Michael Graham and Janie Zitomer
(PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ) -- This spring, West Windsor Arts is offering a series of dance lessons—just in time for wedding season—on Sunday nights starting on May 3, 2026.
Whether you’re looking to discover (or rediscover) the joy of dancing the cha-cha, waltz, hustle, salsa and other partner dances, or just want to be able to dance with ease at social events, these classes are suitable for total beginners.
“Ballroom dance may seem like a trend right now, but its popularity never went away,” says Janie Zitomer. And she would know. Zitomer, who is the current president of the Central Jersey Dance Society, has been teaching social dance with Michael Graham for the past 10 years. “Our social dances draw hundreds of people regularly,” she notes.
Their approach is simple: make dance accessible, enjoyable and social. “It’s great to see so many people learning to dance, for weddings, father-daughter dances, just to be out with other people. West Windsor Arts is a really friendly environment, which is one of the reasons we love to teach there,” Janie says.
West Windsor Arts has been special to them for many years. Not only is Michael an artist whose paintings have been shown there, but back in 2015, he and Janie were asked to teach a public samba class at the MarketFair Mall. The event was held to promote an upcoming event at West Windsor Arts. “When we started playing samba music and showing people some samba dance moves, they didn’t want to leave,” she explains.
At the time, Jersey Dance was teaching classes at West Windsor Arts. “Jeff Vacha, owner of Jersey Dance, hired us, and we went on to teach there for 10 years. When Jersey Dance closed, in 2025, West Windsor asked us to teach our dance classes there. We could not be more thrilled!”
The next sessions, which will begin in early May, will focus on foundational steps, followed by guided practice each week. Participants can choose from a singles class or a couples/partner class.
“By the end of either session, students will be ready to step confidently onto any dance floor,” exclaims Janie.
* Social Ballroom Dancing for Couples and Partners (Sundays, May 3–June 14 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. No class on May 24) No experience necessary
* Social Ballroom Dancing for Singles (Sundays, May 3–June 14 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. No class on May 24) No experience necessary
“Think of dance class as a break from the everyday, a chance to recharge and get creative with movement in a wonderful space,” adds Anna Navasardian, Education Manager at West Windsor Arts.
“I love the high ceilings in the gallery where we teach at West Windsor Arts,” adds Michael. “Plus there is always beautiful artwork on the walls. It’s just a great space for dancing.”
For more information, or to register, visit the West Windsor Arts website.
West Windsor Arts offers art and cultural events, workshops and classes for all ages and in all disciplines at its art center and in the community. For more information, call 609.716.1931 or visit westwindsorarts.org.
