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Do I need to have a partner for the group dance lessons?
You don't need a partner for the group classes...we rotate the class so that all the females dance with all the males in the class.
What are the levels offered for the group dance lessons?
We offer multiple levels for our group dance lessons. Every location has, at the minimum, a Beginner Level and an Intermediate Level. Some locations also offer an Advanced Beginner Level and an Advanced Level usually for performers or people interested in performing. Please make sure that you learn all the requirements before attempting the next level. All of the requirements are demonstrated at each class after our warm-up before we split up the levels.
If I bring a partner do I still have to rotate?
We strongly recommend that everyone rotates in the group classes; even if you have a partner. This will enable you to both learn your parts better. While rotating in the group class the females will learn how to become better followers and the males will learn how to become better leaders. Rotating also allows for more personal input from the instructor. When a couple does not rotate it is harder for the instructor to correct them as the instructor can not be sure of who is messing who up. While rotating the instructor can better observe each individual in the group class.
Rotating is not a requirement though. You can choose to stay with your partner but please understand that by so choosing you will then be hindering your learning capabilities and also at the same time be closing yourself to personal input from the instructors. Please advise the instructor in the beginning of the partnering section of our group class that you will not be rotating so that the instructor can then place you in the appropriate spot. Usually non-rotating couples are positioned in the back corners of the class so that they don't interrupt the fluid rotation of the class.
What is the difference between a group class and a private lesson?
The major difference between a group class and a private lesson is: personal attention. In a private lesson you have the undivided attention of your instructor as opposed to having to share with a group. Therefore you will learn five times faster in a private lesson. You would also be able to advance to the next level at your own pace without the other students in the group slowing you down or speeding you up.
There are lots of benefits to a group class though. We don't encourage people to take privates as a substitute for group classes, rather they should be complimentary. In a group class you learn how to adjust your dancing to different people. Adjusting to people's heights and resistance are very important skills learned in a group setting. Since we rotate and switch partners throughout the group class you have the opportunity to dance, meet and socialize with many people. This will definitely help your social dancing abilities. Also, the more people you meet the more potential dance partners you will have for social dancing and practicing.
Even if you are not looking for dance partners or to socialize you will benefit tremendously from a group class. Many people whether single or in a relationship take our group classes & rotate. Even couples dating, engaged and married take our group classes and rotate. Married couples will benefit from improving their leading and following skills as they rotate to different partners.
Bad leading and following habits are a common issue with people that only dance with each other and don't ever dance with other people. The solution is our group classes. When people dance only with one partner for too long they get too comfortable with each others lead and follow, sometimes anticipating and doing the moves on their own without the partnering connection. This happens as a result of comfort, predictability and monotony. When we dance with different people especially strangers or people who we hardly know, our level of awareness is raised. We tend to be more careful not to step or elbow each other and to be clear on the lead and responsive on the follow. These are skills which you would be able to perfect in a group setting as you rotate from partner to partner. You will notice that when you put these new learned skills to work with your partner you will be dancing better already.
How do I know what Level to take?
We demonstrate all of the requirements for each level right before we split the class. If you are not sure if you know the requirements or if you think that you know them but not very well - we always recommend trying the level below first. That way when you move up to the next level you will be confident of your knowledge of the material. This will help you learn the material at the next level rather than struggle with it if you are not ready. Also, the people that you match up with will have an easier time dancing with you if you are in the proper level, if you are in above your head you will be difficult to match up with.
"It is always much better being the best in your class than being the worst in your class". So in other words if you feel you are only missing one small thing for the next level instead of rushing it and trying the level that you are missing something for, take the easier level that will teach you what you are missing even though you might know all of the material at that level except the one thing you are missing.
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