Dance Sophisticates - Getting Started / Lesson Planning

Getting Started / Lesson Planning Claudia and Gordon - Social dance students

The hardest part about learning to dance is the initial decision to get started. Many people are reluctant to take lessons because they think they have two left feet. This is a widespread misconception. Anyone can learn to dance! All it takes is patience, practice and good instruction.

Important information to share

We strive to help our students feel comfortable and confident on the dance floor by tailoring our instruction to fit the student’s dance level and interests. It is important to discuss your dance goals with your instructor so that she can help you design a program which best meets your needs. Some information to share:

if you are preparing for a special event

the kind of music that is likely to be played

the kind of music you enjoy dancing to

the size of the dance floor

if you will be changing partners frequently

if you wish to participate in Dancesport competitions

How many lessons to plan

The number of lessons you will need depends on many factors. These include the number of dances you are interested in learning, your dancing experience, the level of proficiency you would like to achieve, the time available for practice, and your personal learning style. We find that about five to six figures per dance will give you a working repertoire. It takes the average beginning-level couple about six to eight hours of focused instruction in one dance to feel at ease on a crowded dance floor. However, some students meet their dancing goals sooner, others never want to stop learning. At Dance Sophisticates you are not required to sign up in advance for a package of lessons or a series of classes. You can purchase both group and private lessons individually and add more instruction as you go.

What to wear

A frequent concern of new students is what to wear. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Medium to low-heeled shoes with smooth or leather soles are ideal. Sandals are not the best choice since they don’t protect your toes. Very high heels may look delightful, but can result in sore feet and shaky balance. Backless shoes, although very popular, can easily slip off your feet and therefore can disturb your rhythm. Thick, rubber- soled shoes are not a good idea since they tend to grip the floor and can put strain on your joints when you are turning. Don’t let your shoes spoil your fun! Bring some comfortable shoes to dance in; you can change them before you leave. Your feet will thank you, and your partner probably will too! During the winter months it is advisable to bring an extra pair of shoes to ware during your lesson. This will keep our floor looking new and clean.

How to make fast progress

A combination of group classes and private lessons combined with frequent practice sessions is the best way to build your knowledge and skill. One important habit to cultivate is to practice for a few minutes soon after your lesson. Students who take the time to practice make the fastest gains toward proficiency!

Next steps

Be good to your mind and body!