Questions new dancers ask

No. Many members come on their own. Partners may rotate during class, so you’ll dance with several people and singles fit right in.

None at all. Every quarter starts from the basic step, the instructor demonstrates, and the whole room practices together. Nobody is singled out.

New eight-week sessions begin every January, April, July and October. You can join at the start of any quarter.

Two ways. Register online through the HBDA class portal and bring your confirmation receipt and payment to class, or come to either of the first two sessions of the quarter and register in person.

Annual membership dues are $20 if you join in April, $15 in July, $10 in October and $5 in January (the membership year runs April through March). The class fee is $40 per quarter for two dances, or $25 for one dance. So a brand-new student starting in April pays $60 in total. See the full table on the Classes & Chapters page.

HBDA has eight chapters: six on Oahu (Aiea, Manana in Pearl City, Kaneohe, Kapolei, Nuuanu and the Dance Studio chapter in Aiea), one on Maui in Kahului and one in Hilo. Each meets one evening a week. Days, venues and directions are on the Classes & Chapters page.

HBDA teaches American Style ballroom, sixteen dances and more: waltz, foxtrot, East Coast swing, cha cha, rumba, tango, West Coast swing, nightclub two step, swing hustle, Viennese waltz, bolero, samba, merengue, bachata, mambo and salsa. Each quarter your chapter teaches two of them. Ask your chapter which two are up next.

Appropriate dance attire and shoes are required for class and events. No tank tops, shorts or rubber slippers. Spike heels, open-toed shoes and rubber-soled shoes are not recommended. Smooth-soled shoes and clothes you can move in are perfect.

Most classes run about 90 minutes, one evening a week, for eight weeks. Exact times vary by chapter, so check with yours.

Yes. Chapters hold their own socials and potlucks, HBDA puts on holiday dances and anniversary balls, and there is a regular social on Oahu. See Socials & Events and ask your chapter for upcoming dates.

Call, text or email any of the contacts on the Contact page, or come to a class and ask in person. We would love to meet you.