Stepping Out Studios - Lessons

Stepping Out is the best dance school IN THE WHOLE WORLD! I can't recommend this studio enough. There is a huge number of classes taught by these truly great instructors. The students are lovely - warm and friendly. And lots of parties, too!

This studio was originally started by my friends, Diane Lachtrupp and Angel Figueroa. Diane had been Paul Pelicoro's partner at Dancesport. As a matter of fact, Dancesport was originally called Stepping Out. Diane sued Paul for the name and won. Paul was forced to rename his studio.

At first, Diane rented some space in NYC and taught west coast swing with John Festa. This was in the mid-1990's. There was a big surge in dancing courtesy of a very popular nightclub called Denim & Diamonds. New York City was in the mood for country at the time and this place offered loads of free lessons to the bar patrons.

Anyway, Diane opened a school at 57th and 7th Avenue and was extremely successful. Where Dancesport was snooty, Stepping Out was friendly. And, all the teachers went with Diane. She had a great formula for success by picking up where Denim & Diamonds left off and provided technique.

Eventually, Stepping Out moved to the Chelsea area of NYC (most other dance schools moved too because of cheaper rent). In the end Diane got a divorce, sold the studio, remarried, had a baby and moved to Saratoga. Angel also remarried and moved to Texas.

The school remains the epitome of dance perfection and since Paul Pelicoro's new teachers keep defecting and going to Stepping Out, there has been a steady influx of Russian trained professional dance teachers. (Paul is notoriously difficult to get along with.)


These teachers include some of the greats of Europe and Russia - where dancing is a serious endeavor. Christian Barens, who also coaches on Dancing With The Stars, offers the most amazing lessons in international style Latin (rumba, cha-cha, samba, paso doble, jive).

Jamie Cuneen and Linda Gammon have been the most important teachers of international standard and American smooth (foxtrot, waltz, tango, quickstep, Viennese waltz) in NYC for many years. They are extremely experienced in teaching dance-challenged people.

Equally important is Tetyana Bilych from Russia. Her classes are always packed. She focuses on international standard technique. The quality of her lessons enable dancers to dramatically enhance their performance. She's sort of a dance cross-trainer.

Lori Ann Greenhouse is the many times over world champion hustle dancer. The studio has open two rooms to accommodate the number of students in her classes! No one teaches the art of hustle better - an no class is more fun! She also teaches an awesome American style cha-cha class.

Maria Jose Sosa and Santiago Steele, both from Argentina, offer authentic tango lessons. The studio is very supportive to tango in NYC and provide several practice sessions and parties. Sarah LaRoca does an all night milonga once a month, Maria has a tea-time practica every Sunday and a monthly tango dance on Friday night. After classes on Thursday, the main ballroom is transformed into an Argentine milonga.

These are just a few of the extremely talented teacher at Stepping Out. If you want to learn to dance well - or are in town and want to find a great social event - I recommend Stepping Out. There is always something going on and always a warm and friendly group of people just waiting to dance with you!

http://www.steppingoutstudios.com/