Stepping Out Studios (SO) originally opened in 1985 as a small, boutique studio with big ideas and big dreams. From its inception, Stepping Out's mission has been to introduce and spread the joy of partner dancing far and wide. To that end, we have grown and developed into the most internationally acclaimed and well-respected of partner dance schools. We offer a full range of classes in which course curriculums aspire to the highest quality, being innovative and diverse, while preserving the traditional aspects of partner dancing. Providing the ideal atmosphere for learning while having a great time, our objective is to inspire students to express themselves creatively, challenge themselves and grow, and have the utmost fun doing it in a dynamic way.

As a trailblazer, Stepping Out was the first partner dance school to cultivate and offer a palette of different dance styles to the public... to name a few, Argentine Tango was first re-introduced to New Yorkers; and West Coast Swing introduced to the East Coast dance community. Stepping Out was instrumental in building and reviving the Latin, Swing, and Country Western phenomenons that have swept New York in the last decade.

Stepping Out becomes involved with every facet of partner dancing. It has launched and produced dance competitions for professionals and amateurs alike; its own Salsa and International Dance Companies (which perform in- and out-of-house); the Teachers' Training program (which enhances professional instructors' skills at the most advanced levels; and develops teaching skills at the grassroots level for endeavoring, promising, non-professionals). Stepping Out offers periodic specialized workshops; dance weekends; dance trips abroad; and evening outings to local venues. Our extensive repertoire caters to wedding services, competitive and social dancers alike at every level, and the "party animal" who wants to cut loose with a night out of dancing at any of our many parties. The OUTdancing program was created to offer the LGBT community a place to come and dance with a same-sex partner; and its offshoot OUTdancing Performance Company travels and performs locally and out of town.

Through its dedicated endeavors, Stepping Out has developed educational outreach program specially designed for Tri-state area schools and school club affiliates; instructional videos; etc. In addition to teaching in-house, Stepping Out also dispatches its world-renowned instructors to outside engagements to teach, choreograph, and perform shows. Stepping Out has taught at hospitals, corporations (such as SONY and MetLife), health clubs, arts institutions, colleges and high schools, etc. Stepping Out has been featured in, and intrinsic to, an infinite number of multi-media projects, including television (for instance, "Dancing With the Stars"), radio, stage and film.

Stepping Out's credo is one of integrity, quality, and warmth. Students of all backgrounds, professions, cultures, and walks of life flock to the Studio because of its cutting-edge, upscale reputation wrapped in a fun, friendly environment. We welcome both staff and students to the Stepping Out family.