-time signature instead of ¾. From the very first steps, a dancer will feel themselves transform as they master the control of the easy Foxtrot. The Foxtrot has remained relevant for over 100 years because of its ease of use and practical application to any dance environment. The Foxtrot Magic Step has the same shape as the Knight in chess (two forward, one side) and is simple to pick up on.

The foxtrot may not be as flashy as some other dances, but it is reliable and a great foundation for learning other types of social dances. The Foxtrot is a dance you can always count on when the music gets jazzy, at a slightly more formal event, or if you want to focus on being a little more “social” while you dance. In fact, learning how to talk and dance is one of the most important skills in social dancing, and the Foxtrot is the dance that teaches this skill the quickest.

Social Dance

The Hustle

The Hustle originally began as a catch-all term for disco dances that were popular in the 1970s nightclub scene. Although many associate the Hustle with the Disco music of the 70’s, the dance continues to be one of the most popular nightclub dances today. The Hustle has some features in common with Mambo, Salsa, and Swing dance. The music that the Hustle is typically dances to features a strong bass beat that makes for exciting and upbeat movement with plenty of turns, spins, and wraps. In fact, its basic steps are similar to the Discofox, which is a dance that emerged in Europe around the same time as the Hustle.

The modern partnered version of the Hustle is sometimes called the New York Hustle since dancers in New York City paved the way for the rest of the Hustle community; however, the dance’s original name is the Latin Hustle. As the Hustle continued to evolve, it borrowed moves from other dance styles such as smooth ballroom, wing, and Latin rhythms. Modern Hustle is a dance, smooth dance that has the lady spinning almost constantly while her partner draws her in close and then spins her away.

Social Dance

The Merengue

The Merengue is a type of walking or marching dance and is accessible to a large variety of people—including both with and without dance experience. The simplicity of the Merengue is what makes it the perfect party dance! The march type beat helps dancers keep a steady timing so they can interact with their partner. The Merengue emphasizes an 8-count rhythm with Cuban Motion and is danced in place. The basic foot components of the Merengue are walking and side steps, providing more freedom for creating fun patterns on the floor and using animated arm styling.

Merengue is a new world musical style rooted in old-world traditions, including African and Spanish influences. There are many versions of how the Merengue came to be, but everyone agrees that the dance is a favorite of anyone who loves to move to a Latin beat. The Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic and its island neighbor Haiti. Both Haitians and Dominicans alike refer to the Merengue as their “singing dance;” this is understandable when you consider the staccato rhythm and traditional music played for the dance.

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We look forward to having you in our dance studio.
Social Dance

THE QUICKSTEP

Quickstep is a light-hearted favorite of all accomplished dancers. While some people consider traditional social and ballroom dances slow for their tastes, Quickstep is the exception. From the moment you step out onto the dance floor, Quickstep puts you right in dance mode. This is one dance that will have you staying on your toes and moving. Quickstep, as its name suggests, has dancers up on their feet moving fast to music. The dance is popular at dance competitions, because it pumps up crowds and sets an exciting tone for the event. Part of the fun of Quickstep is seeing how fast dance competitors can move while still staying in sync with one another. Although Quickstep is a fast dance, beginner lessons start out much slower to give dancers the chance to perfect their footwork.

Quickstep in its current form evolved from two other ballroom dances. It originates from England in the 1920s, when dancers adapted both the Charleston and the Foxtrot to create a quick new dance. Learning Quickstep can be an intense, but fun, workout. Dancers looking to move to a fast beat, have fun, and hit a fast rhythm with their partner will love Quickstep.

Social Dance

THE RUMBA

The Rumba as it is known today was derived from a Cuban rhythm and dance called the Bolero-Son. It first gained traction in the United States in the early 1930s and since then it has remained one of the most popular social dances. Rumba is characterized by smooth, subtle hip motion and a heavy walking step. The slower rhythm of the Rumba allows for dancers to develop the distinctive hip action of Latin dances called Cuban Motion. The music is written with four beats to each step as the footwork is counted once slowly then followed by two quick steps. Since the music of the Rumba is slower than many other dances, it provides an opportunity to add an extra layer of choreography, style, and flair, along with perfecting the ability to lead and follow.

Dancing the Rumba is one of the best starting points for learning great Latin and ballroom dancing technique. It can be considered an anchoring point that all the rest of your Latin dances are tethered to. Any dancer who can successfully dance Rumba will see an immediate benefit in the other dances they enjoy, including Waltz, Bachata, Cha Cha, and Salsa.

