Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Studio in Harrisonburg, VA
At Dancing with Karen, we have dedicated ourselves to making dance accessible and enjoyable for all since our founding in 2006. Our studio offers a welcoming environment where individuals of all skill levels can explore ballroom, Latin, swing, and social dances. With over four decades of combined experience, our instructors bring expertise in both competitive and recreational dance instruction. We prioritize personalized learning through flexible lesson structures, including private sessions and group classes tailored to student preferences.Our commitment to community engagement is demonstrated through free performances and events supporting local organizations like the Harrisonburg Rockingham Child Daycare Center. We maintain an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes beginners while providing advanced training opportunities for those pursuing competitive dance. Our philosophy centers on using dance as a tool to build confidence, improve physical health, and create joyful social experiences for our students.
Services
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Swing Dance Classes
Salsa Instruction
Wedding Dance Lessons
Private Dance Instruction
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer contract-free lessons with flexible scheduling options
- Our instructors hold professional dance certifications and competition experience
- We provide personalized instruction tailored to individual learning goals
- We maintain a welcoming environment for students with all experience levels
- We support community initiatives through free performances and events
Associations and certifications
- North American DanceSport Association
Services
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Our ballroom dance instruction covers classic styles including Waltz, Fox Trot, and International Waltz. Students learn proper technique, posture, and partner connection through structured lessons. Our certified instructors adapt teaching methods to suit both recreational dancers and competitive enthusiasts.
Swing Dance Classes
We teach West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop in a fun, energetic environment. Classes focus on rhythm, improvisation, and social dancing skills. Our progressive series helps students build confidence in both lead and follow roles while mastering swing's signature moves.
Wedding Dance Instruction
Our wedding dance program prepares couples for special occasions with customized choreography. Options include quick group sessions for basic moves or private lessons for personalized routines. We help brides, grooms, and wedding parties create memorable dance performances.
Private Dance Lessons
Personalized instruction allows focused attention on specific dance goals. Sessions can be tailored to any style or skill level with flexible scheduling. Students choose between hourly rates or discounted monthly packages for multiple lessons.
Social Dance Classes
Our social dance environment fosters community through group classes and practice sessions. Students learn practical skills for real-world dancing situations while building confidence in various dance styles. Classes emphasize partner rotation and social interaction.
People
Karen Thomas
Owner & Lead Instructor
Karen has taught dance since 1990 after beginning her career in 1981 with Dan Calloway. She holds two North American DanceSport Association degrees and opened Dancing with Karen in 2006. Known for her inclusive teaching style, she specializes in making dance accessible to all while supporting community initiatives through charitable work.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer instruction in ballroom (Waltz, Fox Trot), Latin (Salsa, Cha-Cha), swing (West Coast Swing, Lindy), Argentine Tango, and social dances.
Do I need a dance partner?
No partner required - you can learn solo, bring your own partner, or rotate partners during group classes. Private lessons accommodate individual preferences.
What should I wear to lessons?
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow movement. For ballroom styles, smooth-soled shoes work best. Many students wear casual attire for initial lessons.
Are there age restrictions?
Our classes welcome students of all ages. We teach children, teens, adults, and seniors with appropriate instruction tailored to each age group's needs.
How do wedding dance lessons work?
We offer group classes for basic moves or private lessons for customized routines. Packages start at $280 for four hours, with options to choreograph special performances for weddings.
Can I try a class before committing?
Yes, we recommend attending a group class to experience our teaching style. Private lesson trial options are also available at our standard hourly rate.
