+ What is ballroom dancing?
Ballroom dancing refers to a set of partner dances often danced socially or competitively. The term usually refers to the ten International Style dances (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Samba, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive) or nine American Style dances (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, and Mambo), though many Nightclub Dances (Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Nightclub Two-Step, Hustle, Salsa, and Merengue) are also included in the categorization.
+ Can anyone dance?
Yes! While factors such as injuries, age, chronic health conditions, etc. should be considered and carefully managed during any type of physical activity, we believe anyone and everyone can gain a level of proficiency in the art of ballroom dance.
+ What if I've never danced before?
No problem! It's never too late to start learning. Ballroom dancing has been shown to improve balance, muscle tone, decision making, coordination, and social skills. It has also been shown to be the single most effective activity in preventing the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. Ballroom dance incorporates valuable skills that can be improved upon at any age.
+ How long will it take before I can dance socially?
Being able to dance socially is the goal of many students of ballroom dance. There are varying degrees of proficiency at which individuals feel comfortable enough to dance socially. One of the goals of Move with Grace is to work with students in building confidence, stamina, and grace in addition to the steps or patterns of each dance. Whether it takes a few weeks, or several months, Move with Grace will give you the tools you need to step out onto the dance floor with confidence.
+ Do I need a partner?
You never need a partner for any group or private lesson. During private lessons, your instructor can act as your partner. During group lessons, you will rotate partners regularly. This helps students learn to lead and follow and prevents inconsistencies from developing in their dancing. Many students attend group lessons without partners.
+ What type of lessons should I take - group or private?
Most people learn best when they take a combination of group and private lessons. Group lessons will introduce you to new steps and new partners and help you to improve your following and leading. Private lessons allow your instructor to focus on the specifics of your dancing, helping you to improve quickly. Of course, the ideal combination of classes differs based on your experience, preferences, and objectives, so we will work together to figure out the best combination of lessons for you!
+ What should I wear to my dance lesson?
Clothes should be comfortable and allow for freedom of movement. You might also want to avoid wearing anything that could get caught or pulled while dancing.
Your shoes should be comfortable, preferably with leather or smooth soles. Thick, rubber-soled shoes tend to grip the floor, making it difficult to dance and putting strain on your ankles and knees. Wedges and shoes with open backs can also make it difficult to dance and hurt your joints. For women, flexible, flat or low- to medium-heeled shoes are best. For men, flat-soled dress shoes are best.
+ What styles of dance do you teach?
Move With Grace teaches over thirty styles of dance, including:
American Style Smooth
- Waltz
- Tango
- Foxtrot
- Viennese Waltz
American Style Rhythm
- Cha Cha
- Rumba
- East Coast Swing
- Bolero
- Mambo
International Style Standard
- Waltz
- Tango
- Foxtrot
- Viennese Waltz
- Quickstep
International Style Latin
- Samba
- Cha Cha Cha
- Rumba
- Paso Doble
- Jive
Nightclub, Latin Club, and Other Dances
- Nightclub Two-Step
- Hustle
- Shag
- Salsa
- Merengue
- Bachata
- Argentine Tango