| Once you've taken the plunge into wanting to take | | | | to actually dance with your new spouse, you like the |
| some Ballroom Dancing Lessons - the first questions | | | | social aspect of dancing, you want to compete, or |
| will be where, and how? There are several types of | | | | perhaps, you want to become a teacher? |
| studios in the US. Most of them are "independent" | | | | If it is for your wedding - just learn a nice easy basic |
| and offer a variety of dances per a large | | | | dance that both of you can handle - a swing dance is |
| accreditation organization. Or, the studio may be part | | | | always good and fun! Wedding plans are enough |
| of a franchise system such as Fred Astaire Dance | | | | stress on both of you already - don't add dancing to |
| Studio or Arthur Murray Dance studio. Some studios | | | | the mix - make it something you both will enjoy and |
| are very into competitions while others just focus on | | | | easy - your guests will still be impressed! |
| the social aspects of dance instruction - be it for an | | | | Group lessons typically start as a "sampler". That's a |
| upcoming wedding, a social event or just for | | | | six week one night a week class with a different |
| entertainment. Some studios even teach Wheel Chair | | | | dance each time - Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, Cha Cha, |
| Dancing! | | | | Rumba and perhaps a Salsa? It really won't matter. |
| Before you search out a Dance Studio, ask yourself | | | | You'll know by the end of the 6 weeks how you like |
| some good soul searching questions: Why do you | | | | dancing. First things first though - we ALL started |
| want to learn Ballroom dancing? Do you have a | | | | with the classic "2 Left Feet". Do NOT let that |
| partner? Must you have a partner? Do you like to | | | | hamper your enthusiasm to learn and enjoy dancing. |
| Compete? How much can you afford to spend per | | | | Once you get past the 6 week sampler, then they |
| month? Does the studio offer group lessons as well | | | | typically will do a month of each dance to start |
| as privates? How long have the teachers been | | | | expanding your steps, rhythm and knowledge so you |
| there? Is the Owner active in the studio as an actual | | | | start to look good out there! Your group lessons will |
| dancer/instructor? Must I wear Ballroom shoes? | | | | just progress from there. Salsa dancing is becoming |
| Once you've asked and answered these questions of | | | | extremely popular. |
| yourself, you are then ready to look at studios in | | | | Private Lessons are great because you get 100% |
| your area. Don't be afraid to travel a little since the | | | | attention from a dedicated instructor, just for you |
| studio choice will be very important. | | | | and your partner (you can take privates as a "single |
| Some questions for the Studio? | | | | also"). Privates can advance you quicker into the |
| Ok, you've done your research and found several | | | | mainstream of dancing - but will cost considerable |
| studios in your area (you're lucky!) All of the above | | | | more also! Some instructors are very strict on form, |
| questions will help you determine what questions to | | | | posture and steps; others are more into the steps |
| ask the studio. Personally, I feel an "independent | | | | itself. Here's where we start to get particular. If you |
| studio" will have more to offer and won't be quite so | | | | feel you want to compete more than social dance, |
| expensive? Why? They aren't tied into a National | | | | you must have an instructor that knows all the fine |
| Franchise that takes a percentage of the receipts, | | | | points of competitive dancing and can teach it well. If |
| can be very competition oriented, yet not "over the | | | | you are interested in the social area of dancing, the |
| top" with that and usually are well established in the | | | | "steps" will become more important to you. However, |
| community. | | | | once you have memorized and learned the steps, |
| If you are getting into Ballroom to enjoy the social | | | | you will want and need to learn the finer points of |
| aspects, several items are key. Do they offer group | | | | form, styling, posture, etc. |
| lessons? Even if you have a partner, this is a great | | | | Ok - I've learned some dances - now what? |
| way to learn all the different steps and rhythms. | | | | Most of your larger metropolitan areas will have a |
| Group lessons are much easier on the wallet! Plus, | | | | good size ballroom dance hall that everyone goes to. |
| group lessons are more social by their very nature - | | | | Since New York is a huge Ballroom Dance Area, |
| you will switch dance partners throughout the | | | | there are plenty of large dance halls for social |
| lessons. If you are a single person, group lessons are | | | | dancing. If you are in Philadelphia, there is a huge |
| a great way to learn about it, meet lots of great | | | | dance hall called "Stardust Ballroom", just across the |
| people and perhaps someone special! | | | | river into NJ in Bellmawr. The best night there is |
| A very important financial question is how they want | | | | Friday. Get a free group lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 and |
| to be paid! AVOID a studio that wants large amounts | | | | then dance the night away until midnight for only $12 |
| of money at a so called discount - especially from a | | | | a person. |
| teacher itself! There are too many horror stories | | | | A large dance floor is a must! The more you enjoy |
| from people all over going in for a lesson to find the | | | | dancing, the better you'll get. Then you'll find you like |
| studio has closed or the "teacher" is no longer with | | | | to actually take LARGE steps! Small dance halls won't |
| the studio and has your money!! If you want to pay | | | | cut it! Usually members of your group class can be |
| lots of money up front, be sure it is with the | | | | encouraged to go out for a weekend night of social |
| STUDIO and not the teacher - course, still no | | | | dancing - after all, isn't that why you dance!? Basic |
| guarantees on that either. Good studios will work | | | | rule at a dance hall - if you are asked to dance - you |
| very well with you on a daily, weekly or monthly | | | | DO (unless you don't honestly know the steps). It is |
| basis. Just avoid any long term contracts! Do they | | | | a great atmosphere to just dance! Feel free to ask |
| have competition costume rentals available? Do they | | | | any one sitting if they want to dance. The same |
| have dance shoes available? How large is their dance | | | | goes for you, if you are sitting and asked to dance - |
| floor for "socials and parties"? | | | | get up and dance as though you know someone is |
| What kind or type of dancing? | | | | watching - you'll dance better! |
| There are all kinds of reasons to start Ballroom | | | | Enjoy! |
| Lessons - your wedding is coming up and you want | | | | |