Clothing: For the weekly dance lessons casual attire is fine (sweat pants or shorts are too casual). For the special dance parties, you should wear something a bit more formal (business casual and up, you can never overdress for a ballroom dance!).

Shoes: We suggest that you consider dance shoes as they actually make dancing easier, but they are not required. Stay away from rubber sole shoes; they will impair your ability to do turns, and they can mark up the dance floor. Clean hard-soled (leather) shoes are ideal.

Shoes that have been worn outside will track in grime, and damage the dance floor; the dirt can also reduce traction on the dance floor, which can be dangerous!

Although we teach partner dancing, it is never required that you bring your own partner. Many people, both male and female attend lessons on their own, and normally there are enough men and women to pair off in any given class. In addition we change partners frequently during class, so there is no advantage to coming with your own partner. Frequent partner changes in class are an important learning tool for all levels of student.

Our school teaches classes at many different levels. The beginning classes are targeted toward individuals with little or no dance experience who feel just the way you do! Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged – not even the very best dancers learned to dance overnight! As for being clumsy, you’re probably not, but you may feel that way from time to time. Ballroom dancing teaches grace, poise and balance – emphasis on the word teaches – to anyone with the patience and desire to learn. There is likely no better way to overcome feelings of clumsiness than to learn ballroom dancing!

Hints for Beginners:

1. The whole world will not be watching you while you dance. It is important that you get practice as a dancer or you will never become a good one. Everyone who is dancing has his/her own worries and will not be watching you dance; they are more worried about themselves!

2. Don't be afraid of your partner, Gentlemen. She will not break if you are firm in your lead but if you aren't firm then you could step on a toe!

3. Remember ladies, you never step before the man and never lead!

4. Learning to dance is fun, so lighten up and enjoy yourself!

It varies from person to person depending on prior experience with body movement related activities such as sports, other types of dance, martial arts, etc. On average, the following is a rough guideline for most people who follow our program.

• To become a basic level social dancer, most people will take 1-2 lessons a week for 6 months to one year.
• To progress to an intermediate level social dancer most people will take 2 – 4 group lessons a week for one to two years.
• To progress to an advanced social dancer, most people will take 2 – 4 group lessons a week, for 3 – 5 years.

*The time to learn can be accelerated with more lessons and more practice.

Our program requires that people change partners in our classes and practice sessions. Learning to dance in a group class absolutely depends on dancing with different partners. Dancing with different partners enables you to lead or follow different kinds of dancers. It teaches men and women to adjust their lead and follow, it high-lights ones strengths and weaknesses and it will make you a better dancer faster!

If you attend a group class and only dance with one partner, your learning rate will be significantly reduced. Good drivers are experienced with lots of different vehicles, even if the mechanics of driving is the same for all of them.

If you want to dance with only one partner, you should seriously consider private lessons where the instructor can focus on each individual’s dancing. Dance with as many different partners as possible to enhance your dancing, practice your leading, and get the most from your classes!

It is recommended that you take a class that is appropriate to your ability as well as a repeat of the level you just completed, at the same time. This allows you to fully master the material you are already familiar with while you are learning new material. For example if you are taking Novice, you should attend the introduction class at the same time (you will be amazed at how much info got past you the first time.)