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Q: Do I need to have a partner?
A: No, unless it is specifically stated you do not need a partner as
we change partners frequently in class.
Q: If I come with a partner can we stay together?
A: Of course! If you would like to stay together than just tell the
teacher at the beginning of class and the others will know to pass you when we
rotate partners.
Q: Which is the easiest dance to learn?
A: To this there is only one answer...it depends! Some people find
salsa easy and swing difficult and others find it the opposite. I believe
it comes down to what feels most natural to your body. The only way to
find out is to try it.
Q: Which dance should I try first?
A: I would listen to the music if there is a style you really
love that might be one way to choose. Or perhaps you have an idea about a
dance that piques your interest...go for it!
Q: What is the difference between Argentine tango and ballroom
tango?
A: Argentine tango and ballroom tango are completely different
dances. Not only do they differ in technique and look, but the music and
the way that they are taught is very different. While ballroom tango is
taught in a very structured way with specific step patterns to memorize,
Argentine tango is more like a complex slow dance. It is completely
improvised and the main emphasis in the beginning is leading and following using
a more improvisational format as its structure.
Both forms can be highly stylized and dramatic but Argentine tango is more
dramatic in a sensual and passionate way whereas the ballroom tends be dramatic
in a more violent and antagonistic way.
Q: What kind of clothes should I wear?
A: While you can dance in anything, in class I would
suggest loose fitting clothing that does not restrict your movement. At a
more formal dance it is fun to dance in a skirt and heels but just make sure it
is a skirt that does not prohibit taking a large back or side step.
Q: Do I need special shoes?
A: We do bring back special shoes from Argentina once a year
which we make available to our students for purchase but if you follow the advice in the
answer below you will not need to spend extra money to buy shoes for class.
Q: What type of shoes should I wear?
A: Something with a smooth sole. There is nothing worse
than trying to turn and your feet sticking to the floor! guys:
no tennis shoes or rubber soled shoes. A dress shoe with a hard leather
sole works best. Some people put duck tape on the bottom of their tennis
shoes and that can work but than they become you dance class shoes!
NO Flip Flops
ladies: no tennis shoes (unless you do the duck tape thing...see above in
guys notes) no sling backs or mules. You think they will stay on your feet
but once you start dancing this will just not be the case. Leather soled
heels or flats are great. NO Flip Flops
Q: What is the best way to become a better dancer?
A: Try to keep these general principles in mind ...
1) Practice both with a partner and by yourself using exercises to improve
your balance and ability to pivot while maintaining your balance.
Independent practice is just as important as practicing with a partner.
2) Dance as much as you can with as many partners as possible.
3) Take class from good teachers who inspire you, expect the best of you but who
still let you have a little fun :)
4) Seek feedback about your dancing (it is easier to to take than a refusal when
asking another to dance) .
5) Remember your goal is to become a good dancer. This does not mean you
have to look like a carbon copy of your teacher or other good dancers in your
community. Find a style that works for you and on you.
6) Do not forget you thought this would be fun...let it stay fun and do not be
too hard on yourself.
7) If you are taking as a couple remember to be gentle with each others
feelings. Let the teacher teach and concentrate on your own part instead
of "helping" your partner. It very rarely helps either one of you and
often causes resentment which kills all possible future dancing fun.
Q: I am just a beginner, will the better dancers dance with me?
A: Most better dancers will dance occasionally with beginners.
It depends on many things...if they have been gone a while and they are catching
up with their dancing friends they might only dance with their friends.
Someone may take a personal interest in you and you might find yourself dancing
all the time. Most importantly you can not forget that it is a social dance scene
and there are many variables. It is always a good
idea to come earlier in the night as a beginner because you are most likely to
get more dances with the better dancers earlier in the evening. The other
thing is to talk to some people from class and come together and dance together.
If you stick with it you will all eventually be the better dancers in the
community and with any luck, you will also dance occasionally with the beginners.
Q: Is it ok for a girl to ask a guy to dance?
A: It depends on the guy. Some guys love to be asked!
Some guys hate it. I know that as a leader I like to match the music and
the partner together so I would prefer to do the asking. But generally I
would say it is safe to ask a guy once (which lets him know you are interested
in dancing) but then to let him ask you the next time. If he never
asks...well no worries keep on practicing he will some day! And most
importantly remember that everyone has the right to refuse a dance for any
reason and that we have to take a yes and a no with equal grace.
Q: If I miss a class can I get a refund or make it up in some way?
A: In the case of refunds: If you take your first class and find
it not to your liking or what you were looking for, either tell us at the end of
class or contact us the next day and we will refund you promptly minus a
single class charge. This is the only time a refund will be issued.
Contact us by calling 314-324-0887 or through Roxanne on the contact us page.
B: In the case of make up lessons: If there is another class at your level in the same
style (or 1 below) you may do a makeup in that class as long as you take it at
any time during the session/time frame that you are enrolled in. So for
example if you are registered for February Salsa 1 than you must make up missed
classes in February at another salsa 1 class. If you were registered for
salsa 2 than you can make up missed classes in February salsa 1 or 2 classes
(perhaps week 4 of the salsa 1 class if there is only 1 salsa 2 class being
offered that month). Please contact the studio manager, Roxanne, to make
arrangements. If there are no classes available for you to do a make up
than there will be no compensation so please take that into consideration when
registering for class.
C: If you register for a class and do not show or call after week 1
we will not refund or credit your class. If you call us promptly
because you are unable to make a class you registered we would be delighted to
either refund you or credit you for the class.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Currently, we are hosting classes in Webster Groves (our main
facility) but also have classes in Overland at Lindberg and Dorsett.
Q: Do you have one on one lessons available?
A: We do offer private lessons in addition to private group classes that
can be scheduled at you convenience Monday through Saturday. Contact
Roxanne at 314-324-0887 to schedule a lesson with the teacher of your choice.
Cost of private lessons is the same for a single or a couple but prices can vary
from teacher to teacher.
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