FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
From New Dancers

Should I learn to dance by videos or go to a dance studio?
The choice is yours, but combining both methods will give you the maximum benefit.

There are many advantages to studio lessons:

• You get professional guidance.
• Your teacher will be able to evaluate you and help to strengthen the areas you need to work on.
• You will meet other students who are also learning.
• You will get to practice at the studio parties with other students and teachers

After all you are learning to dance and a dance studio is the perfect place to do that.

Videos can be a valuable learning aid in combination with your studio dance lessons:

• Learn in the privacy of your own home.
• Learn at your own pace and schedule.
• You may review the video as often as you like.
• Constant repetition helps you to increase your retention.

How long will it take?

The length of time depends on how many dances you want to learn and how proficient you want to become. 90% of people taking dance lessons do so to become good social dancers. Men want to be able to lead and have a variety of patterns in each dance, and ladies want to learn to follow and to look graceful on the floor.

The first 2 weeks are the most important. You should be practicing at least 4 hours per week for the first 2 weeks and then at least 2 hours per week after that. It's like anything you do, the more you practice in the beginning, the faster you will become a good social dancer.

I have two left feet. Can I really learn to dance?

Millions of people have learned to dance, so why not you? Nobody is born a dancer. All dancers take lessons and learn just like you are thinking of doing. When I first started, I had three left feet and I learned to dance!

What kind of attire should I wear for lessons and practice?

Casual/nice clothing. Do not wear restrictive clothing. Wear clothes that allow you to move comfortably.

Be sure to practice in the same type of shoes that you will wear when you go out dancing. Dance shoes should have leather or suede soles. No tennis shoes. Rubber soles will stick to the floor and restrict movement which could create ankle injuries.

I need a crash course! I have to learn to dance by next week!!!

Who doesn't? Play that video tape over and over again and practice, practice, practice. It probably wouldn't hurt to try to squeeze in a few studio lessons too.

How much are dance lessons at a studio?

The prices vary. Every studio has an introductory special. Try that first. Do not be afraid to go shopping and try out other studios. Find one with an instructor you are comfortable with, who keeps the lessons fun and easy to follow.

Do I need a dance partner?

No. Most students take lessons as singles. The teachers will rotate students in the group classes, and will teach one on one in private lessons.

If I have a private lesson will I have it in a private room?

Not necessarily. Most studios have one large room where private lessons and groups are taught. Some studios may have smaller rooms that are available, but most instructors will prefer to teach you in the large room among other people. This will give you the experience of dancing around other couples since you will be doing that when you go out on your own. You'll also learn by watching others.

Can I learn to dance with only group classes?

Yes, you can. Private lessons are very good for helping you to develop specific areas of your dancing, but they can be very expensive.

• Group classes have some advantages of their own, besides the lower cost:
• Group lessons are the best, way to be introduced to basic step patterns, along with timing and some of the leading/following techniques you'll need when you are on the floor.
• Group lessons are considerably less intimidating and less exhausting for most people, because there isn't the constant, nonstop spotlight of the instructor's attention.
• In group lessons, you get a sense of the pace at which other people learn, which is reassuring enough that it helps most people learn faster.
• Group lessons give you the opportunity to learn to dance with a variety of partners, and offer the experience of dancing with several couples on the floor at the same time. These things are instrumental in helping you feel comfortable and confident when you go out dancing.