Business Details
20 Years
experience
Learn to Dance with Expert Instructors in Harrisonburg
Founded in 2006, Dancing with Karen has established itself as a premier dance studio in Harrisonburg, Virginia, offering comprehensive instruction in ballroom, Latin, swing, and social dance styles. With over four decades of combined experience, our certified instructors, including nationally recognized leader Karen Thomas, prioritize accessible, contract-free learning tailored to individual goals. We specialize in personalized one-on-one lessons, group classes, and wedding dance preparation, emphasizing confidence-building and technical mastery.Our community-focused approach includes free performances for local organizations and partnerships with charitable events, reflecting our commitment to enriching lives through dance. By maintaining a welcoming environment for all skill levelsfrom beginners with 'two left feet' to competitive dancerswe ensure every student receives expert guidance in a supportive setting.
Services
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Latin Dance Instruction
West Coast Swing
Salsa Dancing
Argentine Tango
Wedding Dance Lessons
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Medal Test Program
Social Dance Parties
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer contract-free dance lessons tailored to individual goals.
- Our instructors hold advanced certifications in multiple dance styles.
- We provide free community performances and charitable event support.
- Flexible scheduling for private lessons and group classes available.
- Specialized wedding dance preparation for all experience levels.
Associations and certifications
- North American DanceSport Association
What people say
Accessible for all skill levels
Expert instructors
No contracts required
Community-focused approach
Flexible scheduling
Services
Private Dance Lessons
Customized dance instruction tailored to individual goals with expert instructors. Choose from ballroom, Latin, swing, or social dance styles. No contracts required. Flexible hourly rates or monthly packages available for all skill levels.
Wedding Dance Lessons
Specialized instruction for wedding couples, including choreography for first dances. Options for group classes or private lessons with music integration. Packages range from basic routines to fully customized performances for special occasions.
Group Dance Classes
Affordable group sessions teaching fundamental dance techniques for social settings. Focus on ballroom basics, partner connection, and confidence-building. Ideal for beginners or those seeking casual dance experiences in a fun, interactive environment.
Medal Test Program
Structured assessment system to evaluate and advance dance proficiency in specific styles. Designed for students seeking measurable progress in technical skills and performance quality under expert instructor guidance.
Social Dance Parties
Regularly scheduled dance events for practicing skills in real-world settings. Features various dance styles including West Coast Swing, salsa, and ballroom. Promotes community engagement and practical application of learned techniques in a welcoming atmosphere.
People
Karen Thomas
Owner & Lead Instructor
Professional dancer since 1981 with advanced certifications in ballroom and Latin dance. Founded Dancing with Karen in 2006 to make dance education accessible. Recognized for community service through free performances and charity partnerships.
Michele
Instructor
Nationally certified instructor specializing in American Style ballroom dances. Returns seasonally to teach progressive social dance series focusing on technical development and partner connection.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer instruction in ballroom, Latin, West Coast Swing, salsa, Argentine Tango, and social dance styles for all experience levels.
Do you require long-term contracts?
No contracts are required. Lessons are available on an hourly basis or through monthly packages for flexible scheduling.
Can you help with wedding dance preparation?
Yes, we offer specialized wedding dance lessons with options for choreographed routines or casual partner dancing for reception events.
Are group classes available?
Group classes focus on social dance fundamentals and are available for beginners at $20 per 90-minute session.
What are your instructor qualifications?
Our instructors hold advanced certifications from the North American DanceSport Association with decades of combined teaching experience.
Do you host social dance events?
Regular dance socials and special events like USA Dance gatherings provide opportunities to practice skills in real-world settings.
Reviews (4)
Susan Edelman
Dec 16, 2020
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Wonderful! Best "pick me up" ever. Exercise without the gym. People. Music. Masks required. Lots of sanitizing and distancing going on. Highly recommend it.
Xingyi Jiang
Nov 04, 2019
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My favorite dancing class and dancing professor!!! Karen is so nice and patient and creative to design a dance for our wedding, first dance!!! It was an amazing dance and definitely rock the day!!!!
Froppy Stevonnie
Jul 26, 2019
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Dancing with Karen was very fun for me. She was telling me how I am a disgrace to the neighborhood. overall, 5 stars!!
Sarah Godwin
Jun 05, 2019
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It was very nice to dance with Karen. She asked to speak to my manager a couple of times in which I pulled an Uno reverse card. I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes Karen and all of her friends.
