Who We Are
We are a Social Club based in Chicago.
Our mission is to improve the social, mental and physical health of our community through movement and whimsy.
Learning to connect with others has a practically never-ending list of benefits, and we strive to share these with you in a stress free, welcoming, and big fun kind of way.
You’re invited to attend social dance and fantasy events, book private dance lessons, hire a Dance Master for a special occasion, or simply follow us online @firststepsocialchicago.
No matter your skill level, age, or body shape, we hope to see you out on the dance floor!
Feeling scared to start? This is the place for you.
Meet Founder Rosalind Phelps (she/her)
Rosalind is a Social Dance Educator, Party Host, and Creative Generalist.
She grew up as a Theater Kid in Oregon, and attended the University of Washington’s School of Drama. There she performed, directed, choreographed, and acted as Executive Director of the Undergraduate Theater Society, honing her creative eye and passion for bringing people together.
She moved to Chicago in 2021 to pursue a childhood dream of Professional Ballroom Dancing.
In 2022, she won Top Newcomer at the Arthur Murray World Dance-O-Rama and proceeded to travel across the country competing professionally. Along the way, she realized her greatest joy wasn’t competition—it was community parties.
All kinds of themes, music, games and dancing. All ages. All body types. All walks of life.
Rosalind is also a Fantasy nerd and loves designing and hosting dream events for First Step Social’s “Fantasy Friends” side.
You can find her out in Chicago dancing to live swing and salsa music many nights a week, and partying with the LGBTQIA+ community. When she’s not dancing/teaching/hosting, she enjoys travel, dress up, and messing about in boats.
Reach out today
Interested in moving and grooving with us? Want to collaborate? Let’s get connected!