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Are You New To Dancing?
A Guide To Ballroom Dancing
Congratulations on your decision to take Ballroom and Latin dance lessons! The ballroom dance world can be a bit intimidating, especially for people new to dancing. Fear not, Planet Ballroom is here to guide you into this exciting, life changing experience!
Types of Dance Lessons
Private Dance Lessons: Most ballroom dance studios are private lesson focused. The reason is that ballroom dancing can be very frustrating to learn in a group setting. Couples taking lessons together can largely benefit from a third party to help guide their learning. Singles absolutely need a professional to dance with on a regular basis to ensure correct technique. Many people shy away from private instruction, fearful of the cost. However, the speed and quality of learning in a one on one setting is well worth the cost! For a comparison, think of taking group class piano lessons. That wouldn’t work out very well.
Group Dance Classes: Almost all ballroom dance studios offer group classes. The best approach to taking group classes is to take them while you are taking private lessons. Group classes offer a great way to get extra practice with the steps and techniques you are learning on your private lessons. Group classes are also an excellent way to practice leading and following skills. Even couples should change partners on a regular basis to help with this.
Practice Dances: Many ballroom dance studios offer regular practice dance parties. These are generally lots of fun and a great way to practice dancing in a normal social setting. Most new students are often nervous to attend, waiting until they know how to dance before attending. These dances actually teach you to dance! Even if you only know one or two steps, the practice time will greatly increase your learning speed.
What to look for in a Ballroom Dance Studio
Introductory Dance Specials: Most ballroom dance studios offer some sort of introductory offer or special. It’s a great way to not only get started ballroom dancing, but to see how dance lessons fit into your life before making a long term commitment.
Dance Lesson Prices: When calling around for a ballroom dance studio that’s right for you, don’t worry about simply getting the lowest price over the phone. The ballroom dance world is largely a ‘you get what you pay for’ industry. Price shopping over the phone doesn’t necessarily help. The best way to shop studios is to take advantage of their special offer. Go to the studio and talk with their teachers and see the facility for yourself. Whatever studio feels best is quite possibly the best studio for you!
Dance Franchise or Independent Dance Studio: Don’t be too concerned about whether or not a studio is a franchise or an independent business. Franchises of the same name can be great in one city, yet not so great in another. The same is true for independent studios. Every dance studio is a direct reflection of its owner, not its business name. Again, try out several studios in your area and stick with the one that makes you the most comfortable.
Dance Contracts/Dance Enrollment Agreements: All franchise studios and perhaps a third of independent studios use some form of contractual agreement for dance lessons. Many new students are cautious to sign a contract. However, it’s important to remember that contract is simply a document that states the terms of the transaction. With a contract, you know where the studio stands on issues like refunds, lesson cancellation policies and lesson expiration times. If you don’t have an agreement in writing you run the risk of not getting your money back if you need a refund. With a contract, you at least know what to expect. Dance lessons are not tangible, so it’s very important to understand what you are getting for your money. If a studio does not use a contract, you should at least talk with the studio owner about these issues. Be more cautious of any business that takes your money without proper documentation.
More on Dance Contracts: If you are hesitant to sign a contract because of the commitment factor, then remember that good things come to those that commit! You can’t expect good results if you don’t commit to learn. Universities, for example, require you to commit to a semester rather than just one class at a time. So, don’t be afraid to commit to your dancing! It will be one of the best commitments you make in your lifetime.
Other Questions to Ask a Dance Studio:
How long is each dance lesson?
Are weekend dance lessons available?
Are children or teens welcome?
Are children or teens intermingled in dance classes with adults?
Is alcohol served?
Are the weekly dance parties open to the public or reserved for students only?
Dance Showcases: A showcase is similar to a dance recital. Most ballroom dance studios hold one or more showcases per year. The idea with a showcase is to give students the opportunity to perform and show off their dancing. Students pick a dance and a song for their showcase number. Generally, specific and unique choreography is taught for the showcase.
Dance Competitions/DanceSport: The word ‘DanceSport’ is the term for competitive Ballroom and Latin dancing. This term was coined during the debate to have ballroom dance become an Olympic Sport and is now widely used in the dance world. Students wishing to compete should absolutely try it out! Ballroom dance competitions are a once in a lifetime experience filled with glamour, excitement, and energy!
Dance Shoes: Dance shoes are a must for anyone taking ballroom dance lessons. Street shoes are difficult to dance in and are either provides too much or too little grip. Ballroom dance shoes have suede soles which is perfect for dancing on hardwood or laminate floors.
Dance Practice Wear: Like dance shoes, practice dance wear provides a much better dance experience. Dance clothes move and stretch much better than normal everyday clothes.
Competition Dance Dresses & Dance Gowns: Ladies dance dresses and gowns, as well as men’s suits and Latin costumes, are an important part of the ballroom dance competition experience. Unlike normal clothes that can become untucked and disheveled, competition dance wear stays put and moves with you. Men’s Ballroom suits and Latin pants and shirts are a good investment for gentlemen dancers and are generally not too expensive. Ladies gowns and dresses can be quite expensive, indeed. Make sure that you are committed to competitive dance before making a purchase. Planet Ballroom offers ladies dance dresses and gowns for rent, which can save thousands of dollars. We strongly discouraged purchasing cheap dresses or gowns on the internet. While a rare good deal can be found, more often than not, cheap dresses and gowns look bad on the dance floor and fall apart quickly. It’s better to rent until you are ready to purchase a quality dress/gown. Most dress vendors have consignment gowns for sale and will also buy back most dresses from you when you are ready for something new.
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Singles absolutely need a professional to dance with on a regular basis to ensure correct technique. Many people shy away from private instruction, fearful of the cost. However, the speed and quality of learning in a one on one setting is well worth the cost! For a comparison, think of taking group class piano lessons. That wouldn’t work out very well.
