Come and join the fun! Ballroom and Latin dance classes are offered at KARS 1. Classes are held in the KARS Dance building, which is located in the last set of buildings past the picnic areas. Classes are limited to KARS card holders and their guests. Information on KARS card eligibility and cost can be obtained at http://nasaexchange.ksc.nasa.gov/kars/membership.cfm. We have two primary instructors, Mae McCreary and John Gregory. Mae usually teaches one or two 10-week Basic Ballroom classes and intermediate classes per year. John offers classes on Tuesday nights throughout the year in 4-week sessions. Mae has taught at KARS and in the local community for many years. John is a professional dancer and choreographer who also teaches in the Orlando area. Please view John Gregory's bio. Here is the latest KARS class schedule - to register for classes or for more information, please contact Joy Pickett. USA Dance has partnered with the KLD Youth Foundation in Merritt Island and offers a great place to dance that's convenient for those in the local area. View the latest dance and class schedule. If want to share information about other dance venues in the area please email Joy Pickett to display them on this page. Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to have a partner? No partner is required. We usually have singles and couples in class, so if all else fails, you can dance with one of the instructors. What shall I wear? Whatever you're comfortable in! Most people come to class directly from work. As for footwear, ideally a leather-soled shoe. It's hard to do turns when your shoes stick to the floor. At a minimum for ladies, have a strap or something around your heel so that you won't step out of your shoes when doing turns. What if I have two left feet? Unless you have some rare deformity, you don't really have two left feet. If you can walk, you can learn to dance. What if I don't have any rhythm? Timing and tempo are taught to you. Even Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers had to start somewhere! Why should I learn to dance? There are many fitness, social, and personal benefits from dancing! Examples: Fitness Benefits Dancing provides a great cardiovascular workout Increases flexibility and improves stamina Dancing can improve balance, coordination, and speed Proper dance technique requires good posture and body poise Social Benefits Dancing with other partners promotes social interaction and can help people who are generally shy develop their social skills There are always places to dance and new people to meet from all walks of life Good dancers are always popular at social events It's FUN Personal Benefits Dancing is a great way to relax the mind and relieve stress from long days at work Increases self-confidence and self-awareness Improve discipline and sense of achievement Couples can take dance lessons to promote closeness and bonding, which can help their relationship grow