Los Angeles 05.05.2009

Belles Of The Ball

The country’s first same-sex dance studio opens in WeHo

When we heard that Balliamos in West Hollywood was the first in the country to offer versatile training, we were instantly transfixed. Where else can a proper gay train to be versatile in this bottom-heavy city?

Even after learning that versatility at the new studio refers to same-sex dancing, we weren’t disappointed.

In fact, what makes the new dance studio so exceptional is that it doesn’t force us into positions that make us uncomfortable, like Boy George might, or American Airlines does. At Balliamos, we can be ourselves and dance – not dance as in the shirtless, midnight debauchery found at other nearby venues like the newly reopened Micky’s. Instead of being lead to the dance floor by four Cape Cods, Balliamos has drafted world champion same-sex dancers Jacob Jason and Willem de Vries to help us tackle our inhibitions.

The acclaimed pair will lead the studio’s staff, instituting a one-of-a-kind program for students of all sexual orientations. Regardless of whether we want to cha-cha-cha or Charleston, we can choose to follow, lead or both, meaning no more awkward faking it with a chick. (We graduated from faking it with girls when we graduated high school.)

The studio itself is sleek and bright, a hi-tech achievement that sports a spring-loaded dance floor, similar to the one in Dancing with the Stars. But we most adore Balliamos because the entire studio is visible to passersby, making the classes our second favorite thing to watch in WeHo (our first being Jonathan Chang’s ninja-like handling of his fan).

Still, after a bit of time spent watching the show, we want to be a part of it. After all, it’ll be the cleanest floor we’ve ever been versatile on…

8936 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood
1-877-4-A-Dance or (310) 855-9855
www.balliamos.com

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