Frequently Asked Questions
Beginners Classes FAQ
When can I start the class?
You can start on any Tues, Sat, or Sun on the monthly schedule which says either Salsa 1, Cha Cha 1, Waltz 1, Tango 1, Foxtrot 1, or Jive 1. In other words, you are welcome to join us as long as it is the first class of that dance. Just click the ‘Monthly Schedule’ icon on the left to see the latest schedule.
Do I need a partner to join?
No, singles and couples are always welcomed. We have been teaching classes for 14 years now and the ratio of ladies to gentlemen is always close to 50/50. Our classes are very popular. The typical attendance on Tues night is about 80 students and about 40 on Sat morning. We can’t always guarantee that you will have a partner. But our 3 instructors will always be there to partner any extra ladies or gentlemen.
How should I dress and do I need to buy dance shoes?
Just come dressed casual and be ready to have fun. There is no need to buy dance shoes at this stage. A lot of people just come with their sneakers. We have a huge cushioned dance floor that can accommodate any type of footwear.
Do you ask people to change partners frequently? I prefer not to do that.
No, we do not ask people to change partners. Once you are paired up with someone (or your regular partner), you will stay with that person for the duration of the lesson. In the entire 10 week (13 hour) course, there is only two three-minute segments in the Waltz and Cha Cha in which we do go through an exercise that involves changing partners every 30 seconds. It is hilarious and students think it is great. So there is nothing to worry about.
What if I don’t have 10 weeks in a row to take dance classes?
Not to worry. You have one full year from the day you registered to use up the 10 lessons. For example, if you missed the Cha Cha lessons because you had to work or go out of town, you can take them on either Tues or Sat or on the next cycle when Cha Cha comes around again. All of our classes are taught on an ongoing basis and the cycle repeats every 10 weeks. We figure you have about 95 chances in a year to take the 10 lessons.
I heard that your classes are always large. Can I come and watch a class and see how you teach first?
Absolutely. In fact, we always recommend that our guests come and check us out first. We have a large sitting area all around the dance floor and our students frequently bring their relatives and friends to come and watch them take a lesson. coffee and tea service is complimentary.
What is the best way to register for your class?
Simply come about 10 to 15 minutes before your first class and present your 2-for-1 coupon or gift card to our reception staff. They will hand you a simple registration form to fill out and you will be done in 5 minutes.
I have taken Beginners classes elsewhere before. Can I join the Bronze I classes instead?
Yes you may providing that what you’ve learnt before was International style ballroom dancing. We always ask people in this situation to come and watch one of the Bronze I classes to see how they fit in first. Without seeing what you know first, it would be difficult for us to determine if the Beginners class would be redundant for you.
I tend to forget half of what I learnt the moment I walk out the door. Got any suggestions?
I would say 80% of students are exactly like you. The same percentage of people do repeat the class a second or even a third time. It is automatically half price when you repeat the class. As they say, “Repetition is the mother of all skill.”
I feel intimidated just thinking about going to a dance studio to take lessons. Any comments to ease my fears?
After having taught 13,000 people to dance since our grand opening in 1994, we know how you feel. At the risk of sounding boastful, we are successful and our classes are consistently well-attended because we know how to put people at ease and make the classes a lot of fun. There will always be 70 or so other people around you who initially feel the same way as you. You will have plently of company but we guarantee you will have fun learning. And as we mentioned before, you are welcome to come and watch a class first. We are sure you will feel a lot better after seeing how we teach a class. So join us and become no. 13,001.
I want to buy the lessons as a gift for my friend. Is there a gift card for this?
Definitely. We sell a lot of these and have them available for online purchase. The gift cards will have a one year expiry date on it. That means you have one year from your purchase date to use it for class registration. Then you have one year from that registration date to finish the class.
Click here for the Beginners Class Gift Card.