Group Classes are a great opportunity to learn new patterns and techniques, to strengthen the bond between two people or to just enjoy each other's company. Group classes are also a great way for singles to meet other people and make new friends. Either way, everyone is learning a skill and getting some exercise. Group classes are also a great way to reinforce what you are learning in private lessons.
How Group Classes Work:
Group classes are scheduled weekly. Click here for our group class schedule. Each class is 50 minutes long and there is no need to sign up ahead in advance. Group classes focus on one or two dance styles. Each group class instructor has their own specfic teaching style, but will generally follow a similar format. The instructor will separate the men and women and teach each group their steps, then the men and women will pair up and learn to dance the steps together. The instructor will also demonstrate and answer questions. One of ballroom dancing most wonderful aspects is that it is performed with a partner, but one of the biggest problems with ballroom dancing is that it is danced with a partner! Steps that were easy to dance alone often become difficult when with another person. Your instructor will help you sort through so that each couple can work together as a team.
Changing Partners in Group Classes:
Changing partners in a group class setting can be intimidating. However, this is an important part of learning to dance. Because these dances are improvised rather than a couple performing memorized choreography, changing partners helps to improve the skills of leading and following. Also if a dancer is struggling with a concept, dancing with other people who have already learned it will help. Couples who refuse to change partners can fall behind in class. Dancing with different partners is common at ballroom dances and is part of the fun of the sport.
Cost of Group Classes:
For our Wednesday evening group classes cost is $12 per person, or you can purchase a package of 10 lessons for $100. Students who also take private lessons are able to take the Wednesday evening group classes for free the week of their lesson. The Silver Level Fox Trot/Waltz class is $15 per person, or you can purchase a package of 10 lessons for $120.
What to Wear to Group Classes:
We suggest general wear that isn't restrictive. You won't be working on extension of your steps to start, but steps in Standard/Smooth are somewhat longer than normal walking stride, so even your most comfortable jeans and some dresses/skirts will be uncomfortable while dancing. The most challenging and important thing is the shoes. Ballroom shoes have a thin sueded leather sole to give enough traction to avoid slipping, give a good feel of the floor, and at the same time they have enough slip to allow you to pivot on either the ball or heel. Don't have a pair of ballroom shoes or not ready to invest in them yet? Pick a sole that isn't rubber or rubberized. Some synthetic soles are very slick. If you have something with plain leather soles, that's close enough. For women, you'll also need a back, or at least a slingback on the shoes. Any decent compromise you come up with will be OK for your first series of lessons. And if you have a good pair of shoes to do, you should build up from there for your clothes rather than matching less suitable shoes to more desirable clothes. Your feet will be important!
The most important thing to remember about group ballroom dancing lessons is that everyone is there for the same reason: to learn to dance. Everyone is in it together.