Dance is an enjoyable activity among older adults, but motivations and determinants for successful engagement are less understood. Our aim was to assess these factors among community-dwelling older adults participating in a ballroom dance program. Twenty-one participants (71.4 ± 4.7, 66.7-76.1 years; males: n = 8, females: n = 13) engaged in an hour-long, twice-weekly ballroom dance program over 10 weeks. We qualitatively analyzed (1) field notes, (2) arts surveys, (3) instructor interviews, and (4) focus group interviews post-intervention. Participants enjoyed the workshops and reported the physical, psychological, and social benefits. Participation motivators included personal enrichment, opportunities to socialize, and physical health. Participants overwhelmingly wanted an opportunity to challenge themselves and form new relationships while staying active. The group dynamic fostered a sense of community and facilitated coping through enhanced self-esteem and social support. Participants' high attendance rates and responses indicate that the dance workshops successfully met their goals. Practitioners can use this information to adapt pedagogical strategies for community-based arts programming to support successful aging.