Social Dance

The Salsa

If you are looking for something spicy, then the Salsa is for you! The Salsa is the unique blending of traditional Latin music and dance steps with the freedom of turning actions and elaborate arm patterns with your partner. As a dance form, Salsa has its origins in the Cuban Son and the Rumba and gained popularity in New York city in the 1970s in several franchised and independent dance studios. Thanks to modern music and dance styles, Salsa is continuously evolving. New, modern dance styles of the Salsa are associated and named according to the geographical areas that they are developed in. Some of the popular Salsa styles include Columbian, Cuban, Los Angeles, New York (or Eddie Torres Style), Palladium, Puerto Rican, Rueda, and On Clave.

Ever popular on the nightclub scene, the Salsa is a dance that fits onto a small, crowded floor without losing its excitement and flavor. If you’re one of the many people that find it hard to look away from Salsa dancers as they move around the dance floor, then learning Salsa is for you! Thanks to TV shows like ‘Dancing with the Stars’, Cuban-inspired Salsa dance is one of the most popular dances to learn.

Social Dance

The Swing

Swing is the most uniquely American of all dances, accompanies by a rich cultural history that you may already know. Swing is perhaps one of the most popular dances of all time and it goes by many different names. You may have heard it called the Jitterbug, the Boogie, and Lindy, just to name a few. Most dance instructors (on this side of the U.S.) are referring to the East Coast Swing, but we’ll just refer to it as Swing to keep it simple. Swing as we know it today evolved from the Lindy Hop and is perhaps the most famous American folk dance of all time. The best-known forms of Swing include the Charleston, Black Bottom, and Shag. In the early 1940s, these forms consolidated into what was called the Lindy and eventually became the East Coast Swing we know today.

It features a carefree, almost buoyant movement that is contagious to other dancers and spectators alike. The lively spirit of Swing gets everyone on their feet to join in on the fun, and Swing can be comfortably danced to a range of tempos and variations. There are few dances more recognizable than Swing. This lively social dance is famous for its flips, lifts and spins.

Social Dance

The Tango

The Tango has no clearly defined origin; it may have originated in Argentina, Brazil, Spain, or Mexico, but it is believed to be descended from an early Spanish folk dance, the Milonga. The Tango first came to be as we now know it in the early 20th century in Argentina. It was danced under various names in Latin America before making its way to the U.S. The Tango first made its appearance in America between 1910-1914 and was instantly a hit for its intriguing and sophisticated dance patterns. The Tango is one of the most highly stylized and recognizable ballroom dances. It has a dramatic style with measured crossing and flexing steps and poised pauses. Accented by strong staccato movements, the challenge of this dance makes it as exciting to perform as it is to watch.

No other dance captures the dramatic strength and romance of the relationship between partners like the Tango. It is considered an “exhibition dance” because all eyes are on the dance floor when two people are dancing the Tango. Although they say it takes two to Tango, it doesn’t take two to learn to Tango. Sign up for Tango classes with one of our instructors!

Social Dance

The Viennese Waltz

This classical dance from the ballrooms of Vienna remains one of the most enchanting and exhilarating dances. While the patterns remain pure, the Viennese waltz technique requires even more of the dancer as they strive to capture the graceful qualities of this dance. Though the Viennese Waltz may be classified as a “classic” dance, it’s not old. This version of the Waltz is stylish, graceful, and still popular with competitive dancers and lovers of classic ballroom dances alike. As with all ballroom dances, the variations of the dance evolved over time and the steps were passed through the generations and across the world. The Viennese Waltz is akin to the original “closed couple” version and is danced to a composer’s musical masterpieces.

You may be familiar with the Viennese Waltz due to the prominence of performances. A dance floor of Viennese Waltzers almost appear as though the dancers are flying in front of you. The dance is completed in a circular motion with dresses flaring, which is why the dance is most often seen in classic movies and performed at ritzy balls or events.

Social Dance

The Bolero

The Bolero was introduced to a U.S. audience in the mid-1930s is one of the most expressive Latin dances. The lead in the dance mimics the movements of the matador in a bullfight, while the follower’s movements alternate between mimicking the bull or the matador’s cape. It’s a dramatic, passionate, and intense dance. The use of arms and hands, legs and feet, as well as facial expression, all contribute to its beauty. Bolero is a slow, sensuous rhythm dance. One unique aspect of the dance is that it has the dancers rise and fall. This rise and fall comes from the body, not the feet, making it a very physically demanding dance. As a result, Bolero is not danced socially very often, but it remains a popular dance for competitions and more dance focused events.

Some would argue that the Bolero is the most romantic of Latin dances. Taking cues from the Rumba and the Waltz, the Bolero has distinct characteristics of long sweeping side steps and use of rise and fall to create both softness and dramatic movement. Learning Bolero is a great way to dip your does into Latin dance, meet people, and get a great workout!

