1154 7th Ave. • Marion, IA • 319-373-3025 • www.DNYIA.com
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Welcome to the exciting hobby of ballroom dancing! Taking dance lessons is fun, exciting, and rewarding. The time you will spend learning will serve you for years to come as you enjoy all the benefits ballroom dancing has to offer. To start you off on your dancing journey, we have compiled some information based upon the most commonly asked questions by new students.
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Q) How do I begin learning?
A) New students are all scheduled for an introductory lesson with an instructor. This is recommended for experienced dancers as well. The instructor will get you acquainted with the studio's system of teaching. This will also give your instructor the opportunity to evaluate your strong and weak areas, and if you already dance, determine your current level of expertise. This introductory lesson also allows the instructor to personalize your lesson and guide you to the proper course of instruction to help you achieve your dance goals. |
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Q) What is Private Instruction?
A) Private instruction is one-on-one learning. Whether you are taking your lessons as a single or a couple, your Instructor will be there with you for the course of your lessons. Private instruction allows you the freedom to move at your own rate of learning. Private lessons are tailored by the instructor to suit the learning needs of the student. These are the lessons that will not only teach you dance patterns, but provide you with and develop all the necessary skills to make you an excellent dancer. |
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Q) What is Group Instruction?
A) Group instruction primarily focuses on your dancing patterns. Group lessons involve multiple people under the direction of one instructor. These classes focus on specific dances, and introduce you to various step patterns. Group classes also provide a great opportunity to practice new skills and techniques acquired during your private lessons. Group lessons generally run for a series of weeks teaching you the patterns offered at a certain level. |
Q) Which is better for me, Private Lessons or Group Lessons?
A) Ideally, a combination of both private and group instruction is the best choice. Because of this, we offer lesson packages at Dance New York that include both private and group lessons at substantially discounted prices compared with purchasing these lessons individually. Since group lessons primarily deal with step patterns, the private lessons become necessary to develop the proper skills of partnership (leading & following).
Private lessons work especially well for people with specific goals & needs, or for people with varying schedules which make attending regular group classes difficult. Private lessons also allow the instructor to personalize your lesson and proceed at a speed comfortable for you.
Q) How often should I take a lesson?
A) Because you are new to dancing, the frequency of your initial lessons is key to your success. When you first begin, we recommend a minimum of 2 lessons per week. This will help you retain your information easily and make better progress. The less time spent reviewing material from a lesson a week ago (or more) means more time spent learning new patterns and techniques.
Q) How do I practice my dancing?
A) Our studio will provide you with the opportunity to practice. Regularly scheduled practice sessions and social events are an important part of your learning. Practice parties give you the chance to dance in a supervised "nightclub" atmosphere. This supervised environment will help you recognize one dance from another, dance with multiple partners, and learn to maneuver on a crowded dance floor. You shouldn't wait until you think you are good enough to attend a practice session. Going to these sessions right away will help you build your confidence and become better, faster. In addition, practice parties and social events are a great way to meet new people who share your dancing hobby!
Q) Do I wear anything special for my lessons?
A) It is recommended that you wear clothing that will give you freedom of movement. Many women find loose slacks or a full skirt to be most comfortable. Men find sport shirts or polos and loose slacks the most comfortable. Jeans and sweat clothes are not recommended.
Q) What are the right shoes to wear?
A) Shoes with a thin, flexible sole are best for men. Women can wear any type of dress shoe that is comfortable and keeps your feet securely in your shoe. Flip-flops and sandals are NOT recommended. Also, walking shoes with thick soles or rubber soles, sneakers, and athletic shoes are not recommended for dancing. Although comfortable, this footwear will impede your ability to use your feet properly for dancing, and may even encourage injury. Special footwear designed for dancing in a variety of styles is available from many sources. Inquire with your instructor or at the front desk if you are interested in purchasing proper dance shoes.
Q) What if I need to cancel a lesson?
A) We realize there may be occasions when your scheduled appointment may not be convenient. We can change your appointment to a more appropriate time, however we do ask that you provide the studio with 24 hours notice when rescheduling. This allows your instructor to accommodate another student in your original time slot. The studio reserves the right to charge those students who cancel their lessons on short notice.