Question: What if I have never taken a dance class before?
Answer: Many of our group classes are for beginners and have been designed for those students who have little, or no training in that specific style of dance. We recommend that you start at this level and progress to higher-level classes when you become more comfortable.
Question: Do I need a partner to take dance lessons?
Answer: NO – you do not need a partner. Group classes rotate partners and private lessons are with an instructor. Ballroom dancing is a great way to increase your social activities and meet many new people.
Question: Do I need dance shoes?
Answer: NO – you do not need dance shoes. It is recommended that you wear comfortable and smooth soled (leather) shoes for your dance lessons. Most people, as they progress with their dancing, do choose to purchase shoes made especially for ballroom dancing. They are lighter, more flexible, and have suede soles and heels.
Question: What are the American Style Smooth, Rhythm and Social Dances?
Answer:
Smooth: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz
Rhythm: Rumba, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Merengue, West Coast Swing, Samba
Social: Night Club Two-Step, Salsa, Hustle, Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop
Question: How do private lessons work?
Answer: Private lessons can be taken in any style of dance. Privates give you one-on-one instruction. This provides for more focused attention, with greater emphasis on style and technique, as well as the opportunity to advance your dance skills more rapidly, than in group sessions. Private lessons can be booked for one or more lessons.
What is a Syllabus?
Syllabus of 'school figures' as they are sometimes called, are often likened to ice skating's compulsory figures. They are small patterns of steps that embody the primary elements of the dance. These figures, or patterns, are generally split into three escalating levels of difficulty, often designated as 'Bronze', 'Silver', or 'Gold' levels. This method enables the student to master each level before moving up to the next, more challenging level. The diligent study and practice of these elements at each level will produce a capable, well-rounded dancer.
The DVIDA Syllabus:
With over five years of continued development, the Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA) Syllabus has been created by the top experts in the DanceSport industry. The DVIDA program will enhance your knowledge of steps and skill in executing them while creating the excitement of being able to advance from one skill level to the next in an organized, easy to understand system that is destined for worldwide recognition. DVIDA's mission is to provide professionals and social dancers alike with the most comprehensive, up-to-date collection of materials on the market today. The DV|IDA Syllabus is recognized as one of the approved syllabi of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA).
What is the difference between American Style and International Style?
American Style is most popular in the United States, whereas the International Style, which is also known as the English Style, is danced throughout the rest of the world. The 'American Style Smooth' dances - Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz - experience more freedom and expression. They may be danced in closed or open position, allowing for additional innovative tricks and creative arm and hand styling. The 'International Style Standard' - Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quckstep, and Viennese Waltz - are danced only in closed position. The technique for both styles is similar. The 'American Style Rhythm' dances - Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Samba, Mambo, Bolero, and Merengue - have a greater variety of patterns, and are more suited for social dancing. The 'International Style Latin' - Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive - are more disciplined and technical. The technique is different between the styles and changes throughout the years. American Style dancing has always been more popular for social dancing in the United States.
Have a question not answered here? Please e-mail me and I will answer it personally.
Answer: Many of our group classes are for beginners and have been designed for those students who have little, or no training in that specific style of dance. We recommend that you start at this level and progress to higher-level classes when you become more comfortable.
Question: Do I need a partner to take dance lessons?
Answer: NO – you do not need a partner. Group classes rotate partners and private lessons are with an instructor. Ballroom dancing is a great way to increase your social activities and meet many new people.
Question: Do I need dance shoes?
Answer: NO – you do not need dance shoes. It is recommended that you wear comfortable and smooth soled (leather) shoes for your dance lessons. Most people, as they progress with their dancing, do choose to purchase shoes made especially for ballroom dancing. They are lighter, more flexible, and have suede soles and heels.
Question: What are the American Style Smooth, Rhythm and Social Dances?
Answer:
Smooth: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz
Rhythm: Rumba, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Merengue, West Coast Swing, Samba
Social: Night Club Two-Step, Salsa, Hustle, Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop
Question: How do private lessons work?
Answer: Private lessons can be taken in any style of dance. Privates give you one-on-one instruction. This provides for more focused attention, with greater emphasis on style and technique, as well as the opportunity to advance your dance skills more rapidly, than in group sessions. Private lessons can be booked for one or more lessons.
What is a Syllabus?
Syllabus of 'school figures' as they are sometimes called, are often likened to ice skating's compulsory figures. They are small patterns of steps that embody the primary elements of the dance. These figures, or patterns, are generally split into three escalating levels of difficulty, often designated as 'Bronze', 'Silver', or 'Gold' levels. This method enables the student to master each level before moving up to the next, more challenging level. The diligent study and practice of these elements at each level will produce a capable, well-rounded dancer.
The DVIDA Syllabus:
With over five years of continued development, the Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA) Syllabus has been created by the top experts in the DanceSport industry. The DVIDA program will enhance your knowledge of steps and skill in executing them while creating the excitement of being able to advance from one skill level to the next in an organized, easy to understand system that is destined for worldwide recognition. DVIDA's mission is to provide professionals and social dancers alike with the most comprehensive, up-to-date collection of materials on the market today. The DV|IDA Syllabus is recognized as one of the approved syllabi of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA).
What is the difference between American Style and International Style?
American Style is most popular in the United States, whereas the International Style, which is also known as the English Style, is danced throughout the rest of the world. The 'American Style Smooth' dances - Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz - experience more freedom and expression. They may be danced in closed or open position, allowing for additional innovative tricks and creative arm and hand styling. The 'International Style Standard' - Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quckstep, and Viennese Waltz - are danced only in closed position. The technique for both styles is similar. The 'American Style Rhythm' dances - Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Samba, Mambo, Bolero, and Merengue - have a greater variety of patterns, and are more suited for social dancing. The 'International Style Latin' - Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive - are more disciplined and technical. The technique is different between the styles and changes throughout the years. American Style dancing has always been more popular for social dancing in the United States.
Have a question not answered here? Please e-mail me and I will answer it personally.