1) Do I need experience to take lessons?
2) Do I need a partner to take lessons?
3) What should I wear for my dance lesson?
4) How much can I learn in one private lesson?
5) How much can I learn in a group class?
6) How much can I learn in six introductory private lessons?
7) How much do dance lessons cost?
8) Do you teach children or teenagers?
9) Do I have to compete to take lessons at The Ballroom Dance Company?
10) What is the most effective way to learn to dance?
No. All dancers start as newcomers. The more you practice through attending dances and taking lessons, the better you will become.
No. You will take your private Lessons with a teacher, and your group Lessons with a group of people of similar skill level. Some couples also choose to take private lessons separately, each with their own instructor. Others take them together with one instructor.
Everyday attire is appropriate for dancing. A lightweight dress shoe with socks or nylons is best if you do not have ballroom dance shoes (you can buy dance shoes in Portland at the Glass Slipper at 3106 NE Broadway). Please do not wear sneakers, rubber-soled shoes or metal spike-heel shoes.
After one lesson, a new dancer can learn several figures and link
them together in combination to successfully dance an entire song.
With experience you will learn faster in the future.
Though advanced dancers may learn many figures over the course of one private lesson,
they usually choose to focus on only a few concepts or figures in each
Private Lesson
with the intent of perfecting technique and "looking good."
Studens who take
Just make sure to be courteous (speak softly, stay out of the way) of the individuals
who are currently taking lessons.
Individuals and couples who take the time to practice will retain the most information.
A group class may be a little overwhelming for a newcomer dancer with no dance experience. If you are a newcomer who will learn to dance exclusively through group lessons and not privates, we encourage you to switch partners as often as possible during your group classes, and attend as many social dances as possible. Experienced dancers will learn a series of figures in each group class, and will learn some technique associated with those figures. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions during all Group Classes. Also, the 10 minutes after class are dedicated practice time, where you can ask other students in the class, or your teacher, questions associated with the class. Students who take group classes at The Ballroom Dance Company may practice for free during the following week (during studio hours): 7am-11pm Monday-Thursday, 7am-1am Fridays, 9am-1am Saturdays, 9am-11pm Sundays. Make sure to remain in the assigned practice ballroom, be courteous (speak softly, take turns playhing music) to others practicing in the ballroom. If an instructor is teaching a private lesson in the room during your practice time, do not play your personal practice music. Individuals and couples who take the time to practice will retain the most information.
After six Private Lessons a newcomer can get the basics down in 3 dances. Or if you prefer, you will focus on one style to maximize your execution of that single dance on the floor. If you choose to learn multiple dances, we show you how to inter-relate similar patterns in multiple dances. Imagine yourself not having to sit out another dance! This helps you reinforce one particular dance because you've adapted that same step in another dance. Students who take private lessons may practice for free in our studio the following week during studio hours: 7am-11pm Monday-Thursday, 7am-1am Fridays, 9am-1am Saturdays, 9am-11pm Sundays. Make sure to remain in the assigned practice ballroom, be courteous (speak softly, take turns playhing music) to others practicing in the ballroom. If an instructor is teaching a private lesson in the room during your practice time, do not play your personal practice music. Individuals and couples who take the time to practice will retain the most information.
Beginning lessons are available to suit any budget. Group lessons are the most inexpensive method to learning, though some people prefer the privacy and one-on-one attention that only private lessons offer. We also recommend attending as many Dances as possible to regularly execute figures you learn in lessons. These dances cost between $5-$15 per person, and usually include a free introductory group lesson hosted by various local teachers. Our Sunday Evening Dances cost just $5, and begin with a free beginner level group lesson 7-7:30pm.
We teach private lessons to people of all ages, including children. We provide weekly Group Classes for Children (5 years and older) Tuesdays 4-5pm and Saturdays 11am-noon. Advanced kids classes run Tuesdays 5-6pm and Saturdays noon-1pm. Instructor pre-approval is required for advanced class participation. Children over 100 pounds may attend Adult Group Classes. Teens with valid student ID recieve a $3 student discount in adult group classes. This means they only pay $10 for an entire 5-week beginning adult class series. Children under 100 pounds may participate in adult classes with instructor pre-approval. They must bring a size-appropriate partner (another child within 15 pounds of their own size).
No. We do teach competition level ballroom dancing and offer many opportunities for students interested in performing and Competing. But we also enjoy teaching beginners and social dancers in ballroom plus a variety of other dance styles.
Taking lessons with the Ballroom Dance Company of course!
We recommend a comprehensive program of Private Lessons,
Group Classes, and Social Dances.
If possible, taking group classes and/or private lessons twice a week enables individuals and couples
to learn quickly and retain what you learn.
Most importantly: practice every night, even if it is just for a few minutes in your kitchen!
For individuals or couples who want to take their dancing beyond social enjoyment or impressing friends
at parties (which you will do!)...we recommend attending and participating in ballroom dance
competition.
Dancesport Competitions
are held throughout the region, country, and world.
We will advise students on when and where to compete after discussing
your personal goals.