Dance Classes

The Academy offers two Dance Courses each quarter period (3-months) which usually include a Smooth Dance (i.e., Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot), as well as a Rhythm/Latin Dance (i.e., Rumba, Cha-Cha, East Coast Swing, Mambo/Salsa).

The Academy offers Beginner and Intermediate Levels in each dance. First, the selected Dance is at Beginner (Bronze) level for 3 months, then during the following Dance Course period, that same dance will be offered at the Intermediate Level (Bronze-Silver) as a continuation of the Beginner Class. A new Beginner Level Class will be announced. The Instructor introduces new steps to the class based on the majority of the class's ability to learn the given steps.

Professional Instruction ensures that foot pattern, timing, lead & follow instructions and technique to fit Beginner through Advanced levels are given during both Beginner and Intermediate Level Classes.

The Academy encourages people of all ages, genders, cultures and such to become students and enjoy the beauty of Ballroom & Latin Dancing! The new Dance Course offers a special Technique Class the first night of classes in the genre of the Beginner Class (i.e., Rhythm/Latin Technique or Smooth Technique). This special workshop should not be missed!

The Professional Instructor and her partner demonstrate the step(s) to be learned and then show and explain the correct foot placement, foot work, timing, alignment, leading/following directions and styling for both the leaders and the followers. The Instructor than has the leaders and followers independently practice their patterns until the class has a good understanding. Then the leaders and followers pair and practice the step, while the Instructor will offer additional information to make the learning process more smooth and enjoyable for both partners!

For those who wish to remain with their partner throughout the classes, they are welcome to do so. For those without partners, or who wish to improve their leading and/or following skills, the Academy has a "Rotation" section whereby, the leaders switch partners upon the Instructor's direction. There are no guarantees as to the equal or unequal ratio of leaders to followers, but the Instructor takes this into account and will indicate Rotation more frequently if necessary.

The quarter begins with a Social Dance and Potluck Dinner during the Registration night. There is a Themed Social Practice Dance midway during the Dance Course and a Review and Practice Dance at the end of the course.

Throughout the year, the Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy features special events within their class schedule (special guest performances), as well as semi-formal balls at hotels and resorts on Maui, which are also included on the class schedules when appropriate.

Please be sure to read our "Dance Etiquette" section.