Testimonials

I took an introductory lesson at the studio shortly before they opened, on a whim. I was completely sold after my first 30 minutes! I can honestly say this has changed my outlook on life. I look forward to my lessons as well as the Friday night party. My time at the studio is filled with much laughter and its a great way to de-stress! You can take this to any level from casual dancing to competition and periodically you have the opportunity to work with some very talented coaches! For those of you who have a secret passion to dance or are simply looking to meet new fun people this is absolutely the place for you. Give it a try you have nothing to lose!

Halyna OSullivan

I cannot say enough positive things about the classes and my instructor Sevrin Shapiachan. Sevrin is a masterful teacher, a wonderful group leader and runs a great venue. He is such a wonderful and sweet person who will make you fall in love with ballroom dancing. The classes are such a blast and so much fun. Sevrin and the team are teaching different dances each week (Salsa, Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba and waltz). They are able to teach the fundamentals of movement in a way that is logical and where the student feels comfortable in their classes from the first moment. I highly recommend anyone, with or without dance experiences, to take social ballroom dance classes at Ballroom Boutique at the Herndon/Reston location.

Cathie Akhavan

We came to the studio as they had just opened and with 6 week to go prior to our destination wedding. We met with Sevrin and I was comforted that she had a pretty solid plan to get us ready. After our first class I felt better, I felt more confident as every class went on and the end result was GREAT!!! I can't believe how much we learned in such short time frame, our first and second dance turned out beautiful. Sevrin goes above and beyond to develop a routine that we both felt comfortable with....Thank you so much!!!!

Andre Sullivan

Being new to the dance world, I was nervous about taking dance lessons. After my first lesson, all my fears were replaced with joy and enthusiasm. The instructors are top notch, know their stuff inside and out, and deliver lessons and feedback in a useful and encouraging way. The teaching curriculum is well defined so I can see my progress. The studio is a safe place to learn and have fun as instructors and fellow students support and encourage each other. It’s a no-judgement zone. I’ve benefited physically and mentally from learning to dance. It has enriched my life and continues to bring me satisfaction and new exciting experiences. I would encourage you to sign up for your first lesson today!

Dwayne C.

I gave a Christmas gift of dance lessons to my fiance. We are true beginners. We have had lessons with Sevrin since January, 2019. We have thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Ballroom Boutique. Our instructor, Sevrin has a wonderful and funny personality style that makes the lessons fun and not intimidating. Sevrin explains and demonstrates dance moves in a very clear manner that have made it relatively easy for us to learn. The studio is clean and well appointed, but not "too far" over the top. All of the staff are welcoming and pleasant. It is clear that Sevrin and the other instructors have competed a lot and work with all levels of dance students. We recommend this dance studio for those who want to learn and do something fun or go to the next level of your dance experience!

Chanda K.

We have been attending Ballroom Boutique Dance Studio for about one year now. We started going because my fiancé’ always wanted to dance and I thought this would be a fun activity we could do together and enjoy dancing while attending functions. One of our biggest accomplishments is that Sevrin choreographed our wedding dance, which we mastered in time for our special day. One of the most important things that matters to us is that the feeling of the Reston location is VERY PERSONABLE. Everybody from staff to students are always warm and welcoming. After a short period, it really felt like a family environment. They offer Friday night dance theme parties, Salsa group nights out at the local Salsa club, holiday parties, events, showcases and much more... There is no shortage of things to do… We will continue to participate and look forward to learning new dance moves, meeting new people and enjoying ourselves with the Ballroom Boutique family.

Angela Atanasio

The Ballroom Boutique Dance Studio is an excellent place to learn how to dance in an enjoyable and uplifting environment. The staff is professional, highly skilled, accomodating, and always working to improve their skills. The studio has a comfortable atmosphere. There is a variety of events where you can enjoy social dancing and show off what you have learned in a family friendly environment. I have attended several studios and I strongly recommend this studio whether starting new, or continuing to progress as a dancer.

Aaron Gray

I have been taking lessons at Ballroom Boutique Dance Studio in Herndon since it opened this past summer. I enjoy the top notch instruction and the ambience created at the studio parties and showcases.The staff goes out of their way to help each student feel comfortable and welcome.There is a great mix of students at all levels and I always have fun socializing every time I go to a party, which is weekly. I highly recommend the staff and the beautiful studio specifically created for dancing.

Gloria Kroll

Ballroom Boutique Reston is great! Dancing is an easy and fun way to get some exercise and build confidence. This was my first foray into ballroom dancing and Sevrin is a patient and talented instructor. It's great to see the studio expanding to serve more students!

Beth Sherouse

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We look forward to having you in our dance studio.






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