FAQ

Q. I’m getting married and need to learn how to dance for our First dance.  What do I need to do?

A. We usually advise couples to start scheduling their lessons a couple of months before the wedding.  Things get pretty hectic as the day approaches, so it’s best to not wait until the last minute. Your lessons should be fun, not stressful. Just call us to schedule your first lesson. You’ll need to have a song picked out that you’d like to dance to and let us know what it is, so when you come in we can have some appropriate prepared for you. If you’re debating between a couple of songs and can’t decide, tell us what they are, and we can advise you on what dance styles may or may not work with those songs, how easy or difficult it may be to dance to, and hopefully we can help you make your decision. We also have a list of suggested songs on the website to give you some ideas. Most couples do around 4 lessons for a simple wedding dance. If you want to learn a few more steps to make a more detailed routine, you will need at least 5 lessons or more.

Q. What should I wear to my lesson?

A. You should wear something comfortable that will not restrict your movement. For men we recommend jeans, casual or dress pants, and a comfortable shirt. For women, yoga pants or leggings, jeans or other comfortable pants, and a blouse, or a skirt or dress. Also, please refrain from wearing any cologne or perfume because some people are allergic to them or get headaches from strong smells.

Q. What kind of shoes do I need?

A. Shoes specifically made for ballroom dancing are, of course, the best. They do not stick to the floor but allow you to turn and slide your feet as necessary. We can advise you on where to get these shoes at some shops close to the studio. If you’re just trying a lesson for the first time and don’t want to invest in shoes, just wear a pair of dress shoes that do not have a rubber sole, and ladies, please wear shoes that will stay on your feet and are not too high heeled. No flip flops or shoes with no backs. For wedding couples, we suggest that ladies bring either their wedding shoes or something similar to practice in so you can get used to doing your steps in that type of footwear.

Q. How often should I come in for a private lesson?

A. Like any skill, the more often you do it the faster you will learn. We recommend you come in as many times as your schedule and budget will allow. You can come in anywhere from 1 to 5 times a week! Some people do full hour (60 minute) lessons or even 2 regular 45 minute sessions in a row when they come in to have more time with the teacher when they are there.

Q. How far ahead do I need to schedule a lesson?

A. We do sometimes have cancellations or open hours that we can schedule last minute, but it’s usually best to schedule about a week in advance to make sure you get a time that is convenient for you.

Q. What if I don’t have a partner?

A. No problem. If you’re taking private lessons, you will dance with your teacher.

Q. I have two left feet! Can I still learn how to dance?

A. Absolutely! Your teacher knows just how to present things to you so you can be successful at dancing. This is why we’re here, to teach you. If you already knew how to dance, you wouldn’t need us, right?

Q. I want to learn several different dances. Should I just learn one at a time and then move on to the next?

A. When the goal is to learn several dances, we actually advise working on all of them at the same time.  Dances tend to have things in common like certain patterns or some of the technique. At first it can seem a bit confusing, but after a few short weeks students usually start to see similarities that help them to learn the dances faster. And you get the benefit of being able to do a variety of dances at parties instead of just one.

Q. Should I take private lessons or do group classes?

A. Private lessons are always the best since you can get one-on-one attention from a teacher who can teach you at your own pace. You can also spend more time on technique in private lessons so that you learn more than just steps but how to make them look good. If you would like to compete or perform, private lessons are a must. If you are preparing for a special event like a wedding, private lessons allow you to focus on your chosen song or the specific dance styles you want to learn. Group classes can be a fun way to learn, giving you the opportunity to dance with different people. If you have a group of 3 or more people who want to have a group class, we can schedule what we call a “private group class.” You’ll pay a flat fee for the class time and can split that cost amongst your classmates. Contact the studio for more information if you’re interested in setting up a group class.

Q. How long will it take me to learn how to dance?

A. This does depend somewhat on your natural ability, the time you spend on it, and on your overall goal. If you plan to perform or compete, or just have a high standard for the quality of dancing you want to do, it can take longer. Most people can achieve at least a basic understanding of a few dances in about 2 months if they come in once a week. If they come in more than once a week and practice outside of their lessons, they will learn faster.

Q. What if I don’t want to compete or perform?

A. Competitions and performances are strictly voluntary. They are fun and challenging to people who choose to do them, but the majority of people are only interested in social dancing. Private lessons focus on whatever the student wants to learn and for whatever purpose. We tailor our lessons to you and your needs and goals.