Ames Links

Social dance opportunities in Ames (courtesy of Valerie Williams of Co'Motion Dance Theater)

ISU Ballroom Dance Company: They promote ballroom dancing in both American and International styles. In addition, all members have the opportunity to join their competition ballroom team.

Cyclone Swing Society: Specialists in triple-time east-coast swing (ECS) as well as smooth-style Lindy hop. Also check out their MySpace blog. They were previously named ISU Swing & Lindy.

Descarga: ISU based Latin dance group emphasizing salsa

Red Friars Dance Club: They sponsor live big-band semi-formal dances once a month during the academic year. Annual, discounted memberships are available during early September, but couples can attend/purchase individual dances by first contacting any current member. Students holding ISU IDs qualify for half price.

High Society Big Band: Ames' only ballroom-dance-oriented big band

Central Iowa Links

Swing Des Moines: They hold swing dances on the third Friday of each month. They also have a swing-dance calendar and a swing-dance discussion forum, which talks about places to go dancing in Iowa.

Step into Swing: They offer swing and Lindy hop classes in Des Moines as well as a swing dance party on the first Saturday of every month. They also have many good links about dance places and groups in Central Iowa. Their dance-events e-mailing list comes out every week.

Dance Club 76: They host a ballroom dance typically on the second Friday of every month, from 7-10pm, at Dixon American Legion Hall, 68th Street & Douglas Ave, Urbandale (DSM), IA. DJing by Carr Tunes playing fox trot, waltz, Latin, polka, and requests. Dress is business casual. Purchase either an annual membership or individual dances.

Des Moines Ballroom Dance Studio: They sponsor dance instructors for numerious forms of social dance, especially ballroom. They also host ballroom socials every Friday night from 8-10pm and have a very active calendar for all nights of the week.

Lake Robbins Ballroom: One of the closest ballrooms to Ames. They have a very nice and large wood floor. MapQuest directions from the Forker Building (Union Dr & Wallace Rd, ISU) in Ames to the Lake Robbins Ballroom in Woodward, IA.

FreeStyle: Very energetic, up-beat quintet from Des Moines that plays a wide variety of classic dance music including big band, 50s, 60s, Motown, classic rock,and jazz. Great band for dancing.

Salsa Iowa: They host salsa dances and classes in Des Moines, IA.

Latin Rhythmz: Latin music (artists, albums, events) and dance discussion site featuring articles readers can comment about. This site also posts Latino dance venues typically in Des Moines featuring Latin Rhythmz DJing. Sign up for the Latin Rhythmz Newsletter to receive e-mails about Latin Rhythmz DJing and their upcoming Latino dances in central Iowa.

Eastern Iowa Links

Gregorio's Latin Dance Links: Covers Latin dances and topics, as well as lessons, events happening in Iowa City, Des Moines, and surrounding areas.

The Cedar Valley Dance Club: USA Dance chapter for Waterloo & Cedar Falls, IA. They host monthly dances and semi-formals for Christmas and spring (April), afternoon workshops often included. Their website also lists a number of studios and instructors for obtaining group or private dance instruction in eastern Iowa.

Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Dance: USA Dance chapter for Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, IA. Their website links many Iowa social-dance groups and ballrooms.

UI Swing Dance Club: They're an upbeat swing group promoting east-coast swing and Lindy hop for the Iowa City area. They also host the annual Hawkeye Swing Festival in April that features nationally known swing instructors.

State-wide Iowa Links

Swing Out Iowa: Covers social ballroom, swing, and salsa dance in the Quad City and eastern Iowa area. They also include a cool calendar of dance events for all of Iowa.

IowaDance.com: Lists Iowa ballroom places, dance halls, bands, organizations, and events. They also host a forum to discuss Iowa dance halls and places.

IowaLindy.com: Public forum to discuss all aspects of swing and Lindy dancing in Iowa.

US National Links

Henry's Hot List: Great national ballroom dance resource. Although it's no longer being updated (some links broken), many good links remain.

Addicted2salsa: They feature many salsa articles, an active salsa discussion forum, and numerious YouTube salsa clips with discussions. Salsa Congress events are also posted here.

Soul of the Tango: Information on Argentine tango

Music & Outfitting

Music & outfitting suggestions: From the Gotta Dance! Tips & Advice page. Be sure to visit either their Practice Music recommendations and How to Buy Dance Shoes links.

Showtime Dance Shoes: A great site for buying many stylish dance shoes

Champion Dance Shoes: They carry German-made Diamant dance shoes which have excellent arch support and come in extra wide widths

Guaranteed Fit Dance Shoes: Excellent source for suede-sole dance shoes with prices ranging from $60-$100. They also sell handmade dance shoes for professionals with special size and flex requirements. Finally, they have a nice choice in stylish dance sneakers, which are ideal for those spending hours on the dance floor or those with achy feet; they are very comfortable.

DanceShoesStore: Most reasonably priced dancing shoes. Remember to buy suede-sole dance shoes for ballroom dancing.

DanceStore.com: A great dance paraphenelia store

Dance Dresser: A dance outfit store