Do I need to have a background in dance to learn Ballroom or Latin Dancing?
In many dances like ballet, tap and jazz you have to start at a early age, that is not true for Ballroom and Latin Dancing. Even if you had never danced before, as long as you enjoy doing it or if you’re curious about learning it that’s what really matters.
Do I need to bring a dance partner to the studio?
If you don’t have a dance partner that is not a problem. I will teach you the lady or gentleman’s steps and you will be dancing with me during the lessons.
What is Social Dance? Is it the same as Ballroom and Latin dance?
Social Dancing is knowing a few basic steps in certain dances (usually Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Salsa and Cha Cha) and feeling comfortable performing these basic steps on the dance floor, with the proper posture. That is good to a start in dancing and also for any kind of social events so you can be considered the one who “knows how to dance very well”, and also has the ability to dance with not only his/her dance partner.
Ballroom, Latin, Salsa and Country Western can all be social dances.
When you pick a category or even single dance, within a few classes you will be learning technique also, which makes your dance look great! But it doesn’t mean that is for future competition purposes, which is optional.
How long does it take to learn to dance?
Everyone learns at their own pace. The speed at which you learn is based on past dance experience, the dances you would like to learn and overall level of competency you would like to obtain.
Private lessons are great to fast track your learning; they allow the teacher to focus all their attention just on you and your learning.
What should I wear for a dance class?
In the first few lessons it is not necessary bring practice clothes, just wear something you feel comfortable with. Please try not wearing something sporty, a casual/classic style will look much better when you are dancing than if you bring shorts and t-shirt!
Dance shoes are highly recommended, PortDance dance shoes are available for purchase at our studio. If you already have it, even better, just bring it with you for your lesson.
Why an Independent Studio and not a Franchised Dance Studio?
Most of the franchised dance studios hire people that do not have a background in dance; they are trained to be instructors for Ballroom and Latin, so they will never really know how to explain correctly the way you have to do your steps, or even questions regarding dance technique and performance on the dance floor.
With over 15 years of experience, Patricia will apply all of her knowledge of dance to her students, providing fast results.
Each lesson is customized just for you, I will only teach the dances you want to learn and also can recommend some others you might like.