Let's Dance Studio

How Let's Dance Studio is Different...

Let's Dace Studio is an American-style smooth ballroom school. American-style smooth is focused on getting everyone feeling confident about social dancing as soon as possible. The alternative is called International or DanceSport ballroom which is a much more technical and competition driven pedagogy - an athletic sport requiring the dedication of many years and investment. A wonderful world awaits those who are driven to be amongst the best of the best.

However, if your goal is to learn and enjoy social (partner) dancing as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, then American-smooth and specifically Let's Dance Studio is for you.

Located on the second floor of the Harbour Dance Centre at 927 Granville Street (@ Smithe) we are just a block away from the City Centre Skytrain Station and a block away from the $6/night underground parking at the Law Courts on Howe Street. (See map below.)

Come check us out and enjoy your first Saturday night social dance experience with us on the house. We know you will fall in love with our studio, our music and our staff and students. Making you look and feel comfortable dancing the many styles we teach in a fun and supportive atmosphere is our priority.

The 9 Core Dances of
American-style Ballroom

FOXTROT – Get Acquainted/First Impression Dance - The Foxtrot is a smooth, progressive dance characterized by long, flowing movements across the dance floor - think of the classic dancing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Composed of fairly simple walking steps and side steps, the Foxtrot is easy to learn and lots of fun to dance.
WALTZ - The Mother of All Dances - Waltz develops balance and control. The basic Waltz steps are the foundation patterns used in most ballroom dances. Correct posture, rise and fall, and flowing movements should be stressed to achieve good styling.
TANGO – The Dancer’s Dance - In order to achieve the distinct style of the Tango, it is important to develop controlled staccato footwork with fluid, graceful movements. The unique rhythm of the music is great training for timing and phrasing, which develops as a dancer becomes more proficient.
SWING - American Fun Dance - The Swing is a spot dance with a carefree relaxed style and thus is a dance easily mastered. The various speeds of music are excellent training for quick footwork and good leading and following which will add comfort and ease in most other rhythm dances.
RUMBA - Latin Foundation Dance - Rumba is a prerequisite for good Latin Dancing as Cuban Motion is essential in almost all Latin dances. Rumba turn and breaks are used by dancers everywhere and provide an interesting variety suited to a limited space.
CHA-CHA - Latin Fun Dance - Cha-Cha adds sureness and poise through its syncopated steps and many open movements while putting life and fun in your dancing with a spirited combination of Cuban Motion and a happy rhythm.
MAMBO - Latin Rhythm Dance - Mambo is a fusion of Cuban and American dancing and music. It has a stirring Afro-Cuban beat with a melodic wedding of the Swing and Rumba music. Mambo is an exciting dance which allows you to develop your own feeling and expression.
MERENGUE – The Party Dance - Merengue develops Cuban Motion and the ability to adapt to any partner. It is the only Latin dance which combines one-step timing with Cuban Motion and therefore is a help to all Latin dances. The mach beat sharpens timing and co-ordination.
SAMBA - The Brazilian Waltz - Samba improves the flexibility of the body and helps achieve easy movement and lightness. The Samba rolling action teaches the body to be supple. To move lightly, quickly and smoothly with effort takes study but only at the start.

About Kathy Bradley

Founder and Head Instructor
Let's Dance Studio, Vancouver

Kathy Bradley founded Let’s Dance Studio in Vancouver on May 15, 1979 and has been operating the dance school out of its current location on Granville Street since 1990.
Starting her dancing career at Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio in Winnipeg, after moving to Vancouver, Kathy was encouraged to open her own ballroom dancing school and give the people of Vancouver a new place to learn how to dance, meet new friends and have fun.
Since opening day May 1979, many students of Let's Dance Studio danced competitively in Canada and the United States, and some came away with top results, but most of the hundred of students learned to dance merely for the joy it brings to their lives.

"Dancing is my life - there is nothing I love more than sharing the joy of ballroom dancing - expressing yourself with graceful, elegant movement, truly connecting with your partner while enjoying great music of today and times gone by.

Dancing is Romancing!
Until Chubby Checker's 'The Twist' came out, everybody knew how to social dance, and more often than not it was on a dance floor you found your future true love. After the Twist we never held each other while dancing again. It's time we brought real dancing back again.

At Let's Dance Studio we teach ballroom in a more relaxed casual style than other formal competitive schools. Our goal is to make ballroom dancing accessible, easy and fun for people of all ages and skill levels. Let us share with you the beauty and joy of ballroom dancing.
Kathy Bradley

Kathy Bradley Ballroom Dancing in Vancouver

Rent our Ballroom

“A hidden treasure, the Let's Dance Studio ballroom offers a secluded, peaceful world of grace and style, right in the middle of Vancouver's downtown entertainment district.” The Georgia Straight

Let's Dance Studio has been operating at 927 Granville Street since 1990. The room is a full-sized 2,800 sq ft, fully mirrored classic wooden ballroom dance floor.

The ballroom includes two dedicated washrooms, a change room, a full fridge, a DJ station, cash bar, and lounge area with piano.

Whether for classes, parties or events, you can rent our beautiful ballroom at very reasonable rates.

Please call us at 604-315-2300 or email us at letsdancekathy@gmail.com to inquire.