Q: When are dance lessons? 

A: To be announced

If you have access to a venue in your area and want to host a practice session, let us know! We love to customize the practices for you and your friends. 

Lessons include but are not limited to: 

- Several of the traditional set dances.

- Several line dances 

- Swing Dance lessons

Follow us on Instagram @stepsintimeevents for other dance opportunities. 

We've started "First Fridays", on the first Friday of every month.  Typically hosting around 125 people, this is your chance to really be a part of the community and a great way to get extra practice for HOCO.  

The September 4 dance will come with a hay ride and bon fire!  Don't miss it! 

Q: Why dance lessons? Is it so complicated? A: No!  Our skilled caller helps even first timers feel confident.   

Q: Then why practice sessions? 

A:1) It's a great excuse to have fun!  

2) Some kids just want to know that they know. 

3) A few of the favorite dances are "If you know you know" dances like the famous Postie's Jig. 

The Postie's Jig is a HUGE favorite, requested nearly every dance, but impossible to teach from a stage. Once you "get it", you will join the elite Postie's fan club and may even decide to dance this at your wedding. So if you want to be one of the few, the proud, the jubilant, come to a practice session or two! 

But don't worry if you don't know it. No big deal! Just dance something else or take a 5 minute break for a dirty soda. 

The same goes for the Shim Sham. For most, it will be just another swing dance. But for those who know, it will be a chance to participate in a nearly 100 year old swing tradition. 

Q: Do I have to have a ticket to Homecoming to attend dance lessons? 

A: NO! Everyone is welcome to attend dance lessons! They are almost as fun as the Homecoming itself.  

Lessons are offered for free or a nominal charge based upon our obligations to the facility.

Eligibility for lessons is the same as for the dance. Parents are welcome to come along.

The elevator doors open and you are instantly transported to a 1940s USO club complete with a 16 piece big band orchestra. 

Grab your Ration Book, have a dirty soda, join the swing dancers on the floor, or join your friends at the photo booth. 

In celebration of America's 250th, join in the fun by wearing your best 1940s  swing wear or patriotic ensemble . 

Of course, regular Homecoming wear will also be very popular and fit right in! Make as much of this theme as you want. Just don't miss out. This... is not the year to miss.  

Evening Overview: 

Check-in at Red Carpet: 6:00 PM

Join us  on the Red Carpet in front of the HOCO Step and Repeat. Grab a picture with the authentic WWII JEEP! 

6:30 PM - 7:00  PM Pre-Dance

Elevators open.  USO Club Jumping. 16 piece Big Band blowing. Swing Dancers Swinging. Join in the party, enjoy a dirty soda, or join your friends at the photo booth.

7 PM - 11:59 PM  HOCO Dance

Live Big Band, Heritage Dances, DJ Iman Sets, Includes Heavy Appetizer Stations, Desserts, and more.

Grand Finale & Dismissal: 12:00 AM (Midnight)

Timeline Updates for Ticket Holders: 

• Preliminary Schedule: Emailed 3-4 weeks before the dance for early planning.
• Final Detailed Timeline: Emailed 2 days before the dance.

This dance is designed to serve homeschool high school students and homeschool alumni ages 14-20* along with students who attend non-traditional private schools (and their friends.) So for example, if you are enrolled in 9th grade or higher for the 2025-2026 school year or attending a 2-3 day virtual school or university classes or a small Christian private school that cannot manage to have a dance, this means YOU! 

Eligible attendees may purchase up to one additional ticket for a guest who may not be homeschooled. These guests are in for a treat, as they typically have no idea how much fun homeschoolers are! 

*Ages as of October 8, 2026.

When you purchase your ticket, you'll receive a bar  code for us to scan. Bring this with as this will be our principal way to check people in. As you're checked in, you'll receive a bracelet to wear for the evening that confirms your check in.

We're so grateful for our valued sponsors, who caught the vision with us to produce the best, most wholesome Homecoming dance in the midwest!  

For Sponsorship opportunities, please call or text Lori at 317-410-1412.

Steps in Time

Having a blast bringing community dance to the world, this 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization is pleased to present this, our flagship event.  Learn more about our vision and purpose at stepsintime.org

Quality Homeschool Organizations we'd like to thank for their support: 

• Indy Genesis
• Indy Warriors
• Classical Conversations
• Southside Thunder
• Trinity Learning Connection
• Northwest Storm Homeschool Volleyball

Photo booth pictures will be made available following the event for viewing and free download.  Prints are also available at the event.

