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Do I need to bring a partner? |
No partner is necessary. Partner dancing classes are taught so that we rotate partners within the class to ensure that you learn as much as possible. Our classes usually are fairly balanced between leaders and followers. If we happen to have an imbalance, extra people just wait in between couples, and you're guaranteed to have a partner in the next rotation. Also the Instructors are available to partner with students if the leader to follower ratio is not even. So it doesn't matter if you come with a partner or alone. |
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What should I wear to the classes? |
Most people come in casual wear. Some dressed up in work attire. You should be wear comfortable and movable clothing attire. Avoid wearing shoes that have thich rubber soles such as sneakers, clogs, flip-flop or combat boots. You will be spinning, and you need to wear shoes with a leather soles, suede soles, very thin rubber bottoms or dress shoes that you normally wear to go out dancing. Some sneakers are OK, but make it DIFFICULT to move your feet. |
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Do I need to buy special shoes? |
No, it is not necessary to buy special dance shoes. However, rubber sole shoes are not recommended because you will stick to the floor. Some ladies find it easier to dance in heels. Again, wear what you are comfortable moving around in. Dance shoes are recommended for the Ladies Styling & Spinning Course. |
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What is the difference between Salsa and Mambo? |
There are many answers to this question, but generally what is accepted is that Salsa is the music you are dancing to and Mambo is the steps you dance too. |
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What does it mean to dance salsa "On 2"? |
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The music we dance to is counted in 2 four beat measures (4/4 time). A "break step" is the step that you change the direction of your momentum. When your break step falls on the second and sixth beat of the music, then you are dancing "On 2". We use the wording "On 2" when describing the NY Style Salsa in which we teach exclusively. |
| I am an intermediate dancer "On 1", what level class should I take? |
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We recommend that you take the beginner level 1 class, and progress according to how well you learn from the ground up. There are many basic fundamental Mambo floor shines dancing "On 2", which are covered in the beginner level 1 and level 2 classes. Once you are familiar and comfortable with those difference, then give the intermediate/advance level chance. |
| What are shines? |
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Shines are solo footwork patterns done by either leader or follower, either completely independently or sometimes within the partnership. Shines are also known as "Floor Work". It allows creativity and expression when you break away from your partner. |
| What if I don't feel comfortable in a group class setting? |
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We recommend that you take private lessons. These are ideal for anyone who: feels shy in group classes, wants to learn quickly, wants to supplement his/her group classes, wants to improve specific aspects of his/her dancing (style, spinning, footwork, timing, etc.), wants to learn something not taught in our group classes (choreography) or simply wants to learn to dance for a special occasion (wedding, anniversary, quinceanera, sweet sixteen, etc.). In your private lesson, your instructor will cover what you want to learn, focus on your problem areas, and work at your own pace. Plus, it can be scheduled at your convience. You are in complete control! |
| Who can learn to dance? |
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Anyone who has the desire can learn to dance. Whatever your level of coordination, you CAN dance! Our studio captivates all ages of people looking to have fun while learning. |
| Are the students all young people? |
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Our range from children as young as 5 to 16. Adults from ages 17 to adults in their 60's and older. We welcome students of all ages. |
| Are there more women or men at the classes? |
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Although it's impossible to predict the ratio for any given class, generally there are roughly the same number of leaders and followers. If there are extra leaders (or followers), the extra leader (or follower) should stand between two couples in the rotation so when the instructor has the students rotate, the extra leader (or follower) will get a partner in the next rotation. |
| How much should I practice? |
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It all depends on your goals and how fast you you'd like to progress. You may practice at one level for a special dance at a wedding or socially. Although it all depends on you, for the best success we recommend to increase your proficiency is to go out dancing and put into practice some of the material that was instructed in class. |
| I have a steady dance partner, do I have to rotate partners? |
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Rotating is not mandatory, but rotating partners has been proven to help your dancing and the learning process. It's necessary to properly learn how to lead and follow. Everyone has a different style, and changing partners will greatly enhance the speed at which you learn. You and your partner are free to stay with each other for the whole class; just be sure to stand slightly outside of the rotation so the people who are rotating will not be confused. |
| What if I signed up for a session of classes and have to miss a class? |
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Once you sign up for a 4 or 8 Week Session and miss a class, you may attend a make up class during the week. You must contact or inform the Instructor(s) of your reservations to make up the class. You may also use the credit of the unused class towards another course. |
| What is the average age of your students? |
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Dancers come in all ages, abilities, sizes, and backgrounds. What they have in common is a love for dancing. |
| I don't know how to dance. Won't I look awkward? |
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No, you'll be surrounded by other people, like yourself, whom have never danced. Remember everyone was a beginner at one time. Most of our course primarily catered to beginners and makes the learning process fun and simple. You can expect nothing less than strong encouragement and support from your instructors and fellow students. And no one gets to be a good dancer without lots of practice and lessons. |
| How long will it take me to learn how to dance? |
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It depends on your abilities, your expectations, and how much time you put into practice. We offer month-long series of lessons dedicated to salsa social dance each month, which should teach you enough to get you on the dance floor with confidence. |
| Sometimes I forget material that was covered in class, Can I videotape the class? |
| We ask that you do not videotape the class, however we understand that you will want to practice what you've learned later, and tape is better than memory. As a compromise, we are willing to videotape you doing the step or turn pattern after class. We'll even make sure that you have it right, and hold the camera for you. |
| Anything else I need to know about classes? |
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Always prepare for dance classes by practicing good etiquette and personal hygiene! Very rarely do dance schools cover these issues but the reason why we cover it is because 95% of our courses cover partner work dancing. Here are a few suggested remedies: Try to shower beforehand, if you sweat alot bring an extra t-shirt along, use generous amounts of deodorant and antiperspirant, a little touch of cologne or perfume is good and nobody forget taking a breath mint will seal the deal. Last but not least come to class with the desire to learn and have fun with other fellow students. All these thoughtful sentiments go a long way. |
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