New students are all scheduled for an introductory lesson with an instructor. This practice is recommended for the experienced dancer as well. The instructor will get you acquainted with the studio’s system of teaching. This will also give your instructor the opportunity to evaluate your strong and weak areas, and if you already dance, determine your current level of expertise. This introductory lesson also allows your instructor to personalize your lessons and guide you to the proper course of instruction to help you achieve your dance goals.

Private instruction is one-on-one learning. Whether you are taking your lessons as a single or a couple, your instructor will be there with you for the course of your lessons. Private instruction allows you the freedom to learn at your own pace. Private lessons are tailored by the instructor to suit the learning needs of the student. These are the lessons that will not only teach you dance patterns and steps, but they will provide you with more technique and styling, and develop all the necessary skills for you to become an excellent dancer. Private lessons will generally cover several dances during the lesson time.

Group instruction primarily focuses on your dancing patterns (steps). Group lessons involve multiple people under the direction of one instructor. The classes generally focus on one or two dances and introduce you to various step patterns. Group lessons generally run for a series of weeks, teaching you the patterns appropriate for a certain level of expertise.

Ideally, a combination of both private and group instruction is the best choice. Since group instruction primarily deals with patterns and steps, the private lesson becomes necessary to develop the proper skills of partnership. Singles and Couples are all welcome in group classes. Private instruction alone is great for individuals or couples who have specific needs and time constraints. Private lessons also allow the instructor to personalize your lesson and proceed at a speed comfortable to you.

Because you are new to dancing, the frequency of your initial lessons is key to your success. When you first begin, we recommend a minimum of two lessons per week. This will help you retain your information and make better progress. More frequent lessons also make better financial sense to you. If you only come in sporadically, you will forget what you have already learned, and you will spend more time re-learning than progressing with new steps.

The studio will provide you with the opportunity to practice. Regularly scheduled practice sessions are an important part of your learning. Practice sessions or Practice Parties & Socials give you the chance to dance in a supervised "nightclub" atmosphere. This supervised environment will help you to recognize one dance from another, and help you to dance with multiple partners and maneuver around a crowded dance floor. You don’t need to wait until you think you are good enough to attend a practice session. Going to these sessions right away will help you build your confidence and become better, faster.

It is recommended that you wear clothing that will give you freedom of movement. Many women find loose slacks or a full skirt to be most comfortable. Men find sport shirts or polos and loose slacks the most comfortable. Jeans and sweat clothes are not recommended.

Shoes with a thin, flexible sole are best for men. Women should wear a heel, since that is the normal shoe of choice when dressing up. Walking shoes with thick soles or rubber soles, sneakers or athletic shoes are not recommended for dancing. Although comfortable, this footwear will impede your ability to use your feet properly for dancing, and may even encourage injury. Special footwear designed for dancing in a variety of styles is available to you through the studio dance store. Your dance store also supplies dance music to help you practice at home.

The studio realizes there may be occasions when your scheduled appointment may not be convenient. We can change your appointment to a more appropriate time, however we do ask that you provide the studio with 24 hours notice when rescheduling. This provides your instructor enough time to accommodate another student in your original time slot. The studio does reserve the right to charge those students who cancel their lessons on short notice.