Candid pictures taken by William Borre will be made available about 1-2 weeks following the event via a linked site. Pictures will be free to download in web or high resolution.

We will also share a Google Photo album via email just prior to the event where Chaperone and attendee photos can be shared with one another.

Homeschool Homecoming is at the unparalleled Indiana Roof Ballroom,  the premier historic dance venue renowned for its 1927 design that transports visitors to a romantic European village courtyard with a dark night sky above. 

Known as the "most danceable floor in the world" due to its "floating floor" construction, this venue fulfills every requirement we have. It's just not the same at any other venue.  

*Wood Floors (Not carpet) for dancing ease

*Opulent atmosphere befitting our semi-formal dance. 

*Circular layout, not L shaped or rectangle

*Balcony so parents can observe the end of the dance

*luxurious amount of space to avoid overcrowding and frustration during heritage dances

*a stage at exactly the right height for the DJ and caller to see and also interact with the students

Over its century-long history, it has been a premier destination for big-band dances and galas... and our Homeschool Homecoming and Enchanted Prom.  You will experience timeless elegance at its best. 

Located at 140 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

You're about to experience more fun than you know what to do with! By purchasing a ticket or attending the event, you agree to abide by our Attire and Event Guidelines linked here. 

Please. Please. Please. Read the guidelines. Just do.    We've had nightmares. We've had to seek therapy. Be kind. Read and adhere to the guidelines. Just do. Actually. 

Can I sit with my friends?

Of course! Tickets purchased at the same time will automatically be seated together unless otherwise requested. 

When purchasing tickets there is a question for attendees asking if they would like to be seated with anyone else. We intend to honor these requests.

Because we know you don't always know who else is going when you get your tickets, we will be opening table assignment requests for free in early September to give you time and space to gather your friends. More information on this will be shared via email.

Crowd-Favorite Heavy Appetizers (like sliders, fries, quesadillas, and desserts)

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan, etc. requests when tickets were purchased will be accommodated.

None of the following will be present at dinner: Shellfish, Red Dye 40, MSG, Peanuts, Tree Nuts & Sesame.

Water will be available all evening for free at our beverage stations. Water, tea-totaling tea, and coffee will be served with dinner. Soft drinks will be available for a $3 charge. Please be aware that the Indiana Roof no longer accepts cash for payment.

Dirty Sodas will be available for a $5 charge. 

A note to our parents: 

Homeschooling is an enormous commitment that you make to excellence and this evening would not have happened without you. We get it. We're parents too.  Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe, memorable evening for your son or daughter.  

We know this is a special moment for you too, and we have designed the red carpet experience with that in mind. If your child is arriving in a limousine, bus, or firetruck, be sure to be there to snap the perfect picture.  

Also, please make plans to join us on the upper level of the ballroom at 11:20 to observe the festivities! 

Regarding Chaperones: Our vetted chaperones have specific jobs and are prepared to look after your child's experience. We have approx. 1 chaperone for every 10 to 15 students.  Jobs include: 

• Dance instruction help when needed
• Reminders for dress code and code of conduct
• Monitoring exits and entrances
• Any help for student needs

Q: Can I be a chaperone? 

A: We are always interested in those who have a heart to serve, especially if you represent a large group and know the dances. Please email us if you are interested.  

There are plenty of parking spots in downtown Indianapolis near the Indiana Roof.  Pretty much all are paid spots so car pool accordingly.

Here is a link to the Indiana Roof's parking options: https://www.indianaroof.com/parking

There are a number of hotels downtown. The closest is the Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown just east of the Indiana Roof.

Q: I have a 13 or 14 year old who is enrolled in 9th grade. Can they attend? 

A: It is obviously impossible for us to card attendees, so we leave this to your discretion. If your freshman is mature enough to attend, and you are happy, then we are happy. 

Q: Why are you limiting the number of tickets?

A: Good question! We are committed to the elegant, opulent feel of the evening. We could certainly entertain more people, but with that comes crowding, people stepping on and ripping gowns, feeling disconnected, and general overall frustration.  

Q: How do I request table assignments? 

A: All attendees on the same order will automatically be seated together. Additionally, there is a question addressing who you would like to be seated with for each attendee during the checkout process. Several weeks out we will reach out with further information for requests. 

Q: Will you look at my dress before-hand and help me determine if it will meet the attire guidelines? 

A: Of course we would be happy to help you! Email us a photograph of you in your ensemble from the front, back, and side, and we will help make sure your ensemble is perfect!