Frequently Asked Questions
I have two left feet! How hard is it to learn to dance?
If you can walk, you can dance. Dancing is like walking in time to the music. The basic
steps are forward, backward, and to the side. Sometimes you put your heel down first, sometimes
you stay on the balls of your feet. If you can do that, you can dance!
What if I have no rhythm?
Learning to find the beat in the music is part of learning to dance. Have you ever tapped your
foot to a catchy tune? That's moving with the beat -- part of your natural rhythm. We will teach you
how to find the beat and take your steps in time with the music.
What music can I dance to?
Classical to Modern, Rock to HipHop, we dance to a wide range of music. From Frank Sinatra to Smash Mouth,
Duke Ellington to Enya, Rosemay Clooney to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. There are good dance numbers
from Sting, Gloria Estefan, Toni Braxton, Linda Ronstadt, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Marc Anthony,
Sarah Vaughn, Chris Isaak, Shakira, and many more.
What if I don't have a partner?
Your instructor will serve as your partner for lessons. You can also meet other local dancers at our
group classes and weekly parties.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement. Most parties are casual, but we do have formals
several times a year. You should wear comfortable dress shoes (but not sneakers, unless they are dance sneakers).
Leather soles are best (rubber/non-skid soles don't let you slide your feet or spin). Ladies should be aware
that many of their steps will be taken going backwards, so backless shoes like mules or slides don't work
well (something with an ankle or instep strap is best). If you get into dancing seriously, you will want
to buy dance shoes (one key feature is suede soles).
How long does it take to learn to dance?
People learn at different rates. Learning time is affected by how often you take lessons, how much
you practice, and how good you want to get! The average person takes a couple of months to be comfortable
dancing a variety of different dances (say foxtrot, swing, rumba, and chacha) in a social setting.
If you want to focus on one dance (salsa, for example), it might only take a few lessons. You can
learn enough to get started from a single group class. Sessions, whether group classes, private lessons, or coachings, are 45 minutes.
Where can I practice?
We have dance parties every Friday night. Admission to regular parties is $10/person or $15/couple
(occasionally we have special events with a higher cost). If you are taking private lessons at Academy
Ballroom, you are welcome to practice at the Studio during normal hours, subject to available space.
You may also reserve floor time for $15 per 45 minute session, whether you are one of our clients or not.
There are also a number of nightclubs in the Knoxville area that have dance floors and that play dance music.
How much do lessons cost?
Group classes are generally $10/person. Private lessons from professionals in the
southeast average $65 per session
(couple or individual). (This is comparable to a
lesson from a golf or tennis pro, a fitness session with a personal trainer, or a facial,
perm, or haircolor with highlights in local salons). Coachings
from visiting champions may be priced slightly higher, either because of demand, or to
cover travel costs. Some instructors may offer
introductory specials or discount packages. The studio may also offer introductory specials
or discount packages from time to time. The studio may also offer private lessons taught on a
voluntary basis by Interns (amateur dancers), the charge for these substantially less, and
is intended to cover studio costs.
Why "dancing with champions"?
We chose our slogan both because we have coaches and instructors who are dance champions, and because we
encourage our students to aspire to championship levels.
|
