At Affinity Ballroom, owner and instructor Laura Balmaceda teaches that ballroom dancing is more than dressing up in colorful costumes and grooving to the music—but is in fact much more personal.

"It is nonverbal communication between two people," she said.

The studio, which can be found at 25323 I-45 S., is home to four dance instructors. Everyone is welcome, even those with two left feet.

"If you can walk, you can dance," Balmaceda said.

The doors open every night at 7 p.m. for a group dance class, which runs $20 for drop-in, and Dance styles range from salsa to the foxtrot, she said.

"I get it when people say they can't dance, but usually when they say that, it is because they have no idea what to do when they hear the music," Balmaceda said. "All they need is information—instruction—on what to do with the music and your body."

The studio offers classes and programs for individuals who are looking to compete as well as those who are looking for social dance classes, which are generally just for fun, she said.

At Affinity, most of the students participate in the social classes and events, including the competitive dancers, instructor Aaron Lumpkin said. The most common dances taught include basic swing and rumba.

Classes teach students how to dance to the most popular songs in social settings.

"Every song Katy Perry basically ever wrote is a rumba," Lumpkin said.

Balmaceda also takes her students across the country to participate in

dancing competitions, including novice as well as advanced-level dancers.

Before founding the studio in 2010 with her then-dance partner, Balmaceda competed nationally and in her hometown of Washington, D.C., for titles and cash prizes.

She said she participated in modern dance in high school, but during college is where she found her love for social and ballroom dancing.

"My hobby became an addiction, and then my addiction became my career," Balmaceda said.

For the bride and groom

Affinity Ballroom offers classes to men and women hoping to sharpen their skills for their first dance as a married couple. Wedding package costs vary according to how many the couple requires but generally cost $80 per lesson.

Dance styles

• American Smooth–The couple separate from one another to perform various embellishments, such as dips and changes of hand holds. Examples include the waltz, tango and Viennese waltz.


• American Rhythm–The style incorporates Latin-American dance rhythms.


• International Latin–Dances include the rumba, samba and jive, and tend to be fast-paced.


• International Standard–The dancers remain close together throughout the dance.

Pricing

• Drop-in rate: $20


• Single lesson: $80


• Block of 10 sessions: $750 ($75 each)

Affinity Ballroom , 25323 I-45 S., Spring, 281-298-6262, www.affinityballroom.com