Q: Do I need to have a partner for my class or lesson? Is there an additional cost?
A: You do not need to bring a partner. In most studios, group classes the teacher rotates partners so that everyone has a chance to dance, and has a variety of lead and follow experiences. In private lessons, if you do not have a partner your teacher will dance with you. The price for group classes is per person; the price for a private lesson is the same for two people as it is for one person.
Q: How long do I need to study?
A: The amount of time you will need to study depends on three factors: your learning pace; your dancing goal; and the amount of time you are able to practice between sessions. For instance, if you are preparing for the first dance at your wedding reception, you will want to study using your specific song and to concentrate on figures appropriate to your first dance. On the other hand, if you are a quick learner who wants to learn only East Coast swing for an upcoming event, with plenty of time to practice between sessions, you could learn enough to enjoy an evening of dance within two to three months of group classes or approximately five to seven private lessons. At the other extreme, someone who is interested in pursuing a competitive career and achieving a high level of skill in several dances will study for a lifetime.
Q: What should I wear for a dance class?
A: Most studios have no specific dress code; your first priority should be comfort. Wear clothing that isn’t constricting, but easy to move in. Sneakers or rubber-soled shoes are not ideal footwear because they grip the floor, making it difficult to turn, so leather-soled shoes are better. You don’t have to purchase special dance shoes. Ladies should avoid skirts that are too tight or short to move in with comfort. Many of our students come straight from work and wear their work clothes, which are fine.
Q: Should I take group classes or private lessons?
A: There are advantages to both forms of study, and ideally you should experience both. Group classes afford a student more opportunities for social interaction and social dancing (i.e., dancing with several different people), thus improving "real-world" lead and follow skills. Group classes are also a good venue for learning basic patterns. Of course, the drawback to group classes is a lack of personal, one-on-one attention. If you are preparing to learn to dance to a specific song, for instance, your wedding song, you will of course need private lessons. Private lessons are also ideal for developing and improving your dance posture, basic movement skills, and "fixing" whatever elements are in need of improvement in your own dancing.