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Time and other questions:

What kind of time committment does it take to learn to dance?

Everyone learns at a different pace but I usually find that on average it takes 4 or 5 lessons before people start feeling comfortable with basic steps and transitions for one dance. The more dances and steps we add in the more time it takes. Much of it depends on your dancing goals and your prior dance experience. If you are preparing for a wedding or special event it's best to start as early as you can. Don't wait until the last minute. It is unrealistic to think that one or two lessons will make you proficient at any dance.

It is best if you can establish a goal and then develop a set schedule for learning to dance, once a week for example. By doing this things are more easily remembered and learned more quickly. The more you put into it the faster you will learn. I would be happy to set up a schedule that works best for you.

What type of lessons are available?

  • Private instruction: This is one-on-one with you and your instructor and is personalized for your specific needs.
  • Group instruction: A great supplement to private instruction or a way to help control the budget. Also a great way to try dances you are not currently working on in private lessons, and developing skills with others of similar level.

What styles of dancing do you teach?

American Style Rhythm Unique to the United States the Rhythm dances are considered to be the most authentic to their roots. They include Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Samba, Merengue, and Hustle. Other night club styles such as Lindy and Salsa could also be put in this category.
American Style Smooth These dances capture the flavor of the classic Hollywood musicals. Fox Trot, Waltz, Tango and Viennese Waltz all sweep across the floor with closed and open position movements.
International Style Latin These dances are standardized world wide with some variation in the technique used slightly different from the American Style.  The dances include Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.
International Style Ballroom With the addition of Quick Step, the dances are the same as the American Smooth.  However, once the music starts the traditional closed dance hold is maintained the entire dance.  Again, these are internationally standardized figures.

What class is right for you?

I can help you select the appropriate class for your goals. The classes you attend should be challenging but not overwhelming. Some classes are more geared towards figures and variety while others focus on styling, skill level, and technique.

What kind of curriculum do you teach?

Many studios have their own programs however the material is all basically the same - with some name differences for variations. My primary training works off the NDCA and NDTA syllabus but I also incorporate the DVIDA and USISTD syllabus. With the material you learn here you will be able to dance any dance, with any partner, any where!


What do the different medalist levels mean?

Virtually every dance studio in the world uses a medalist system of teaching. These different medal levels basically represent levels of proficiency whether you are a competitor or social dancer.

  • Novice or Newcomer level dancers are students who are just starting or someone who just needs a quick crash course. Novice dancers have a couple of basic steps in their chosen dances and basic lead/follow and timing skills.
  • Bronze level dancers represent a very competent level of social dancer. Bronze dancers are rehearsed and have a good understanding of lead/follow, rhythm, character of the different dances, and a well-rounded list of variations.
  • Silver level dancers are the type of social dancer’s that stand out in a crowd. They have a very polished quality to their dancing. Many students at this level - if they haven’t already in Bronze - begin exhibition and competition dancing.
  • Gold and Open level dancers are often asked if they are teachers and represent the highest levels of ballroom dancing. For many of these students studying dancing as a life time hobby is a much a part of their dancing as going out social dancing.

 

Connie Reeves • (608) 335-2982 • info@toplinestudio.com