Deciding to take private ballroom lessons is an investment in not only your dance skills, but your physical fitness, well-being and social life. But, when you are just starting out, it can be difficult to know what you are looking for and how exactly to get started. Answers to the most common dance lessons FAQ from new dancers are listed below.
How long will it take me to learn to dance?
This depends on several factors, most especially how quickly you are able to learn and also how good you want to be. Each individual has a different perception of “good”, so it might take you less time if you just want to be able to do a few steps around the floor, or you might consider “good” being able to dance several dances with proficiency and a higher level of style.
As far as ability to learn, everyone can learn to dance, but your rate of learning can be improved by how often you take lessons and practice, the competency of the teacher you have selected to teach to your specific style of learning and needs, and how you approach your learning. Within the first few lessons, most people will be able to dance a few patterns with music.
For what age groups do you offer lessons?
Private lessons are available to all ages, children through seniors. Competition dancing is also open to all ages. Age category breakdown can be reviewed at the NDCA website by clicking here.
How much do lessons cost? Should I choose an instructor/studio based on price?
Group classes are the most economical way to learn, although you will not learn as quickly or have the personalized attention that comes from private instruction. Most group classes are between $10-15 per class and usually run between 45 and 50 minutes. Private lessons in the industry range from $70.00-$130.00 and are typically 45 minutes.
The higher range of instruction is more costly either because the teacher is of a elite caliber with exceptional experience, or when private lessons are purchased at a full-service studio and include group classes and parties. If you are interested in dancesport competition, it is recommended that you seek an experienced specialized instructor with competition background.
If you are looking to use your dancing for socializing, it might suit you better to look into a full service studio which will offer functions and activities for that purpose. Many studios and instructors offer the first lesson at a greatly reduced rate. Take advantage of being able to “test-drive” your teacher and find one that suits your needs.
What should I look for in an instructor?
Being certified with a nationally recognized member organization of the NDCA is a good place to start. Of course the teacher’s experience is very important as the better the teacher is, the faster you will be able to meet your goals.
From a personal perspective, find someone who makes you feel comfortable, is encouraging and positive and can teach you in a way that helps you progress quickly. Also important is finding a teacher at a good height for you, if you are taking private lessons and especially if you are looking to compete.
For further information on how to select the right teacher for private lessons, check out this article.
Why should I consider DanceSport Place for my dance instruction? (Southern California)
Both Erik and Melissa are highly trained and qualified instructors, teaching in the Southern California area. Each are currently registered with the NDCA and have been registered with the NDCA over 15 years. Melissa has been previously certified by AMI (Arthur Murray International) and Erik has been registered with the CADA for over 15 years, representing Canada as an amateur competitor since the age of 9. Having been competitors for many years, they have been students, just as you.
Their goal is to give their students the best quality instruction to help them attain their goals, either socially or competitively. The result of their instruction is evident with some of their social students remaining loyal students for over 10 years and their competitive students reaching exceptional results, including Bronze, Silver and Open Champions, World Pro-am Finalists, Senior division champions and finalists and Junior champions. Both Erik and Melissa have won top teacher placement awards at several competitions. Their teaching style is positive, focused, fun and energetic.
It is exciting for us to see our students progress and gain all the benefits dancing has to offer. As students improve their dancing, we see their fitness levels increase, their confidence blossom and of course a new joy that comes from dancing.
What do I need for my first lesson?
For your first lesson, you don’t need much more than a willingness to learn! It is recommended to wear hard soled shoes, not tennis shoes which will stick to the floor, or dance shoes if you already have some. As you pursue your dancing, then it is imperative that you get dance shoes, and your teacher can recommend the best type for the style of dancing you are learning.
Wear comfortable clothing that you can move in. Once you start dancing more frequently, you’ll find that just like any other sport or activity, the right apparel with help you feel more at ease.
With her husband Erik, they are the founders of DanceSport Place and have a passion to help dancesport competitors reach their dancing goals.
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